The not so crazy holiday shopping weekend of 2014

BY ALEXANDRA KEZEK

According to the National Retail Federation the result of online shopping, the improving results of the economy, and the early holiday promotions from major department stores changed the outcome of the biggest shopping weekend of the year. Approximately 55.1 percent of shoppers participated in the weekend rush, which is down from last year. Last year, there was 58.7 percent of shoppers (nrf.com).

Over the weekend, about 42 percent of holiday shoppers were online shopping. Most were online on Black Friday as opposed to being in an actual store, and as the weekend drew to an end the outcome of online shopping decreased as it approached the newly minted “Cyber Monday.”

These days consumers have come expect great promotions online because retailers offer usually the best deals during the holiday season online, and the consumer gets his or her shopping done the comfort of their smart phones, computers, or tablets, instead of rushing to the department store. Experts have deemed consumers as exercising caution this year, decreasing the average spending during the weekend.

The evolution of the holiday shopping weekend has changed dramatically, whereas a few years ago, consumers only focused their attention on Black Friday and Cyber Monday as two independent shopping days. Now, the trend is showing that it is now a full weekend of holiday shopping with great deals being offered.

The results of 2014’s holiday weekend showed how consumers are now guaranteed different shopping options over a longer period of time. The mad rush is now not only focused on specifically Black Friday because promotions were presented to consumers early, therefore they did not have to wait for one day of great promotions, consumers can compare prices and find other great deals during the entire season.

This year, tech purchases increased and are expected to be the most wanted gifts for the 2014 holiday season (tablets, Xbox, smart phones, etc). Clothing came second and toys came to third for most wanted gifts.

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