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Lingering fears about Covid-19 and less generous discounts have reduced the crowds on ‘Black Friday’, the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, which marks the start of the year-end shopping season.
In the United States, bargain hunters who ventured to buy Christmas gifts on ‘Black Friday’ or ‘Black Friday’, found the stores less crowded than usual, but more than a year ago, in full pandemic.
The consequences of the pandemic continue to weigh on the minds of companies and buyers: early offers, the fear of contagion from Covid-19, the supply crisis, high inflation and the rebound in online purchases have generated this Friday November 26 a less festive atmosphere.
A shortage of containers and truckers has delayed deliveries, while inflation continues to wreak havoc on pockets. Shoppers are expected to pay an average of 5% to 17% more for toys, clothing, appliances, televisions and other purchases this year compared to the previous year, according to consultancy Allianz Research.
American consumers come into the holiday season with great purchasing power thanks to multiple rounds of pandemic relief from the government and double-digit wage increases as companies compete for workers.
Official data showed that US consumer spending grew 1.3 points more than expected in October. Although items such as cars raised the figure, the data also showed increases in services such as travel.
But it is not a phenomenon only of the United States. Around the world, ‘Black Friday’ is also celebrated, this year with a message of economic reactivation, after a difficult 2020.
With Reuters, EFE and AP
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