Story perspectives

Thanksgiving Online Sales Surge Amid Boycott Movement

11/29/2025

Center

Thanksgiving Sales Surge

In 2025, Thanksgiving Day online sales reached $6.4 billion, a 5% increase from 2024.
In 2025, despite fewer in-store crowds, nearly 187 million people are expected to shop between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Concern over misleading discounts and environmental impacts fuels a growing boycott movement against retailers.
Retailers are advised to emphasize ethical practices and customer loyalty as consumer spending remains two-thirds of U.S. economic activity.

Right

Shoppers Prepare Early

Shoppers are researching holidays earlier, with 92% tracking deals before the season.
Gift cards are the top planned purchase, reflecting a shift toward flexible gifting amid economic uncertainty.
Cyber Monday is expected to surpass Black Friday in sales, with revenues projected to exceed $13 billion.
Mobile purchases accounted for 55% of online sales last year, underscoring the need for retailers to optimize websites for mobile users.

History

Historical Context

The rise of online shopping during Thanksgiving has roots in the early 2000s, with significant growth noted since 2009 when major retailers began offering Black Friday sales online. In 2020, U.S. online sales reached $5.1 billion, a 22% increase from 2019, reflecting changing consumer habits accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift emphasizes the need for retailers to adapt to digital platforms to maintain consumer loyalty.

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Thanksgiving Sales Surge

In 2025, Thanksgiving Day online sales reached $6.4 billion, a 5% increase from 2024.
In 2025, despite fewer in-store crowds, nearly 187 million people are expected to shop between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Concern over misleading discounts and environmental impacts fuels a growing boycott movement against retailers.
Retailers are advised to emphasize ethical practices and customer loyalty as consumer spending remains two-thirds of U.S. economic activity.

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