Black Friday 2016 Sale Ads
Black Friday 2016 RecapBlack Friday in 2016 was marked by a significant shift in shopping behavior, as more consumers started opting for online shopping over physical retail outlets. A year known for setting several digital sales records, 2016 served as a turning point in the evolution of Black Friday, traditionally observed as a brick-and-mortar shopping frenzy following Thanksgiving Day in the United States.
On November 25, 2016, shoppers turned to their digital devices in unprecedented numbers, signaling a change in how Black Friday was being celebrated. According to Adobe Digital Insights, online sales on this day reached a whopping $3.34 billion, a 21.6% increase from the previous year. For the first time in history, more than a billion dollars in sales came from mobile devices alone.
Interestingly, the deals started much earlier in the week leading up to Black Friday, with retailers seeking to capitalize on the holiday spending mood. This 'Black Friday week' approach helped to dilute the frenzied, one-day shopping experience, offering consumers more flexibility in their purchasing decisions.
Despite the rise in online shopping, many still participated in the traditional in-store experience. Retailers continued to offer doorbuster deals to lure shoppers into stores, resulting in bustling scenes at various shopping centers. However, the move toward online shopping was undeniable, and it raised questions about the future of physical retail outlets during the Black Friday sales.
Moreover, many retail employees and consumers started questioning the ethics of Black Friday in 2016, citing the toll it takes on workers and the encouragement of overconsumption. This led to several campaigns like REI's #OptOutside initiative, where they closed all their stores on Black Friday, encouraging people to enjoy the outdoors instead.
In summary, Black Friday in 2016 marked a significant transition towards a more digital-focused shopping experience. While the traditional retail rush remained an integral part of the day, changing consumer behavior indicated a shifting landscape for Black Fridays to come.
