AI tools fuel record $11.8B Black Friday online spending surge
What's the story
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have driven a record-breaking surge in online spending during the recent Black Friday sales. According to Adobe Analytics, US shoppers spent an unprecedented $11.8 billion online on this year's biggest shopping day, marking a 9.1% increase from last year. The data was collected by tracking over one trillion visits to retail websites across the country.
AI impact
Online shopping traffic boosted by 805%
The influence of AI on US retail websites was immense, with traffic surging by a whopping 805% compared to last year. This is largely attributed to the introduction of new AI tools like Walmart's Sparky and Amazon's Rufus. "Consumers are using new tools to get to what they need faster," said Suzy Davidkhanian, an analyst at eMarketer.
AI usage
Nearly half of shoppers used AI for online shopping
Nearly half of the respondents in an Adobe survey revealed that they had used or planned to use AI for their online shopping this season. Popular items on Black Friday included LEGO sets, Pokemon cards, gaming consoles like Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, as well as products ranging from Apple AirPods to KitchenAid mixers.
Global impact
AI influenced $14.2 billion in global online sales
On a global scale, AI and agents influenced $14.2 billion in online sales on Black Friday, with the US contributing $3 billion alone, according to software firm Salesforce. Despite this increase in spending, price hikes due to tariffs impacted online demand as shoppers bought fewer items at checkout compared to last year.
Future projections
Cyber Monday expected to be even bigger
The spending surge on Black Friday sets the stage for an even bigger Cyber Monday, which is projected to generate $14.2 billion in sales. This would be a 6.3% year-over-year increase and make it the largest online shopping day of the year, Adobe said. Electronics are expected to see the biggest discounts on Cyber Monday, with prices slashed by up to 30%.