The Black Friday shopping season is one of the most anticipated shopping carnivals of the year for global consumers, and it is also a key moment for overseas brands to boost their performance. In the face of fierce market competition, how to accurately grasp trends and formulate effective marketing strategies has become the key for overseas brands to win during Black Friday.

Below, TuKe provides comprehensive references for overseas brands around the trends, best-selling categories, and marketing strategies of the Black Friday shopping season.

Market Trends of the Black Friday Shopping Season

1. Shopping scale continues to grow

According to data from Adobe Analytics, Black Friday sales reached $9.8 billion in 2023, setting a new record. In 2024, this number is expected to further increase to $10.8 billion.

2. Online shopping dominates

Reports show that 48% of consumers search for discount information via social media during Black Friday.

Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have become important channels influencing shopping decisions, especially among younger consumers. They tend to trust product recommendations from KOLs. According to TIDIO data, nearly half of shoppers use these platforms to look for the best Black Friday deals.

3. Changes in consumer characteristics

· Price sensitivity: Under economic pressure, consumers are more inclined to choose products with bigger discounts.

· Self-gifting consumption: Gen Z and Millennials especially prefer shopping experiences that offer instant gratification.

· Sustainability demand: Eco-friendly and affordable products are more favored by consumers, with rising demand for second-hand and green products.

4. Diverse shopping time distribution

Consumers' shopping times are more dispersed, with different peak periods from Thanksgiving evening to Black Friday early morning and the weekend.

Analysis of Best-Selling Categories

1. Electronics and smart home devices

· Best-sellers: Smartwatches, TVs, headphones, tablets, etc. remain the main consumer force.

· Market potential: With the trend of home automation, demand for smart speakers, smart bulbs, and smart thermostats is surging.

2. Home appliances and kitchen equipment

· Best-sellers: High cost-performance home appliances such as air fryers and blenders are very popular.

· Market potential: Power tools and home care products continue to heat up, catering to consumers' pursuit of quality home life.

3. Apparel and outdoor sports equipment

· Best-sellers: There is strong demand for warm clothing such as down jackets and boots.

· Market potential: Skiing, camping equipment, and personalized design apparel attract outdoor sports enthusiasts.

4. Health and personal care

· Best-sellers: Health supplements, beauty tools such as epilators and shavers have become highlights of growth.

· Market potential: Consumers are paying more attention to personal image, and related product sales are expected to rise.

Black Friday Marketing Strategies for Overseas Brands

1. Guide consumption in advance

· Multi-channel promotion: Create buzz on social media through KOL cooperation and targeted advertising to attract consumer attention.

· Guide to add to cart: Launch a wish list function so consumers can select products in advance and receive price drop notifications.

· Early promotions: Stimulate consumers' desire to place orders in advance through "member-exclusive discounts" or "early bird pricing" activities.

2. Optimize cross-device shopping experience

· Seamless shopping experience: Ensure consumers have a consistent shopping experience on mobile, website, and app.

· Mobile optimization: Improve page loading speed, simplify navigation design, and optimize the payment process to reduce bounce rates.

3. Use AI to achieve personalized shopping

· Generative AI services: Provide intelligent services throughout the process from product selection to order processing to improve customer satisfaction.

· Personalized recommendations: Push customized coupons or recommended products based on user preferences and history to increase purchase likelihood.

Key Points for Brands to Note During Black Friday

1. Closely monitor market trends

Black Friday is a barometer of the global market. Overseas brands need to adjust categories and inventory strategies according to local consumption trends. For example, in the European and American markets, smart home devices and kitchen appliances are must-have best-sellers, while in Southeast Asia, affordable personal care products and small appliances are more popular.

2. Strengthen logistics and supply chain management

Ensuring timely delivery of orders is crucial, especially during shopping peaks. Cooperate with local logistics companies to optimize delivery efficiency and enhance the overall shopping experience for consumers.

3. Focus on consumer values

Promote eco-friendly and sustainable brand concepts to build emotional connections with consumers. For example, launch second-hand recycling programs or use eco-friendly packaging to demonstrate brand social responsibility.

4. Develop localized strategies for different markets

Adjust discount strength, promotional content, and main products for different markets. For example, in the North American market, highlight discounts on household goods and electronics, while in the European market, focus on eco-friendly and sustainable concepts.

Summary: The Key to Winning the Black Friday Shopping Season

The Black Friday shopping season in 2024 will be even more competitive, but the opportunities are also unprecedented. Overseas brands need to keep up with trends, accurately target demand, adjust best-selling categories, and seize market opportunities. By providing a seamless experience across multiple channels and devices and enhancing personalized services with AI technology, it will be easier to attract consumers.

Black Friday is not only a key moment for brands to sprint towards annual goals, but also an excellent opportunity to build momentum for the Christmas and New Year shopping seasons. Master this guide, flexibly formulate strategies, and help your brand stand out in the global shopping carnival!