The Retro Economy Wants Your Black Friday Cart

Core Insights - The 2025 holiday season is expected to see U.S. holiday sales surpass $1 trillion for the first time, indicating a strong consumer appetite for deals and nostalgia-driven products [3] - Online sales in the U.S. are projected to reach approximately $253.4 billion between November 1 and December 31, with significant contributions from Cyber Week [4] - The trend of nostalgia is reflected in the resurgence of retro products, such as vinyl albums outselling CDs for the third consecutive year, and the popularity of "dumbphones" [4] Industry Trends - Consumers are increasingly drawn to retro-themed gifts that combine nostalgia with modern upgrades, appealing to their desire for both familiarity and novelty [15] - The market for retro items is thriving, as they resonate with the practical and promotion-seeking mindset of shoppers in 2025 [15] - The holiday shopping landscape is shifting towards niche gifts that offer unique value during major sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday [3][16] Product Highlights - Notable retro products include the modernized Atari 2600, Playdate handheld console, and Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 instant camera, all of which cater to the nostalgia trend while providing contemporary features [6][7][8] - The resurgence of analog technology is evident in products like the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X turntable and Retrospekt cassette players, which appeal to consumers looking for authentic experiences [11][10] - Innovative items such as the Teenage Engineering PO-80 Record Factory and Light Phone II reflect a blend of retro aesthetics with modern functionality, targeting consumers who value both design and practicality [12][13]