dealnews Survey Finds Fewer Planning to Shop on Black Friday;

One-Fourth of Black Friday Shoppers Plan to Spend Less This Year


59% would rather shop online on Black Friday than in-store




New York, NY (November 04, 2009) – Fewer consumers are planning to shop on Black Friday this year and a quarter of them plan to spend less than they did last year, according to a survey of Black Friday shoppers by dealnews.com released today.

The survey, conducted for dealnews.com by Persuadable Research, found that 46% of respondents will definitely shop on Black Friday this year, representing a 12% decrease from those who shopped last year (58%). The survey also found that 24% plan to spend less on Black Friday, while 63% will spend the same amount of money.

Named the #1 Black Friday news site by PC Magazine and one of the best Black Friday sites by PC World, dealnews.com is the web's most trusted source for Black Friday news, sales reviews, and insider tips and advice.

Daniel de Grandpre, editor in chief of dealnews.com, said the survey finding not only reflect continued anxiousness about economy, but also a changing retail landscape where better and earlier deals can be found online without the hassle of offline crowds and lines. de Grandpre noted that 59% of respondents confirmed they would rather shop online on Black Friday than for a product in-store.

"Black Friday has traditionally been the one day of the year where people are willing to brave the crowds to find a deal," said de Grandpre. "But the survey reveals that we're beginning to see a real shift away from in-store shopping on Black Friday because of both the crowds and, more importantly, that the same and even better deals can be easily found online."

Other notable findings in the 2009 dealnews Black Friday Survey include:
  • Only 18% of respondents are very aware that most Black Friday "doorbuster" deals are available online, usually with free shipping

  • Only 14% of respondents are very aware that most Black Friday door-buster deals are available from the same stores online on Thanksgiving Day

  • The majority of respondents dislike the crowds (76%), long lines (74%), and rudeness from fellow shoppers (66%) on Black Friday

  • 81% of respondent shop in-store on Black Friday because of deals

  • The survey also noted a significant difference between men and women respondents who shop on Black Friday. A majority of men (64%) would shop for themselves on Black Friday while only 49% women would do the same
Conducted by Persuadable Research Corporation, the national online survey polled 800 consumers, and was designed to gauge shopping behavior among adults 18+ who have shopped on Black Friday in the last two years or would consider shopping Black Friday this year.

About dealnews.com, Inc.
dealnews.com, Inc. operates a network of six web sites that guide consumers to the best deals on consumer electronics, computers, men's apparel, and more. Its flagship site, dealnews.com, was ranked the best shopping site by MSN Money and named the # 1 Black Friday sites by PC Magazine. Relying on its team of expert editors, reader intelligence, and proprietary research tools, dealnews.com showcases up to 100 of the top deals, coupons, and sales every day. Founded in 1997, dealnews is headquartered in Madison, Alabama with editorial offices in New York City.

For Immediate Release:

Contact:
Patrick Kowalczyk, patrick@pkpr.com
Gita Chandra, gita@pkpr.com
PKPR, 212.627.8098