The Black Friday Cyber Monday retail report

Consumer

The Black Friday Cyber Monday retail report

A guide for Brands and Marketers on how to navigate Black Friday in 2026.

The idea distilled…

Right now, millions of Australians are not buying something. They can afford it and they want it. They’re holding off on purpose, because they know exactly when they will buy it: the last Friday in November. 

This report introduces you to that shopper, using the latest data from us at The Growth Distillery. In three words: they’re waiting, they’re willing and they’re wanting. Whether you run one store or a national chain, this is the most valuable customer you’ll meet all year.

More than half the country now shops to a calendar

The rules have changed. Over half of Aussies consider themselves sales orientated, but more than that over 1 in 3 will wait for a sale even when they need something soon. Black Friday isn’t a day on the calendar any more. For more than half the country, it is the calendar.

Let’s take a look at what’s holding Aussies back (waiting), who these shoppers are (willing), and what will actually make them buy (wanting)…

53%
Of Aussie are sales orientated
36%
Will wait for a sale even when they need something ASAP
56%
Intend to shop Black Friday this year

01. WAITING

The quietest October is building the loudest November, and your November sale and Christmas plan are now one collective focus.

84%

Of Black Friday shoppers are actively delaying purchases they need right now, and half of them are delaying by a lot.

51%

Of women who plan to shop Black Friday are holding their Christmas and gift shopping for the sales. It’s their #1 delayed category.

02. WILLING

Black Friday intenders have the ability to save and make major purchases, and they’re feeling financially better off compared to 12 months ago. It’s a permission-to-spend event  for those with the money, and big ticket buys are more likely.

61%
Of Black Friday intdenders can save and make major purchases
42%
Are better off financially than last year
76%
Of Millennial men plan to shop Black Friday
50%+
Plan on purchasing big ticket buys

03. WANTING

The discount gets them in, but stock and delivery decide on the sale.  When it comes to the shortlist of what they are considering is being built in a chat (AI chat) window. And they’re reachable in publications they trust (such as The Australian and other News Australia publications).

42%
Agree being 'Out of stock' is the biggest barrier to purchase online
77%
Of Black Friday intenders use AI tools
70%
Of them have read a News Australia Mastheads in the last month.

Five moves for this Black Friday

  1. Get on the list before November: They know what they want, be in the running in October and make your deals easy to find.
  2. Run November and Christmas as one plan: One budget, gift-ready messaging, and returns that last past Christmas.
  3. Sell up, not just down: A comfortable, aspirational shopper. Bundles, premium ranges and value-adds can beat a deeper discount.
  4. Win on certainty: In stock, clear or free delivery, there before Christmas. Online, stock-outs cost more sales than price.
  5. Be the answer they find: 77% use AI. Make prices, stock and delivery clear and consistent everywhere they look.

Ready to help Aussies shop?

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