Bargain Hunting Amid Tariffs: Shoppers Navigate Black Friday Deals

As the holiday season begins, shoppers flock to stores to snap up Black Friday deals amid the looming threat of price hikes due to upcoming tariffs. Bargain hunter Teagan Hickson picked up a digital air fryer at Walmart, knowing her budget and the threat of higher costs next year.

Retailers across the country, from Walmart to Target, rolled out discounts on popular items like televisions and toys, while consumers wary of price hikes compared prices online before making a purchase. Despite a decline in brick-and-mortar shopping, e-commerce saw a significant increase, with online sales expected to reach $10.8 billion.

Retailers are under pressure as inflation-weary shoppers snap up spontaneous bargains during a shortened holiday shopping window this year. Experts point out that consumer behavior is changing as fewer days are available to shop, leading to an unexpected increase in retail growth despite financial constraints.

(With contributions from agencies.)