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Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

This Year’s Black Friday Paradox

Shoppers feel worse than ever but are still spending — selectively. This holiday season turns on a widening wealth divide and a rising insistence on quality at a fair price.
Average spending is projected to dip by 4 percent from last year.
Average spending is projected to dip by 4 percent from last year. (Getty Images)

Black Friday has arrived this year with consumers in a funk: Sentiment

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Further Reading

Is This the Year Discount Mania Finally Ends? | The Debrief

Consumer sentiment is slumping, but spending hasn’t collapsed – it’s bifurcated. Brands are leaning into desirability, newness and sharp pricing over blanket promos, while luxury department stores chase high-spending customers amid a shake-up. BoF reporters Cat Chen and Malique Morris break down what’s working – and what isn’t.

About the author
Cathaleen Chen
Cathaleen Chen

Cathaleen Chen is Retail Editor at The Business of Fashion. She is based in New York and drives BoF’s coverage of the retail and direct-to-consumer sectors.

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