AI Drives Record Black Friday Spending
- Black Friday online sales hit $11.8 billion, up 9.1% from last year, Adobe Analytics says
- AI tools help consumers find deals, boosting online shopping
- Physical store traffic subdued due to inflation, trade policy concerns
- Cyber Monday projected to hit $14.2 billion in online sales, Adobe says
Artificial intelligence tools played a notable role in boosting U.S. online spending during Black Friday. Shoppers spent a record $11.8 billion online, marking a 9.1% increase compared to 2024, according to Adobe Analytics. Many consumers avoided crowded stores and instead relied on chatbots to compare prices and secure discounts amid concerns about tariff-related price hikes. Adobe reported that AI-driven traffic to retail sites rose by 805% compared to last year, when tools such as Walmart’s Sparky and Amazon’s Rufus had not yet been introduced.
Global Impact of AI Agents
Salesforce data showed that AI agents influenced $14.2 billion in global online sales on Black Friday, with $3 billion coming from the U.S. alone. Overall U.S. online spending reached $18 billion, up 3% from the previous year, with luxury apparel and accessories among the strongest categories. Despite higher spending, shoppers purchased fewer items per transaction as average selling prices rose 7% and order volumes fell 1%. Analysts attributed the increase in prices to tariffs and the growing influence of higher-income consumers, particularly in luxury goods.
Outlook for Cyber Monday
Adobe projected that Cyber Monday would surpass Black Friday, with sales expected to reach $14.2 billion, a 6.3% year-over-year increase. Electronics are forecast to see the steepest discounts, with reductions of up to 30%, alongside significant deals on apparel and computers. While online shopping surged, activity in physical stores was more subdued, as inflation and economic uncertainty tempered consumer enthusiasm. Some shoppers expressed caution, noting that holiday purchases this year would likely be more deliberate and cost-conscious.
Hot-selling items on Black Friday included LEGO sets, Pokémon cards, gaming consoles such as the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, as well as Apple AirPods and KitchenAid mixers. Nearly half of respondents in an Adobe survey said they had used or planned to use AI tools for shopping this season. Analysts highlight that the adoption of AI in retail reflects a broader trend of consumers seeking efficiency and guidance in decision-making. Interestingly, the surge in AI-assisted shopping mirrors developments in other industries, where large language models are increasingly used to streamline complex tasks.
