The Modern Retail Podcast The trends that will dominate Black Friday and Cyber Monday, from AI search to experiential pop-ups
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Nov 29, 2025 Danny Parisi, a Senior Fashion Reporter at Glossy, and Lexy Lebsack, their West Coast Correspondent, dive into the shifting landscape of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. They discuss the rise of AI in gifting strategies and the comeback of print catalogs. Brands are increasingly opting for experiential marketing with pop-ups and exclusive access over traditional discounts. The duo also explores creative approaches like gift-with-purchase bundles and the allure of advent calendars, highlighting innovative ways to capture shoppers' attention this holiday season.
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Be Intentional About Black Friday Buys
- Shop intentionally by making lists or pre-filling carts for things you already want.
- Avoid impulse buys by researching and waiting to check out on discounts you planned for.
Discounts vs. Price Increases
- Brands are raising prices or offering shallower discounts, so headline deals may feel similar to past years.
- Consumers' wallets feel tighter, but holiday spending often still sets records driven by credit and BNPL use.
BNPL Masks Financial Strain
- Buy now, pay later usage surges during tight economies and shelters holiday spending.
- BNPL growth masks underlying financial strain, especially among younger shoppers.