I’ve heard the fake statistic too many times today already not to post this…
The day after Thanksgiving is NOT the biggest shopping day of the year.
You hear this alot from people you know…as well as lazy news outlets who don’t check sources because the day after Thanksgiving seems busy with everyone clamoring at 5am for the next Baby-Wets-Sock-Em-Tickle-Me toy. But it’s just not true. While everyone may be out, they aren’t buying.
As far as retail sales go, the 2 weekends before Christmas show the largest sales figures and the highest sales day is usually either the last Saturday before Christmas or December 23.
Don’t believe me? Believe Google. Search http://news.google.com/news/search?q=%22biggest+shopping+day+of+the+year%22
or here’s a screenshot if you’re not searching on Friday http://twitpic.com/r6s85
Thanks, I’m sure we will hear it even more.
Also to add to that… Wikipedia basically states the same:
While it has been one of the busiest days in terms of customer traffic, in terms of actual sales volume, from 1993 through 2001 Black Friday was usually the fifth to tenth busiest day. In 2002 and 2004, however, Black Friday ranked second place, and in 2003 and 2005, Black Friday actually did reach first place.
Remembering previous conversations, I have actually been listening to reports about Black Friday, and I have not heard the phrase “biggest shopping day of the year” when reporting on Black Friday.
Just sayin’
Next up: Cyber Monday! I project this will not get near the play as it has in the past.
I have also noticed that the prevelance is not as much as it was when I first wrote this post back in 2005, but it’s still being reported.
In Google We Trust — Search http://news.google.com/news/search?q=%22biggest+shopping+day+of+the+year%22
or here’s a screenshot if you’re not searching on Friday http://twitpic.com/r6s85
I agree the shine has worn off of Cyber Monday — perhaps Twitter Tuesday?
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