U.S. Cyber Weekend E-commerce Sales Surge by 9% - Report

E-commerce sales during Cyber Weekend in the United States saw a significant increase of 9% this year. This rate surpassed the 6% growth observed in 2023. Data shared from Salesforce indicates that online shopping continues to expand during this period, which is one of the busiest retail times of the year.

Despite the rise in sales, the average discount rate offered by retailers decreased by 2% compared to the previous year, dropping to 28%. This decline in discount rates suggests a shift in promotional strategies during a critical time for US retailers' revenues. The holiday season, which includes Cyber Weekend, accounts for approximately 20% of annual sales for US retailers.

The importance of Cyber Weekend stems from the inclusion of two key shopping days: Saturday and Sunday following Black Friday, leading up to Cyber Monday. These days are particularly significant for online retailers looking to maximize their sales.

Caila Schwartz, Director of Consumer Insights at Salesforce, commented on observed shopping behaviors during this period. Schwartz noted that although consumers had high expectations and careful planning for Cyber Weekend, the discounts offered did not fully meet these expectations.

Nevertheless, Schwartz emphasized that shoppers remain active and willing to purchase, stating, "Despite this, shoppers have made considerable purchases thus far, demonstrating their resilience and desire to take advantage of seasonal opportunities."

Data from Salesforce and Schwartz's comments highlight the complex dynamics of consumer behavior and retail strategy during one of the most important sales periods in the US. The increase in e-commerce sales suggests that consumers show strong participation despite the slight decrease in discount rates.