American and global shoppers just turned this holiday weekend into a showcase of digital confidence, record-breaking spending, and a breakout moment for AI-powered commerce. Underneath the big numbers is a clear story: people are still willing to spend, experiment with new tools, and reward brands that make buying easier, smarter, and more personalized.
Optimistic narrative
Over three days, U.S. consumers poured $23.6 billion into online purchases, turning lingering economic worries into fuel for a record-setting start to the holiday season. Black Friday alone delivered about $11.8 billion in online sales, growing roughly 9% year over year and proving that digital-first retail is now the main stage, not the sideshow. Cyber Week as a whole is expected to reach over $43 billion in U.S. online sales, anchoring a holiday period that continues to grow despite inflation and uncertainty.
Globally, Cyber Monday sales climbed to an estimated $52.7 billion, reflecting more than 5% year-on-year growth and signaling that ecommerce is still in an expansion phase rather than a mature plateau. This rising tide is not just about volume; it is about smarter, more intentional purchasing supported by data, personalization, and seamless checkout experiences across borders.
AI has quietly become the co-pilot of this new retail era. Buy Now Pay Later volumes are set to exceed $1 billion on Cyber Monday, rising about 5%, and AI-driven shopping traffic is expected to surge nearly eightfold versus last year, underscoring how digital tools are widening access and smoothing cash-flow for everyday buyers. Around 40% of surveyed consumers used AI tools to help them shop over the weekend, and among heavy users, 87% are under 45, revealing an emerging generation that treats intelligent assistants as standard shopping infrastructure. Retailers that deployed branded AI agents over the weekend saw sales grow roughly three times faster than peers, highlighting a massive opportunity for businesses that embrace this shift early.
Business opportunities
- Vertical AI shopping copilots (e.g., for parents, gamers, home improvement, sustainable products) that plug into major marketplaces and local retailers.
- White-label AI concierge for retailers (chat, voice, and on-site agents) that combine product search, dynamic bundling, and personalized promotions.
- BNPL 2.0 risk and analytics platforms focused on ecommerce categories with surging installment use, helping merchants optimize approval rates and reduce defaults.
- Cross-border deal aggregators that unify U.S. and global Cyber Week discounts, taxes, and shipping into one localized interface.
- AI-assisted savings engines that negotiate coupons, cash-back, and loyalty stacking in real time, positioned as “money-saving sidekicks” for budget-conscious shoppers.
- Data products that segment and track “AI-native shoppers” under 45 and help brands design campaigns, products, and bundles for this high-intent cohort.
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