Black Friday Shoppers Brave Snow for Record $1 Trillion Deals

UPDATE: Black Friday shoppers across upstate New York are undeterred by snowy conditions as they rush to score deals, with retail experts predicting a record-breaking holiday spending season. Shoppers lined up as early as 4 a.m. to snag promotions, with families like Tina Douglas’ from Richfield Springs arriving to be among the first in line at Kohl’s.

“We left home at exactly 4 a.m. to be in line for their first 100 people giveaway,” Douglas shared. The family was thrilled to be numbers 15 through 19 in line, already filling their vehicle with purchases. “We have already filled my Jeep and had to transfer stuff to another vehicle,” she added.

As retail expert Shelley E. Kohan from Syracuse University predicts, U.S. consumers are expected to spend over $1 trillion during the November-December holiday season, marking an unprecedented surge in spending. “We’re going to have an increase in sales, somewhere around 3%, but keep in mind that much of this is due to inflationary pricing,” Kohan explained.

Shoppers are increasingly seeking value this year, with many exploring options such as buy now, pay later, and leveraging cashback apps. Kohan noted a significant rise in the use of AI tools like ChatGPT to assist in shopping decisions, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior.

“If they see something that is promotionally priced, they should get it because there may be stockouts later in the season,” Kohan cautioned. She pointed out that retailers have limited their stock-keeping units (SKUs), meaning shoppers could face shortages as the season progresses.

At Sangertown Square Mall in New Hartford, shoppers echoed the sentiment of tradition and determination. Mary Hawks, a local resident, stated, “It’s something we’ve done every Black Friday since the beginning. It’s just nice to continue it on with the younger generation.”

Despite the snowy weather, Hawks encouraged others to visit the mall for its charm. “If you get a chance to come to this mall, do it because it’s worth it. It’s worth the decorations and the feeling that you get when you’re here,” she said.

Douglas also reminded shoppers to support local businesses by participating in Small Business Saturday following Black Friday. Her family operates a farm shop in Richfield Springs, emphasizing the importance of community support.

With strong interest in electronics, toys, apparel, and pet items, this holiday season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet. Retailers are bracing for a busy shopping period, but experts advise consumers to act quickly on attractive deals to avoid disappointment.

As shoppers continue to brave the elements for the best bargains, the message is clear: Black Friday remains a cherished tradition that brings families together, even amid challenging weather conditions. Stay tuned for more updates as the shopping season unfolds.