Artificial intelligence significantly boosted U.S. online spending to a record $11.8 billion on Black Friday, up 9.1% from 2024, according to Adobe Analytics. Shoppers turned to AI-driven tools like Walmart’s Sparky and Amazon’s Rufus to compare prices and find discounts, driving an 805% increase in traffic from last year. With economic pressures, including high unemployment and inflation, consumers are becoming more budget-conscious. Popular items included LEGO sets, gaming consoles, and luxury apparel. Salesforce reported that U.S. online purchases reached $18 billion, despite higher average selling prices and fewer items purchased. Discounts remained flat compared to 2024, as inflation affected perceived value. As a result, order volumes fell 1%, while average selling prices rose 7%. The digital transformation of Black Friday is expected to lead to even larger sales on Cyber Monday, projected at $14.2 billion, emphasizing the growing role of AI in online shopping.
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AI Tools Propel Record Online Spending as U.S. Shoppers Opt for Convenience Over Crowds This Black Friday
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