Early Thanksgiving Online Sales Surge: A Record-Breaking Start to the Holiday Season

Online shopping during Thanksgiving in 2024 has reached new heights, setting the stage for a strong holiday season. According to Adobe Analytics, U.S. consumers spent $5.6 billion online on Thanksgiving Day, marking a 5.5% increase year-over-year. Globally, online sales during the Thanksgiving period totaled $31.7 billion, demonstrating robust consumer participation despite economic pressures.

Key Trends Driving Sales

Mobile devices accounted for 59% of Thanksgiving Day online sales in the U.S., with spending reaching $3.3 billion, a 14% rise compared to last year. Toys and electronics were among the hottest items, benefiting from discounts up to 35% and 30%, respectively. Gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, along with top games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, saw strong demands. Retailers offered unprecedented deals across categories, including apparel (25% off), sporting goods (24%), and home goods (19%), fueling consumer interest.

Broader Holiday Outlook

This surge in Thanksgiving sales mirrors trends across the holiday season. Between November 1-20, online spending totaled $63.2 billion, a 5% year-over-year increase. Analysts project Cyber Monday sales to exceed $12 billion, solidifying its place as the biggest shopping day of the season. Flexible payment options like "Buy Now, Pay Later" and the growing reliance on mobile wallets have made holiday shopping more accessible and efficient for consumers.

With strong early numbers and record-breaking discounts, the holiday season is shaping up to be a lucrative one for retailers, indicating resilience in the e-commerce landscape despite economic uncertainties.