This year, it's expected that there will be fewer shoppers out and about on the day after Thanksgiving — a sign that Black Friday as an event is dwindling.
More people are making purchases online, and sales are lasting longer, reducing the amount of time spent seeking deals on particular days of the holiday shopping season. The annual Accenture Holiday Shopping Survey reveals 52 percent of people said they won't shop this year on Black Friday, and 42 percent are less likely to shop on Cyber Monday than in years past.
Ninety-nine million consumers shopped in stores on Thanksgiving weekend in 2016 — 3 million fewer than the previous year.
Most people cited the desire to avoid crowds as the main reason for not shopping in stores the day after Thanksgiving, and that they shop for deals throughout the year instead.
Holiday shopping will be done online, from home, many said.
Other key findings in the holiday survey include:
• There is an indication that holiday spending will increase, though there was a drop in the number of respondents who said they will spend this year
• Gas prices are a factor in consumers spending less
• Shoppers are likely to do research before making purchases
• Consumers like getting ideas for gifts for holidays and special occasions from retailers
