Record-Setting Black Friday

The Black Friday shopping event saw a notable surge in consumer engagement with agentic AI, driving both sales of discounted items and premium products.

According to Adobe Analytics, which monitors over one trillion visits to U.S. retail websites, online shoppers spent $11.8 billion on Black Friday, up from $10.8 billion in the previous year. The data reveals that between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., consumers were spending an impressive $12.5 million every minute.

Adobe also highlighted that visits to shopping sites via AI increased by over 800% compared to the previous year, and shoppers guided by AI were 38% more likely to complete a purchase.

A separate report from Salesforce estimates that agentic AI and digital assistants contributed $14.2 billion out of the total $79 billion spent online on Black Friday, with approximately $3 billion coming from U.S. consumers.

Focus on Specific Stores

A key aspect of AI’s impact was its role in helping shoppers find the best deals across various stores such as Walmart and Amazon, making it easier for them to identify sale items with minimal effort.

Christopher Miller, Lead Analyst of Emerging Payments at Javelin Strategy & Research, suggests that while AI tools from major retailers like Amazon and Walmart could have a significant impact, it’s unlikely that any single tool will fully understand every consumer or handle all choice scenarios effectively.

More Discounts, More Luxury Items

Consumers were not only on the lookout for deals but also willing to spend more on high-end products this Black Friday. Adobe noted that several categories experienced unusually steep markdowns, including toys (up to 30% off list price) and electronics and apparel.

The data further showed an increase in sales of premium items, with electronics and sporting goods units sold rising by over 50%. It appears AI tools are not only aiding in finding cheaper options but also in determining the best value for premium purchases.