Black Friday shopping for 2021 increased year-over-year compared to 2020 by 48%. However, it was below pre-pandemic levels according to data released by Sensormatic Solutions, the retail solutions data portfolio of Johnson Controls. 

Findings indicate that shopper visits resulted in a 28.3% decline in traffic on Black Friday, November 26, compared to 2019, the last pre-pandemic year, but a 47.5% increase compared to 2020. These results are informed by retail traffic data analytics within the company’s intelligent operating platform, Sensormatic IQ. 

“While in-store shopping is still not back to 2019 levels, more shoppers felt comfortable visiting stores in person this Black Friday than in 2020,” said Brian Field, senior director of global retail consulting, Sensormatic Solutions. “One driver of this increased traffic could be ongoing supply chain challenges and shipping delays, which are resulting in consumers shopping earlier to ensure their gifts arrive on time. With ongoing staffing challenges due to the labor shortage, retailers can leverage data-driven solutions to ensure their stores are appropriately staffed and shelves are stocked during anticipated busy shopping days.”