Fewer shoppers expected in stores for Black Friday

There won&#039;t be as much competition this year.

(Image credit: iStock)

Bargain hunters just aren't feeling the same sense of urgency around Black Friday this year. Only 23 percent of U.S. adults say they plan to visit stores on the country's biggest shopping day, Bankrate reports. Those that do venture out, though, are expected to spend more than ever, with median spending at $300 this year, up from $200 in 2014, Fortune writes. Holiday sales are expected to increase by 4.7 percent.

Many other shoppers are focused on online deals, or have been purchasing gifts throughout the month. "Two years ago, Black Friday was one day. Last year it was a week-long event. This year it's been a month-long event,” said Shelley Kohan, vice president of retail consulting at RetailNext. "A lot of Black Friday deals are already out there. They've been out there since the beginning of the month."

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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.