Black Friday 2025 Shatters Online Sales Records with $11.8 Billion in Consumer Spending
In a remarkable display of consumer enthusiasm, Black Friday 2025 has set a new benchmark in online shopping, with American consumers spending an unprecedented $11.8 billion. This figure, reported by Adobe Analytics, reflects a significant increase from the $10.8 billion recorded in 2024. Adobe’s data, which encompasses over 1 trillion visits to U.S. retail websites, highlights the growing dominance of e-commerce during the holiday season.
The peak shopping period between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. saw online shoppers spending an astonishing $12.5 million every minute. This surge underscores a shift in consumer behavior, with more individuals opting to shop from the comfort of their homes to capitalize on Black Friday deals.
Looking ahead, Adobe projects that Cyber Monday, scheduled for December 1, will surpass Black Friday’s record, with anticipated online spending reaching $14.2 billion. This projection suggests a continued upward trajectory in online consumer spending during the holiday season.
Salesforce, another key player in e-commerce analytics, reported global Black Friday spending of $79 billion, with $18 billion attributed to the United States. These figures represent year-over-year increases of 6% and 3%, respectively. However, Salesforce’s data indicates that this growth may be influenced by higher prices, as average prices rose by 7%, while order volumes experienced a slight decline of 1%.
Both Adobe and Salesforce have observed a growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on holiday shopping trends. Salesforce noted that between Thanksgiving and Black Friday, AI and AI-driven agents influenced $22 billion in global sales. This trend highlights the increasing integration of AI technologies in enhancing the online shopping experience through personalized recommendations and efficient customer service.
The impact of online shopping on traditional brick-and-mortar stores presents a mixed picture. RetailNext reported a nationwide decrease in in-store traffic by 3.4%, suggesting a shift towards online shopping. Conversely, Pass_by observed a 1.17% overall increase in foot traffic, with department stores experiencing a notable 7.9% rise. These conflicting reports indicate that while online shopping is on the rise, physical retail spaces continue to attract consumers, particularly in certain sectors.
The record-breaking online sales figures of Black Friday 2025 reflect a broader trend of increasing consumer confidence in e-commerce platforms. Factors contributing to this surge include the convenience of online shopping, the allure of exclusive online deals, and the integration of advanced technologies like AI to enhance the shopping experience.
As the holiday season progresses, retailers are poised to leverage these trends to maximize sales. The anticipated success of Cyber Monday further emphasizes the importance of robust online platforms and innovative marketing strategies in capturing consumer interest and driving sales.
In conclusion, Black Friday 2025 has not only set a new record in online consumer spending but also highlighted the evolving landscape of retail, where digital platforms play an increasingly central role. The integration of AI, the shift in consumer shopping habits, and the interplay between online and in-store experiences are shaping a dynamic and competitive retail environment.
