Post by : Badri Ariffin

As the festive shopping season reaches its peak, U.S. consumers are preparing for Cyber Monday, an event renowned for offering some of the year's deepest discounts. Projections indicate that online spending could hit a staggering $14.2 billion this year, marking a 6.3% increase from 2024, according to industry experts.

The Cyber Week shopping spree, which spans from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday, has already shown impressive consumer activity. Black Friday recorded online sales of $11.8 billion and Thanksgiving saw $6.4 billion, both exceeding initial forecasts. This year, shoppers can expect discounts on electronics to reach as high as 30% and 26% on clothing, enticing them to hunt for those ideal holiday gifts.

While discounts play a significant role, rising retail prices and ongoing inflation are also influencing shopper behavior. Despite the current economic uncertainties, including concerns regarding job stability and the effects of previous government disruptions, Americans are still eager to spend on gifts and necessities.

Mobile shopping continues to trend upward, with smartphones and other handheld devices accounting for over half of this season's online sales, reaching an estimated $142.7 billion. This marks a significant shift from five years ago when desktop computers dominated the online marketplace.

Moreover, the popularity of buy now, pay later schemes is revolutionizing holiday shopping habits. Predictions from Adobe suggest these financing options will facilitate $20.2 billion in online spending this year, representing an 11% rise from last year, with Cyber Monday alone expected to see over $1 billion in such transactions.

Top-selling items this year include the newest gaming consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2, trendy toys such as Labubu Dolls, and flagship smartphones like the iPhone 17, Google Pixel 10, and Samsung Galaxy S25. AI-driven shopping aids and digital assistants are also shaping how consumers shop, providing a more personalized online experience.

Now in its 20th year since the term was popularized by the National Retail Federation in 2005, Cyber Monday has evolved from a single-day event into an extended sales period. Retailers are leveraging the holiday spirit to maintain consumer interest throughout the week, making this time critical for both shoppers and businesses.

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