MerchantPro, local SaaS eCommerce platform, analyzed the performance during the week leading up to Black Friday 2024, confirming the establishment of Black Week as an extended shopping event that captures consumer interest over seven days.

Data collected from a sample of approximately 1,000 local online stores shows a 5% increase in the number of orders and an 18% rise in revenue compared to the equivalent week of the previous year (November 5-11, 2024, vs. November 7-13, 2023). Additionally, the average shopping cart value increased by 12%, indicating a greater willingness among consumers to invest in quality products.

This approach of extending the discount period was observed last year as well, but in 2024 the Black Week model has emerged as an effective strategy for more and more retailers, who began their discounts early and continued them through to Cyber Monday.

The trend reflects an increased consumer adaptation to discounts throughout the entire week and a more balanced approach to purchasing, leading to a higher volume of orders and revenue compared to previous years.

On the actual Black Friday, Friday, November 8, 2024, some interesting changes were observed: the number of transactions remained stable, but the average basket value rose by 24%, reflecting a greater consumer focus on premium products. Consequently, revenue on this day increased by 24% compared to the previous Black Friday.

"We continue to see market maturity, where buyers are planning their Black Week purchases more rationally, drawn to extended multi-day offers. This shift has had a positive impact on online stores, which benefit from a more balanced distribution of transactions throughout the week as well as increased revenues," says Arthur Rădulescu, CEO of MerchantPro.

The most interesting dynamic this year was observed on Sunday, November 10, when the number of transactions was only 15% lower than on Friday—a record ratio for a day in Black Week compared to the peak seen on the traditional Black Friday.

"The Sunday after Black Friday brought a significant wave of orders for two reasons. On one hand, consumers realized it was their last chance to take advantage of discounts. Many preferred to review offers throughout the week and finalize purchases on this day when many stores ended their campaigns—a behavior increasingly common with the extended discount period. On the other hand, the chilly weather that began on Sunday likely played a major role as well, with rain traditionally serving as a driver for eCommerce sales," explains Arthur Rădulescu, CEO of MerchantPro.

Black Friday: Same Number of Transactions, Higher Budgets

The average basket value for the week this year was €64, compared to €57 in 2023. On Black Friday itself, however, the average value reached €73, 24% higher than last year's level.

The highest order recorded by stores on the MerchantPro platform was €30,000, in a B2B online store.

About MerchantPro

MerchantPro is a project by ShopMania Net, targeting the eCommerce entrepreneurs in Romania and Europe. It offers competitive eCommerce functionalities, professional support services, and customized solutions tailored to specific development needs.

The MerchantPro platform is used regionally and has over 15 years of experience in the market. In the past two years, MerchantPro has strengthened its presence in both domestic and international markets, with nearly 2,000 active stores in Romania and a steadily growing number in Western and Southeastern Europe.

*This is a Press release.