Black Friday 2025: Winners and Losers in Retail

Black Friday in 2025 brought mixed results for retailers, with some winners and some losers emerging from the shopping event. Online discounts remained steady year over year, while exclusive giveaways attracted customers to physical stores. Despite challenges like reduced consumer sentiment and inflation, the shopping landscape has shifted, making Black Friday a multiday savings event. E-commerce sales saw growth, but comparisons were complicated by the unique retail environment of the election year in 2024. Winners included retailers utilizing artificial intelligence tools and those offering exclusive in-store perks. Losers faced challenges with online order volumes and flat discount rates. The ‘buy now, pay later’ trend saw increased usage, hinting at post-holiday financial concerns for consumers. Overall, the retail industry navigated a changing landscape during Black Friday 2025, highlighting the importance of differentiation and consumer engagement strategies.