Black Friday shopping to hit 8-year high in 2014

Black Friday shopping is expected to hit an eight-year high in 2014. Photo by Darren Hauck/Getty Images
We know, we know, you haven’t even bought your turkey yet, but shoppers are already sharpening their elbows, making their lists and getting ready to get their savings on during this year’s Black Friday sales.
According to a recent report from Accenture, a management consultancy firm, American shoppers plan to spend more on holiday shopping this year and the Black Friday frenzy is expected to reach an eight-year high.
Some notable findings from the survey:
- One in four consumers plan to spend more on gifts this year.
- Average amount to be spent on gifts: $718
- 96% say discounts will be important to their buying decisions
- 45% say they’re likely to shop on Thanksgiving
- 66% say they expect to shop the stores on Black Friday
- 37% plan to shop the weekend of Black Friday online via computer, phone or tablet
- 51 percent plan to spend at least half their holiday total online
Don’t want to wait until Nov. 28 to start your Black Friday shopping? Several retailers are already getting a jump on the action. Amazon is already touting Black Friday deals, while Macy’s, Best Buy, Walmart and Kohl’s have announced they’ll open at 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day (Toys ‘R’ Us and JC Penney are set to open at 5 p.m.).
What’s your Black Friday plan of attack?