Record Online Spending This Black Friday
This year’s Black Friday saw a stunning $11.8 billion in online spending. Shoppers really leaned into using artificial intelligence (AI) tools and preferred the comfort of home to avoid the crowds in stores.
According to new data from Adobe Analytics, online spending increased by 9.1% compared to last year. Many Americans found themselves utilizing AI-powered chatbots to help them compare prices and keep track of their purchases.
Interestingly, AI traffic to retail websites in the U.S. soared by 805% this year, especially compared to 2024 when AI tools like Walmart’s Sparky and Amazon’s Rufus weren’t yet around.
Suzy Davidkhanian, an analyst at eMarketer, mentioned to Reuters that new technologies are helping consumers find what they need more quickly. “Gift shopping can cause a lot of stress, and these AI models can make the process feel quicker and more streamlined,” she said.
Adobe’s research shows that about half of U.S. shoppers have already used or are considering AI assistance for online shopping this season.
Some of the hot items this Black Friday included Pokemon cards, Lego sets, Apple AirPods, KitchenAid mixers, Nintendo Switches, and PlayStation 5 consoles.
It’s worth noting that the spike in online purchases came right after another record-setting day during the Thanksgiving period.
On Thanksgiving alone, consumers spent an impressive $6.4 billion online, which can be attributed to a wave of discounts. Adobe Analytics reported a 5.3% increase in spending compared to the previous year, as shoppers embraced the unexpectedly robust Cyber Week sales.
