Exploring Shopping Trends Around Black Friday 2023 and Beyond

The Evolution of Black Friday Shopping Trends

As the prices of everyday goods continue to rise, consumers have become increasingly mindful of their spending habits. With this year's Black Friday approaching, it's clear that shopping behaviors are evolving and adapting to these economic challenges. Initially popularized in the United States, Black Friday has gained traction in Japan over recent years, transitioning from a solely online event to physical retail stores providing flyers and promotions. In this article, we reflect on consumer behavior during last year’s Black Friday and explore upcoming shopping opportunities following this significant sales event.

Black Friday and Its Culinary Influences

Black Friday, originally an American retail phenomenon, has now influenced Japanese culture, leading to the introduction of themed food products that feature 'black' ingredients or fried items. This year, we examine the presence of these items during the Black Friday dining experience.

Trends in Black Foods and Fried Cuisine

Recent analysis (2019-2024) indicates a trend toward increased recognition and awareness of Black Friday among consumers. We observe a consistent appearance of 'black ingredients' on dining tables and a marked increase in fried food options. Data shows that fried dishes have increased by approximately 1.5 times compared to pre-COVID levels in 2019. As Black Friday continues to gain popularity, the strategic use of these themes in meal promotions may yield positive results.

Both black foods and fried dishes are noted to resonate strongly with consumers during this shopping period, reflecting broader trends in culinary preferences.

The Rise of Online Grocery Shopping

With the increase in Black Friday awareness, we see a noticeable shift in the venues where consumers are making their grocery purchases. Analysis comparing the week of Black Friday in November 2024 to other periods indicates that online supermarkets and e-commerce platforms have risen to account for 5.4% of total grocery sales during this week. This suggests that consumers are increasingly taking advantage of Black Friday promotions within the online grocery sector. We delve into the types of foods that are gaining traction during these online purchasing sprees.

Unusual Food Categories

Among the top ten food categories bought online during the Black Friday week are beverages like tea and mineral water. Such items are popular largely due to their heavier weight, making them less convenient for physical shopping. We also see a steady demand for frozen vegetables and fresh noodles, with frozen vegetables becoming a staple choice for their price stability compared to fresh produce and their time-saving benefits.

Growing Demand for Frozen Vegetables

Recent data demonstrate a significant increase in the presence of frozen vegetables on dining tables, likely driven by rising prices of fresh produce amid climate challenges and evolving consumer attitudes. Consumers are expressing greater reluctance toward lengthy cooking procedures, further boosting the demand for convenient options like frozen vegetables.

Moreover, between 2019 and 2024, the share of frozen vegetables in sizes ranging from 500g to under 1kg has doubled from 11.4% to 24.5%. Notably, these larger packages are experiencing increased popularity as they cater to busy households looking for efficiency.

Lifecycle Analysis of Food Products

Employing inventory lifecycle analysis, we can track consumer usage patterns for products purchased during Black Friday. By examining when shoppers typically consume their frozen vegetables, particularly those in the 500g to 1kg range, we can gauge optimal times for future purchasing opportunities.

Data reveals that nearly half of these frozen vegetable products are utilized within 35 days post-purchase, indicating that they are often depleted by the time Christmas arrives. This timing offers a crucial opportunity for brands to re-engage with customers, recommending bulk purchases of frozen vegetables prior to the year-end celebrations to replenish home inventories.

By understanding the purchasing and consumption lifecycle, brands can optimize their marketing strategies to maintain consistent engagement with consumers.

In conclusion, analyzing food purchasing patterns and the evolving preferences surrounding Black Friday provides valuable insights for brands aiming to enhance customer retention and fuel steady consumption. For those interested in further exploring purchasing trends in other categories, feel free to reach out through our contact form.