Black Friday 2024: A Strong Start for Specialty Retailers

What a start to the Black Friday 2024! Specialty Retailers were ready early, and the results are already promising, with some impressive numbers coming from the StoreForce community.

Key Takeaways from Day 1:

1. Increase in Traffic:
   Shoppers are on the hunt for Black Friday 2024 deals. Traffic saw a 1.3% increase compared to last year, signaling that customers are ready to jump back into holiday shopping. While fewer shoppers may be taking time off work for early shopping, we anticipate a surge as more people take advantage of the weekend’s savings.
2. Strong Sales Growth:
   Retailers are driving their sales with a notable 9% increase in comps. This is a fantastic indicator that the momentum is building! It’s clear that customers are finding the discounts they want, and retailers are reaping the benefits.

(For those unfamiliar with Retail terminology, “comp sales” refers to “comparable store sales,” which measures the performance of stores that have been open for a year or more. It’s a key metric that helps track growth by comparing sales in the same stores over time, excluding new openings or closures.)

What This Means for Retailers:

Brick-and-mortar stores should remain optimistic. While the frenzy of past Black Fridays may have shifted due to the rise of e-commerce, the appetite for deals is still alive and well. The absence of chaotic lines doesn’t mean a lack of interest—it’s simply a reflection of how shopping habits have evolved.

As we move deeper into the weekend, staying agile is key. Retailers should continue to equip associates and managers with the right data to make real-time decisions.

Retailers in the StoreForce community are already doing this—and seeing results because of it.

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Stay Motivated

Black Friday weekend is far from over, and the energy is just ramping up. Stay focused, stay flexible, and keep the momentum going. The hard work of planning and preparation is paying off. With the right strategies, this holiday season has the potential to exceed expectations.

Keep driving results, creating memorable customer experiences, and making this Black Friday a success. You’ve got this. Let’s rock and roll!

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