A report shows that Reuters US shoppers spent nearly 3% more online on Thanksgiving Day this year, as consumers kicked off the year's biggest shopping event on a strong note and eased worries of a lackluster holiday season.
Adobe Analytics said Thanksgiving sales hit a new record $5.29 billion, even though inflation worries and holiday deals starting as early as October were expected to lead to a 1% decline.
Shoppers sheltered themselves from the pressures put on their household budgets by higher costs of everything from food to rent and continued to spend big heading into the holidays, lured by steep discounts for everything from toys to electronic gadgets.
The report said that more shoppers are taking to placing orders through their phones, as well as strollers, speakers and outdoor grills flew off the shelves. Mobile shopping was responsible for 55% of online Thanksgiving sales.
Black Friday will bring in $9 billion from online sales, a modest increase of 1% from last year, with shoppers flocking to brick-and- mortar stores after a pause over the last two years.
Over 1 trillion visits to U.S. retail websites are covered by Adobe Analytics' analysis of consumer transactions online.