Key Takeaways
- AI-powered shopping tools led to $11.8 billion in online spending for Black Friday, a 9.1% increase from last year.
- Adobe reported an 805% rise in AI-driven retail traffic, while e-commerce growth outpaced in-store sales.
- Cyber Monday is expected to generate $14.2 billion in online sales, with significant discounts on electronics.
AI Transforms Black Friday Shopping
AI technology played a significant role in boosting online sales during Black Friday, resulting in a total of $11.8 billion in spending in the U.S. This figure represents a 9.1% increase compared to the previous year, highlighting how consumers have turned to digital channels for deals as they navigate higher prices and limited budgets.
According to Adobe, the growth in online shopping is largely attributed to an 805% increase in AI-driven retail traffic. Tools such as Amazon’s Rufus and Walmart’s Sparky have become key assets for shoppers, aiding in finding discounts more efficiently. In contrast to online shopping, traditional in-store sales lagged behind, as reflected in data from Mastercard which showed that e-commerce sales grew significantly.
Salesforce indicated that AI also influenced a total of $14.2 billion in global Black Friday spending. However, this increase comes with a caveat—average selling prices rose by 7% while the number of units sold per transaction dipped by 2%. Factors contributing to the price increases include higher tariffs and growing demand from wealthier shoppers, pointing to a shifting landscape in consumer purchasing behavior.
Looking ahead, Cyber Monday is predicted to generate similar astronomical online sales figures, with forecasts estimating about $14.2 billion. Electronics are anticipated to receive the largest discounts, continuing the trend established on Black Friday.
The underlying reason for this surge in online spending is the efficiency with which AI technologies are facilitating deal discovery. Despite inflation and rising tariffs detracting from the real value of holiday discounts, AI has accelerated the pace at which consumers find and act on available deals, particularly in the current economic climate marked by price sensitivity.
As digital shopping habits evolve, the integration of AI tools into the shopping experience is set to further reshape how consumers approach purchasing during the holiday season. Increased reliance on these technologies may define not only future shopping events but also the broader retail landscape in years to come.
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