ICSC Reports 207 Million Shoppers This Thanksgiving Weekend

Insights from ICSC’s 2024 Thanksgiving Weekend Survey

The ICSC’s survey reveals significant insights into consumer behavior during the Thanksgiving weekend. According to the report, about 207 million consumers shopped during the five days from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday. This figure accounts for approximately 79% of all adults in the United States, showing a slight increase from the 75% of shoppers from the previous year. This robust data illustrates a positive trend in consumer engagement during a critical shopping period.

Shopping Trends and Consumer Behavior

As always, shopping patterns provide a window into consumer priorities. Consistent with trends from the previous year, 69% of shoppers reported purchasing gifts for others, with 46% noting expenses on dining and 22% on entertainment activities. Interestingly, 57% of Thanksgiving weekend shoppers indicated they were shopping just as much, or even more, than in prior years—aligning closely with last year’s figures.

The Importance of the Shopping Weekend

Despite changing market dynamics and the dispersal of deals throughout the shopping season, 68% of consumers maintained that the Thanksgiving weekend is just as important for holiday purchases as it has been historically. This sentiment suggests enduring value in this shopping tradition, emphasizing how meaningful this time of year remains for consumers making holiday plans.

Retail Landscape and Store Experiences

Brick-and-mortar stores continue to play a vital role in the shopping journey. The survey revealed that 78% of consumers completed purchases either in-store or opted for online ordering with in-store pickup. Among participants who picked up online orders at physical locations, a remarkable 70% also made additional purchases during their visit. This trend signals the importance of physical stores in enhancing customer experience and driving sales.

Consumer Sentiments on Pricing

Consumer price sensitivity remains a factor, albeit with a slight easing. The survey indicated that 53% of respondents reported cutting back on spending for non-holiday items to allocate more funds for gifts, a decrease of 5 percentage points from the last year. This suggests that while shoppers remain cautious about their spending, they are still eager to engage in holiday purchasing.

Promotional Engagement

In another noteworthy finding, 70% of shoppers took advantage of promotions to purchase items they had previously postponed due to high prices. This indicates a positive response to retailers' marketing strategies and highlights the critical role of attractive offers during key shopping periods. Moreover, 82% of those who bought non-holiday items utilized deals to stock up on essentials, while a lesser 58% bought non-essential items.

The Ongoing Holiday Season

With the holiday season well underway, retailers can expect continued activity from consumers. The survey revealed that 60% of respondents still have numerous purchases left to make, signaling ongoing opportunities for retailers. Among the shopping events, Black Friday retains its dominance, capturing 39% of purchases made during the five-day weekend, followed by Cyber Monday at 19%.

Conclusion

In closing, the ICSC survey reflects a vibrant shopping season fueled by positive consumer sentiment and strategic retailer promotions. Retailers are advised to capitalize on the momentum observed over Thanksgiving weekend to maximize sales opportunities leading into the holidays. As shopping habits evolve, understanding consumer behavior will be paramount in shaping future strategies in the retail space.

About ICSC

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) is a leading membership organization that serves the commercial real estate and retail sectors. ICSC is dedicated to promoting and enhancing the spaces where people shop, dine, and gather, underscoring their importance in driving community and economic development. Through advocacy, marketing, and providing insightful content, ICSC fosters innovation and growth within the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary focus of the ICSC’s 2024 survey?

The survey focused on consumer shopping behavior during the Thanksgiving weekend, highlighting spending trends and shopping statistics.

How many consumers reported shopping over Thanksgiving weekend?

Approximately 207 million consumers participated in shopping activities during the five-day period.

What percentage of consumers reported spending on gifts?

About 69% of shoppers indicated they spent on gifts for others during the holiday weekend.

What role do brick-and-mortar stores play in the shopping journey?

Seventy-eight percent of consumers made purchases at physical stores or used online ordering with in-store pickup, emphasizing the importance of physical retail locations.

What is the outlook for retail as the holiday season progresses?

With 60% of respondents indicating they have more purchases to make, there are significant opportunities for retailers to drive sales through the remainder of the holiday season.

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