Matt Gaetz discourages consumerism on Black Friday

By Eric Daugherty

Published Nov. 24, 2023, 11:14 a.m. ET | Updated Nov. 24, 2023

U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., speaking with attendees at the 2022 Student Action Summit at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla., July 23, 2022. (Photo/Gage Skidmore, Flickr)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz discouraged Americans from overindulging on purchases of “things” this Black Friday.

“Remember on Black Friday: Experiences > Things,” Gaetz said Friday morning.

Americans are reportedly set to spend nearly $1 trillion this Black Friday.

It is the busiest shopping day of the year.

According to Forbes, 74% of Americans were expected to shop this week, and around 15.7 million more than 2022.

“The Thanksgiving holiday weekend marks some of the busiest shopping days of the year, as consumers enjoy the tradition of shopping for the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones,” said Matthew Shay, National Retail Federation President and CEO, as reported by Forbes.

“Retailers have been preparing for months for this occasion,” Shay said. “They are stocked and ready to help customers find the gifts and other items they want at great prices during the entire holiday season.”

CyberMonday takes place on the Monday after Black Friday, where there will be another approximately 71.1 million shoppers, according to Forbes.

Credit card debt is one consumer mishap that usually occurs around the holidays for Americans. According to NerdWallet, more than half of Americans in 2022 racked up credit card debt. Around a third still have it.