• U.S. Black Friday online spending reached a record $11.8 billion, marking a 9.1% increase from last year.
• Mobile shopping accounted for over half of the online sales during the event.
• Discounts and AI-driven tools have significantly influenced shopping behaviors.
• Expectations for Cyber Monday predict an additional $14.2 billion in spending, up 6.3% from 2024.
• Overall consumer confidence remains low amid economic uncertainty, affecting in-store traffic.

American shoppers significantly shifted towards online shopping this Black Friday, spending a record $11.8 billion, up 9.1% from last year, according to data from Adobe Analytics. This figure slightly exceeds Adobe's earlier estimate of $11.7 billion. The peak shopping hours were reported between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. ET, when $12.5 million was spent every minute online during this period. Moreover, mobile sales made up more than half of the total online transactions, which shows a trend towards digital platforms for holiday shopping, according to Business Insider, CBS News, Reuters, and The Jakarta Post.

Analysts at Adobe expect that the overall spending during the Cyber Week, which includes Black Friday, will significantly contribute to the retail economy, with an anticipated $43.7 billion in spending for this period. Cyber Monday alone is forecasted to be the biggest online shopping day of the year with expected sales of $14.2 billion, up 6.3% from last year, indicating strong consumer enthusiasm for online deals. This trend highlights a broader shift as shoppers increasingly embrace promotional codes and AI-driven shopping tools to enhance their buying experience, according to Business Insider and Reuters.

Despite increased online sales, physical store traffic has continued to decline, with retailers reporting a 3.6% drop in foot traffic compared to previous years. Shoppers are showing caution due to ongoing economic uncertainties, including inflationary pressures, leading to a trend of narrower budgets and selective purchasing. Adobe and Salesforce's reports indicate fewer items are being purchased at checkout, with average selling prices climbing, which may deter larger purchases, highlighting consumer hesitation amid rising costs, as noted by CBS News and The Jakarta Post.

The trend towards online shopping was encapsulated by reports of significant engagement with Buy Now Pay Later options, as consumers looked for flexible payment solutions amidst financial concerns. The reliance on mobile shopping technologies is transforming the retail landscape, and this year retailers faced the dual challenge of appealing to cost-conscious consumers while maintaining competitive pricing structures, as elaborated by Reuters and CBS News.