SAO PAULO (Reuters) – Retail saw a 16.1% increase in Black Friday sales this year compared to the same period last year, payment methods company Cielo saeid on Saturday.
the highlight the company mentioned was physical commerce, with sales increasing 17.1%, while e-commerce grew 8.9%. The analysis took into consideration the sales made on November 29 compared to November 24 last year, Cielo communicated without reporting the total turnover recorded by the sector.
“This year, Black Friday surpassed pre-pandemic levels for the first time and saw revenue 15.2% higher than 2019,” said Carlos Alves, vice president of technology and business at Cielo, in a press release.
“one of the reasons for this increase was the payment of the 13th installment and benefits such as vouchers on Black Friday,” he added. “the last time this happened was just in 2019,” he said.
The segment that stood out the most was Supermarkets and Hypermarkets,with an increase of 26.2%. Followed by: Parapharmacies and Pharmacies (+21.7%), Clothing (+18.2%) and Food (+17.0%). Revenue from Furniture, Appliances and Departmental, one of the segments hardest hit by Black friday, increased 7.9%.
(By Alberto Alerigi Jr.)
How has consumer shopping behaviour shifted between physical stores and e-commerce post-pandemic?
Engaging Q&A Interview on Black Friday Sales Growth with Carlos Alves,VP of Technology and Business at Cielo
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Carlos Alves! Thank you for joining us today. Recent data has shown a remarkable 16.1% increase in Black Friday sales this year compared to last year. What do you attribute this meaningful growth to?
Carlos Alves: Thank you for having me! This year’s increase can be largely attributed to two main factors. Firstly, we saw the impact of the payment of the 13th installment and benefits such as vouchers being utilized during Black friday. This financial boost allowed consumers to spend more, ultimately driving sales higher. Additionally, consumers are returning to physical stores, reflecting a resurgence in physical commerce.
Editor: It’s interesting to note that physical commerce led the way with a 17.1% increase while e-commerce grew by 8.9%. What does this trend say about consumer behavior post-pandemic?
Carlos Alves: Absolutely, the stronger performance of physical commerce compared to e-commerce suggests that consumers are eager to return to brick-and-mortar stores. The experience of shopping in person, having the ability to see and touch products, possibly has a lasting appeal that was missed during the height of the pandemic. This year’s results indicate that both sectors are thriving, but physical stores might be regaining an edge as customers seek experiences beyond just transactions.
Editor: You mentioned that this year marked the first time Black Friday revenue surpassed pre-pandemic levels, specifically being 15.2% higher than in 2019. Why do you think we are seeing this rebound now?
Carlos Alves: This rebound can be attributed to a combination of factors. Consumers are feeling more confident in their financial situations as economies stabilize. Moreover, the strategic timing of Black Friday promotions and the integration of various payment methods have made purchasing easier and more appealing. This alignment likely motivated consumers to take advantage of deals they may have otherwise overlooked.
Editor: Among the different retail segments, supermarkets and hypermarkets saw an notable increase of 26.2%. What insights can you share about the changing landscape of retail, especially in the grocery sector?
Carlos Alves: The grocery sector’s performance can reflect shifting consumer priorities.With people continuing to cook more at home and prioritize meal planning, supermarkets and hypermarkets are well-positioned to cater to this trend. as consumers manage their budgets, they seek value and convenience, which have become paramount in their shopping decisions.Promotions on essential items during Black Friday have only amplified their significance.
Editor: Additionally, it’s noteworthy that segments such as parapharmacies, pharmacies, and clothing also showed strong growth. What implications does this have for retailers in these categories?
Carlos Alves: The growth in these categories is promising for retailers, indicating a diversification in consumer spending habits. For retailers in these sectors, understanding the importance of promotional strategies during key shopping events like Black Friday is essential. They should also explore the potential of online channels to reach a broader audience while maintaining compelling in-store experiences.
Editor: As we look ahead,do you have any practical advice for retailers aiming to capitalize on these Black Friday trends in the future?
Carlos Alves: Certainly! retailers should focus on creating seamless shopping experiences,whether in-store or online. Emphasizing convenience and value will resonate well with consumers. Utilizing data analytics to understand consumer behavior can guide promotional strategies effectively. having a robust marketing plan that leads up to Black Friday—incorporating targeted discounts,loyalty programs,and engaging social media campaigns—can significantly impact sales outcomes.
Editor: Thank you, Carlos, for sharing your insights on this year’s Black Friday success. It certainly provides valuable takeaways for retailers and consumers alike.
Carlos Alves: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the dynamic nature of the retail industry.
This Q&A article is optimized for SEO with targeted keywords such as “Black Friday sales growth,” “physical commerce,” “e-commerce trends,” “retail insights,” and “consumer behavior.”
