Black Friday Sales Hit $74.4 Billion Globally, Driven by Mobile and AI Technology

Black Friday 2024 has smashed records again, with global online sales hitting $74.4 billion, a 5% increase compared to last year. The U.S. market led the charge, reporting record-breaking sales and significant growth driven by enhanced mobile shopping experiences and cutting-edge AI-powered tools like chatbots.

U.S. Black Friday Sales Surge

According to Adobe, U.S. consumers spent $10.8 billion online during Black Friday, a remarkable 10.2% increase from 2023’s $9.8 billion. Salesforce’s data presents an even higher figure, estimating $17.5 billion in U.S. online sales, up 7% year-over-year (YoY).

Globally, Salesforce highlighted a similar trend, with $74.4 billion spent within 24 hours—a jump from $70.9 billion in 2023. These figures emphasize the growing reliance on e-commerce as consumers increasingly prefer online convenience over in-store shopping.

Key Drivers Behind the Record Sales

1. Mobile Shopping Dominance
   

   Mobile shopping emerged as a game-changer this year. Adobe reported that 55% of online purchases, totaling $5.9 billion, were made on mobile devices, reflecting a 12.1% YoY growth. As shoppers become more comfortable browsing and transacting on their smartphones, retailers have optimized mobile experiences, leading to higher conversions.

2. Discounts and Bargains
   

   Deep discounts fueled consumer interest across various categories. Toys saw price cuts of up to 27.8%, electronics were discounted by 27.4%, and TVs by 24.2%. These deals resonated strongly with early holiday shoppers seeking value.

3. AI and Chatbots in Retail
   

   AI-powered chatbots played a pivotal role in reshaping how consumers discovered deals. Adobe reported a staggering 1,800% increase in traffic from generative AI chatbots compared to last year. Additionally, 20% of surveyed U.S. shoppers used chatbots for personalized shopping recommendations.

Holiday Sales at Their Peak

Adobe noted that sales activity peaked between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Eastern Time, with shoppers spending an astonishing $11.3 million every minute. Platforms like Shopify and Stripe enhanced this excitement by showcasing real-time sales data through engaging visualizations.

Broader Implications for E-Commerce

Black Friday’s success highlights evolving consumer preferences and the growing role of technology in retail. Vivek Pandya, Lead Analyst at Adobe Digital Insights, remarked, “Crossing the $10 billion mark is a big e-commerce milestone for Black Friday. With mobile shopping and chatbots driving innovation, the future of online retail looks bright.”

Conclusion

As the holiday season kicks off, Black Friday’s record-breaking sales underscore the power of e-commerce. Mobile shopping and AI-driven tools are not only transforming how consumers shop but also setting the stage for sustained growth in the retail industry.

Retailers looking to capitalize on these trends should focus on enhancing mobile platforms and leveraging AI technology to deliver personalized, seamless shopping experiences. Stay tuned as the holiday sales season unfolds, promising even more milestones ahead.

Optimize your e-commerce strategy with insights from these trends and make the most of the holiday shopping season. For more updates and industry news, visit Jeffkom Story!