Why Fewer New Yorkers Are Falling for Black Friday Hype This Year

If you’re gearing up for Black Friday or Cyber Monday, you’re not alone, but you might be shopping a little differently this year. A new YouGov report shows about four in ten Americans plan to hit the sales, but fewer are splurging. With prices creeping up on everything from groceries to gadgets, most of us are focused on stretching every dollar, not breaking the bank.

Rising Costs and Tariffs Tighten New Yorkers’ Holiday Budgets

It’s no secret that costs have gone up across the board, and New Yorkers are feeling it. Tariffs are adding extra pressure, with nearly one in three people saying they plan to spend less this holiday season because of them. Only a small handful, just 8%, say they’ll spend more. For families across the state, the holiday budget is looking a little tighter.

More New Yorkers Are Shopping Early to Avoid Price Hikes

If you’ve already started your holiday shopping, you’re in good company. About 22% of shoppers say they’re starting earlier than usual to avoid higher prices later. Only 14% are waiting for the last-minute deals. Between unpredictable sales and limited inventory, plenty of New Yorkers are deciding it’s smarter to shop now rather than gamble on later.

READ MORE: New Yorkers Say Goodbye to the Farmers’ Almanac After 200 Years

“Made in New York” and “Made in the USA” Mean More

There’s something about supporting local and American-made brands that feels right this year. A third of shoppers say they’re making an effort to buy U.S.-made products this holiday season. It’s a way to keep dollars closer to home, something that matters in a state full of small shops, makers, and family businesses trying to stay strong.

Most New Yorkers Say Others Overspend, but Not Them

Here’s a little holiday honesty check: 69% of Americans say people spend too much during the holidays, but only 29% admit they might be guilty of the same thing. Sound familiar?

New Yorkers Aren’t Ready to Let AI Pick Their Gifts

When it comes to finding the perfect gift, most people still trust their gut, not a gadget. Only 18% of younger shoppers say they’d let artificial intelligence choose gifts for loved ones. And a quarter say they’d actually like a gift less if they found out a robot picked it. So, for now, that perfect holiday surprise still comes with a human touch.

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Younger Shoppers Still Love Black Friday, but the Hype Is Fading

Gen Z and Millennials are still fueling the Black Friday buzz, with 57% planning to shop compared to 38% of Gen X and Boomers. But even so, the excitement is fading for many. Over a third of Americans say they’ve lost interest in mega sales altogether, blaming fake discounts and poor product quality.