When people think of Black Friday, they often picture discounted electronics, fashion steals, and large-ticket items flying off the shelves. But what about the everyday products that significantly spike during this retail frenzy? By examining the last three years of Black Friday sales data, we uncovered some surprising trends showing what shoppers add to their carts. From energy drinks to dog food, here’s a look at the top unexpected products driving sales on Black Friday.

Energy Drinks: Fuel for the Day

On Black Friday, energy drink sales at independent retailers double compared to a typical Friday. This makes sense when you consider the hectic pace of the day:

• Shoppers: Many customers are up early, navigating crowded stores and hunting for deals. A quick boost of energy keeps them going.
• Retail Workers: Employees working long shifts also rely on these beverages to stay energized and focused during one of the year’s busiest shopping days.

For energy drink brands, Black Friday offers a prime opportunity to position their products as essential fuel for both sides of the counter. Targeted in-store promotions or bundling deals could amplify these already impressive sales figures.

Alcoholic Beverages: Celebrating the Long Weekend

Black Friday is not just about shopping; it’s also a continuation of Thanksgiving celebrations for many families. Alcoholic beverage sales increased by 20%+ compared to a typical Friday. Top brands driving these sales include:

• Budweiser and Corona: Popular choices for casual gatherings.
• Patrón: A go-to for tequila enthusiasts celebrating the holiday season.
• Jack Daniel’s: A classic option for whiskey lovers.

The long weekend provides the perfect backdrop for gatherings with friends and family, where drinks flow as freely as the holiday cheer. Retailers can capitalize on this trend by promoting multipacks, gift sets, and discounts on popular liquor brands.

Dog Food: Stocking Up for Furry Friends

One of the most surprising insights is the 30% increase in dog food sales on Black Friday compared to an average Friday during this time of year. Why the spike?

• Practical Shoppers: Pet owners likely take advantage of Black Friday discounts to stock up on essentials for their four-legged family members.
• Holiday Preparation: With the busy holiday season ahead, shoppers may plan for convenience by buying in bulk.

Pet food brands and retailers can tap into this trend by offering bundled deals, loyalty discounts, or free samples to pet owners during Black Friday.

What This Data Tells Us

These trends highlight that Black Friday isn’t just about flashy big-ticket items. Everyday essentials like energy drinks, alcohol, and pet food also see significant sales spikes, driven by practicality and the unique demands of the holiday weekend.

For brands and retailers, understanding these purchasing behaviors presents a chance to create targeted marketing strategies and promotions that cater to specific shopper needs. Whether positioning energy drinks at checkout counters or bundling pet food with seasonal accessories, there’s plenty of room to capture consumer attention during this retail frenzy.

Conclusion

Black Friday is a multifaceted shopping event that extends beyond the electronics aisle. It’s a day when shoppers seek convenience, celebration, and even a little extra energy to power through the holiday season. By paying attention to these surprising trends, brands and retailers can better meet consumer needs and make the most of this lucrative day.

For more insights into real-time consumer trends and retail sales data, contact us at Evidnt. Let’s help your brand thrive in the ever-changing retail landscape.