Black Friday Goes Boom: Record-Breaking Shopping Frenzy
Remember that Friday when everyone rushed for those irresistible deals? This year it turned into the highest‑scoring shopping spree on record—almost a full‑back‑court rebound when Nationwide counted 9.92 million purchases. That’s roughly 114 transactions every single second, like a living, breathing currency ticker.
Nationwide’s Tally: How Many Times Did You Shop?
- 9.92 million purchases on Black Friday alone.
- 114 sales per second—an impulse‑buy marathon!
- By 5 pm, the clock boasted 6.66 million transactions—11 % more than any normal Friday and 3 % bump from last year.
- More than two‑thirds of that surge is likely holiday gifts or a sweet, sweet “just‑for‑me” treat.
- But don’t worry—refunds are on the docket, just a few weeks after that impulsive spree.
Barclays Says “Hold On, Your Wallet’s Watching”
- In the week leading up to Wednesday, half of all UK credit and debit card transactions spiked by 1.4 % compared to last year.
- Pay‑master Marc Pettican notes that shoppers are spreading out their spending—Black Friday sales are no longer a one‑day rush but a marathon.
- Even with the cost‑of‑living bell toll ringing, savvy shoppers are still hunting for those golden deals.
Impulse vs. Regret: The Tug‑of‑War
Every human loves a good bargain, but Friday night is also a playground for regrets. While many shoppers will walk away grinning in their new gear, others may clutch at their receipts, hoping to see a refund pop up in their accounts after that thrilling split‑second purchase.
Tax Tricks: Make Your Money Stick
- Keep receipts—it’s the only way to snag those tax deductions.
- Consider the “Christmas‑shopping tax advantage”—maintain your records and watch those deductions pile up.
- Talk to a financial pro; they’ll turn those impulse buys into money‑saving assets.
All in all, this Black Friday was a rollercoaster of dollars: the kind that leaves your bank balance humming and your vacation plans on hold. Stay tuned for next year—who knows if we’ll hit the record again or if the impulse will finally think twice this time!
