Holiday Shopping: How AI and Mobiles Are Changing the Game

The holiday shopping season in the U. S. is set to be a big deal, with online sales expected to hit $253. 4 billion. That's a 5. 3% jump from last year. Cyber Monday is predicted to be the busiest day, with sales reaching $14. 2 billion, up 6. 3% from the previous year. Black Friday isn't far behind, with an 8. 3% increase to $11. 7 billion. Even Thanksgiving Day is seeing a rise in online spending, with a 4. 9% increase to $6. 4 billion. AI is a major player this year. It's expected to drive a 520% increase in online shopping traffic, especially in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Last year, AI traffic to retail sites surged by 1, 300%. Consumers are using AI for research, recommendations, finding deals, and even getting gift ideas. Categories like toys, electronics, jewelry, and personal care are seeing the most AI activity. Mobile shopping is also on the rise. It's expected to make up 56. 1% of online transactions, up from 54. 5% last year and 51. 1% in 2023. With larger smartphone screens, mobile shopping is becoming more convenient. Buy now, pay later (BNPL) services are another trend, expected to drive $20. 2 billion in online spending, up 11% from last year. Cyber Monday is set to hit a new BNPL milestone, with $1. 04 billion in sales. Social media is also playing a bigger role. Social media advertising is expected to drive a 51% increase in online revenue, a significant jump from the 5% growth seen in 2024. Top spending categories include electronics, apparel, and furniture, with electronics leading at $57. 5 billion, up 4% from last year.