Black Friday Online Sales Surge to Record Highs Amid Economic Uncertainty

Black Friday Online Sales Surge to Record Highs
Black Friday online sales reached an astonishing $11.8 billion, marking a 9.1% increase from last year's spending. According to Adobe Analytics, this growth reflects changing shopping habits as consumers increasingly opt for online deals amidst economic uncertainty. Peak traffic occurred between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with online carts processing an impressive $12.5 million per minute.
Mobile Shopping Transformation
Mobile shopping was a significant driver, accounting for more than half of total online sales. On Thanksgiving Day alone, consumers spent $6.4 billion online, as significant sales flowed in from categories like video game consoles, electronics, and home appliances. The influence of artificial intelligence shopping services and social media on purchasing decisions was evident, showcasing the new dynamics in consumer behavior.
Shifting Trends and In-Store Traffic Decline
Despite the online boom, in-store traffic fell by 3.6% compared to last year, as per RetailNext's data. Salesforce predicted that total Black Friday online sales would hit $18 billion in the U.S. alone. This marks a shift away from traditional shopping events, with more consumers favoring online platforms for convenience and extended promotional periods.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.