Black Friday sales climbed this year as shoppers across the San Gabriel Valley joined national consumers in a mixed but active start to the season. Spending rose 4.1 percent compared to last year, according to Mastercard Spending Pulse. Those gains reflect higher prices as inflation sits near 3 percent, yet they show continued interest in seasonal deals. The trend offers a window into how San Gabriel Valley holiday spending shifts within an uneven economy.
Local Stores See Mixed Weekend
Brick and mortar shops across the region reported steady but cautious traffic. Nationally, in person spending rose 1.7 percent. Store managers in El Monte and Baldwin Park said foot traffic held close to last year, with many shoppers targeting essentials and limited gifts. They noted that families with tight budgets tended to focus on lower priced items. Retailers in Temple City and Rosemead said sales improved when discounts were clear and simple.
Online activity remained strong. National e commerce spending rose 10.4 percent from 2024. That strength carried over to local households that look for convenience and comparison tools. Adobe Analytics reported an 805 percent surge in AI driven traffic to retail sites. Many residents said digital tools helped track prices faster and select the best offers. Local retailers with online storefronts also saw gains as young buyers relied on mobile searches.
K Shaped Spending Emerges
San Gabriel Valley holiday spending reflects a split economy. Higher income households in Arcadia and parts of Irwindale reported more confidence. Rising stock values and strong home prices supported that trend. Those families made larger purchases and often shopped early. Low and middle income residents showed more restraint. Many described tight budgets shaped by rent, food costs and fuel expenses.
Retail workers across the region said customers often arrived with set spending limits. Several noted that shoppers asked more questions about return policies and product durability. That caution mirrors national data showing that real spending growth remains smaller once inflation is considered.
Cyber Monday And Season Outlook
Cyber Monday remains a major event for local buyers. Online sales are projected to rise 6.3 percent year over year. Retailers expect strong interest from families who skipped Black Friday lines. They plan to highlight clear discounts and simple shipping terms. The National Retail Federation projects overall holiday sales growth between 3.7 and 4.2 percent for November and December.
San Gabriel Valley households continue to balance budgets in a shifting economy. While higher income shoppers may drive some of the gains, many families will stretch dollars through careful planning. The season’s early results show that local spending remains steady despite cost pressures that shape daily life across the region.
