How Inflation is Impacting This Year’s Black Friday and What Amazon Sellers Can Expect

One of the accounts I’m managing has high expectations for this year’s Black Friday to be the biggest sales event yet. This optimism is completely understandable given the season’s reputation as a peak shopping period. However, as I write this, sales have yet to gain momentum, and I’m uncertain if they will pick up over the weekend.

This has led me to reflect on broader factors potentially affecting Black Friday’s performance. Global challenges such as economic instability and inflation seem to be playing a significant role. With rising costs across essential goods and services, consumers are becoming more cautious with discretionary spending. Many are prioritizing basic needs over splurging on deals, even during traditionally high-traffic shopping events like Black Friday.

Additionally, there’s the growing impact of “deal fatigue“. With promotions starting earlier every year and extending through Cyber Monday and beyond, the urgency traditionally associated with Black Friday may be diminishing. Shoppers now spread their purchases over weeks instead of concentrating them on one day.

These trends underscore the need for sellers to adjust their strategies to meet changing consumer behaviors. Instead of relying solely on aggressive discounts, focusing on value-driven messaging, differentiated offerings, and ensuring visibility through optimized listings and strategic advertising can help attract cautious buyers.

While the outcome for this Black Friday remains uncertain, it serves as a reminder of the evolving retail landscape. Sellers must remain flexible and prepared to navigate external challenges that influence consumer behavior.

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