AI-Powered Shopping Revolutionizes Black Friday Online Sales Surge

AI-powered shopping tools fueled a significant surge in U.S. online Black Friday spending. With chatbots like Walmart's Sparky and Amazon's Rufus, shoppers spent a record $11.8 billion online, influenced by AI-driven traffic and tariff concerns. Globally, AI impacted $14.2 billion in Black Friday sales.

AI-powered shopping tools significantly boosted U.S. online spending during Black Friday, as consumers opted for digital convenience over crowded stores. According to Adobe Analytics, U.S. shoppers spent a record $11.8 billion online, marking a 9.1% increase from the previous year. AI-driven visits to retail sites experienced a skyrocketing 805% increase compared to last year, partly due to the debut of new tools like Walmart's Sparky and Amazon's Rufus.

As consumers utilized new technologies for quicker, stress-free shopping, they turned to AI solutions to streamline their gift-giving on the year's biggest shopping day. High-demand items included LEGO sets, Pokemon cards, and gaming consoles such as the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, with products like Apple AirPods and KitchenAid mixers being top picks.

Globally, AI-driven agents influenced $14.2 billion in online sales, with $3 billion from the U.S., as reported by Salesforce. Despite increased spending, rising prices due to tariffs dampened online demand, leading to fewer items per transaction. This year's spending increase sets the stage for a bigger Cyber Monday, with electronics expected to see significant discounts.

(With inputs from agencies.)