American holiday shoppers increased their spending this season, utilizing cross-channel shopping and artificial intelligence (AI) tools for enhanced bargain-hunting and convenience. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, U.S. retail sales, excluding automotive, rose 3.9% from Nov. 1 to Dec. 21, while Visa Consulting and Analytics reported a 4.2% surge during a similar period. Notably, eCommerce outpaced in-store sales, with Mastercard noting a 7.4% growth in online sales compared to 2.9% for physical stores. Shoppers employed both AI and early promotions to enhance their experience, as indicated by the surge in online purchasing on Black Friday. A PYMNTS report highlighted that 77% of consumers shopped online, with half utilizing conversational AI for assistance. Insights from Mastercard and Visa emphasize how these innovations have ushered in a more informed consumer landscape, promising an even more seamless shopping experience in the future. This trend underscores the importance of AI and eCommerce in shaping holiday shopping behaviors.
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