U.S. traders are hoping that this Friday will be "black." Black Friday is the nickname given to the Friday following the Thanksgiving holiday would. This weekend three days in the United States marks the beginning of the season's shopping season. Last year, 172 million Americans had flocked to the malls during the seventy-two hours after the feast of Thanksgiving. The profession wants them to be as many this year, despite higher unemployment for twenty-six and a credit crunch.
The leading retailer for low prices, Wal-Mart opens a large number of its stores 24 hours of 24 on this occasion. Its rival Target is ready to welcome the hordes of customers at 5 am. Just as Best Buy, the number one electronics distribution. Kmart opened as early as Thursday, Thanksgiving Day.All these giants know that this year more than ever the buyers are looking for money sacrificed. Hence the importance of bringing many people into their stores to offset the lower margins.
Important factor: the weather, with a rather mild weather throughout the year, they will be favorable. But according to surveys, 93% of Americans intend to spend "less" or at most "same" as last year. In addition, 80% say they'd prefer to pay in cash. If consumers keep their resolutions and resist the temptation to use their credit cards, merchants' earnings will be significantly limited.
40% of total annual
Last year, while the financial crisis precipitated a collapse of activity, the mad shopping Thanksgiving had still spent an average of 372.57 dollars per person.Was 7.2% higher than in 2007.
But the season is long. A good weekend of Thanksgiving does not necessarily translate into strong sales until Christmas. We saw him in 2008 for the first time in over a generation, Americans have finally spent less than last year. This decline of 3.4% of purchases had traumatized the profession. From late November to late December, the department stores carry up to 40% of their annual turnover. While their association anticipates a further decline in sales in the 2009 season, but of lesser magnitude. The marketing channels such as Macy's and Nordstrom noted for example the collapse of the morale of Americans from October to November. But they also know that the reputation of Black Friday is overrated. The days of greatest influx of buyers are usually on the weekends before Christmas.The Americans, by calculation or by lack of preparation, expect more and more the last minute to buy gifts.
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