West Virginia Consumers Flock to Black Friday Deals, Embracing Early Holiday Shopping
The West Virginia Retailers Association reports that West Virginia consumers are taking full advantage of the early Black Friday deals, as the mild fall weather prompts them to purchase items other than winter coats.
According to President Bridget Lambert, shoppers are holding off on buying winter apparel due to the relatively warm temperatures. However, she anticipates that as the temperature drops, people will start stocking up on winter clothing. Despite this, retailers in the state are on track for a successful weekend of Black Friday shopping, with more shoppers heading out to stores.
A recent survey by the National Retail Federation reveals that approximately 183 million people across the country plan to shop both in stores and online from Thursday to Monday. This represents the highest estimate since the NRF began tracking the data in 2017.
Lambert highlights the return of in-store shopping this year, with 74 percent of shoppers planning to visit physical stores compared to 59 percent before the pandemic. She attributes this trend to the convenience and early deals offered by retailers, as well as shoppers’ desire to spread their budgets out.
Interestingly, 59 percent of consumers have already started purchasing items for the holiday season. Lambert attributes this to retailers offering deals much earlier than usual, with some promotions beginning as early as October. Over 40 percent of these early shoppers took advantage of the initial bargains, demonstrating their savviness and readiness for the holiday season.
Despite ongoing supply chain challenges, store owners are making efforts to ensure solid inventory and provide attractive deals through Cyber Monday. While major electronics might see a slight shift from the beginning of the holiday weekend to Cyber Monday, toys remain a popular choice for kids.
To aid West Virginia shoppers, Lambert encourages planning ahead, creating lists, setting budgets, shopping early, and approaching purchases with intention. The West Virginia Retailers Association is dedicated to supporting consumers throughout the holiday season.
As the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear, consumers in West Virginia are making the most of Black Friday deals and embracing early holiday shopping. With the mild fall weather causing a delay in winter apparel purchases, shoppers are now seizing the opportunity to score great bargains on other items. The West Virginia Retailers Association projects a successful weekend for retailers as more people head out to stores. According to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, this is the highest estimate of participation in Black Friday shopping since 2017. Despite the challenges posed by supply chain issues, store owners are determined to offer solid inventory and appealing deals through Cyber Monday. With shoppers showing their savviness by taking advantage of early promotions, retailers are meeting consumer demands and catering to their desire to budget and spread out their purchases. Toys continue to be a popular choice among consumers, particularly for kids. To ensure a smooth and stress-free holiday shopping experience, the association advises West Virginia shoppers to plan ahead, create lists, set budgets, shop early, and approach their purchases with intention. With the holiday season in full swing, West Virginia residents are embracing the spirit of Black Friday and making the most of the deals available.
