US consumers spent more on Black Friday than in the days leading up to it, with a 3.4% increase in retail sales year-over-year, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse.

Online sales rose 14.6%, while in-store sales grew less than 1%.

Shoppers focused on promotions with the best value, and grocery and restaurant spending also increased.

Adobe Analytics reported $10.8 billion in online sales, up from $9.8 billion in 2023, and expects Cyber Monday to set a new spending record, CNN has reported.

Top Black Friday purchases included jewelry, electronics, and apparel, though experts caution about the environmental impact of overconsumption.

Written by B.C. Begley