Black Friday Hits $11B in Sales & Australia Bans Social Media for Kids Under 16
Dec 2, 2024
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Black Friday saw a staggering $10.8 billion in online sales, showcasing shifting consumer habits. Australia made headlines as the first nation to ban social media for kids under 16, raising significant concerns about enforcement. Meanwhile, Trump's warning to BRICS nations signals a tension in global economics. Coffee prices soar due to weather impacts, and a bizarre twist in the art world involves a $6.2 million banana being eaten. Lastly, the stock market rebounds, and 'Moana 2' enjoys a successful weekend at the box office.
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Quick takeaways
Black Friday 2023 saw record online sales nearing $11 billion, driven by effective marketing tactics and changes in consumer behavior.
Australia's groundbreaking legislation prohibits social media access for children under 16, reflecting increasing concerns over youth mental health and online safety.
Deep dives
Understanding the BRICS Nations and De-Dollarization
BRICS nations, which include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, are exploring alternatives to the U.S. dollar for international trade. This interest stems from geopolitical tensions, particularly after the U.S. imposed sanctions on Russia due to its actions in Ukraine. The drive for de-dollarization aims to lessen reliance on the U.S. dollar, which has dominated global trade for decades. In response, the U.S. has warned of significant tariffs against nations pursuing this path, highlighting the complexities of the global economic landscape.
Record-Breaking Black Friday Sales
Black Friday 2023 set new records, with online sales nearly reaching $11 billion, and consumers spending an impressive $6 billion on Thanksgiving Day. The top-selling items included jewelry, electronics, and toys, with toy sales skyrocketing by 622% fueled by popular brands like Harry Potter and Wicked. Surprisingly, in-store shopping saw a decline due to poor weather in certain regions, pushing more consumers towards online deals. Retailers used various psychological marketing tactics to counteract inflation concerns, promoting early sales to lock in prices before potential tariff increases.
Australia's Landmark Social Media Legislation
Australia has become the first country to outlaw social media access for children under 16, aiming to safeguard kids from potential online harms. This legislation puts the onus on social media platforms to effectively restrict underage users, with severe financial penalties for non-compliance. Critics argue that enforcement may be ineffective, citing the inevitable tech-savvy nature of children who could bypass restrictions. The intent behind the law reflects growing global concerns over children's mental health and online safety.
Surging Coffee Prices and Market Effects
Coffee futures have surged to their highest levels in decades due to adverse weather conditions affecting Brazil and Vietnam, the leading coffee producers. Arabica beans prices have increased by over 70% this year, leading to expectations of higher retail prices for coffee products. Inclement weather, including droughts and excessive rains, has severely impacted coffee production, further exacerbating supply issues. Major coffee sellers, including Starbucks, are anticipated to pass these costs onto consumers, foreshadowing a rise in coffee prices across the board.
Episode 465: Neal and Toby recap the long holiday weekend with Black Friday sales reaching $10.8B thanks to online shopping. Then, Australia became the first country to fully ban social media for children under the age of 16. Next, Trump issues a warning to BRICS nations if they don’t commit to the US dollar. Plus, Coffee futures reach a new high. Meanwhile, the buyer of the $6.2M banana wants to buy more bananas, but the kind gesture lands with a thud. Also, the stock market and “Moana 2” are the weekend’s winners. Lastly, news you need to know for the week ahead.
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