Black Friday shattered online spending records this year as U.S. shoppers turned to AI-powered tools to find the best deals.
According to Adobe Analytics, consumers spent $11.8 billion online, a 9.1% jump from last year, driven largely by chatbots and AI shopping assistants that helped people compare prices instantly and navigate rising costs tied to tariffs and inflation.
With budgets tight and consumer confidence down, Americans skipped crowded stores and leaned on AI to stretch every dollar.
AI-generated traffic to retail sites surged 805% year over year, showing how quickly tools like Walmart’s Sparky and Amazon’s Rufus have reshaped the discovery and decision-making process.
Despite higher prices and fewer items being purchased per order, total spending still climbed as shoppers prioritized deals on electronics, gaming consoles, and high-demand gifts.
Global data shows AI agents influenced over $14.2 billion in purchases worldwide, with $3 billion coming from the U.S. alone.
The surge sets the stage for a massive Cyber Monday, projected to hit $14.2 billion in online spending.
Electronics, apparel, and computers are expected to see the biggest markdowns, even as inflation and tariffs make discounts feel weaker than prior years.
Key Takeaways:
- AI-driven retail traffic jumped 805% year over year.
- • U.S. shoppers spent $11.8B online despite higher prices and fewer items per order.
- • Cyber Monday is forecasted to reach $14.2B, the biggest online shopping day of the year.
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