Post by : Rameen Ariff

United States: Black Friday 2025 saw US shoppers spend a staggering $8.6 billion online as many consumers preferred shopping from the comfort of their homes rather than braving the cold to visit stores. According to Adobe Analytics, online sales through 6:30 pm ET rose 9.4 percent compared with last year, reflecting a growing trend of digital holiday shopping. Adobe’s data, which tracks over 1 trillion visits to US retail websites, indicates that shoppers are increasingly relying on laptops and smartphones to secure the best deals.

Although many expected busy store traffic on the post-Thanksgiving weekend, in-store shopping appeared subdued. Shoppers remained cautious amid ongoing inflation concerns, uncertainties in trade policies, and a soft labour market. Despite this, Adobe predicts that total Black Friday online spending will reach between $11.7 billion and $11.9 billion, potentially setting a new record for online holiday sales in the United States.

The surge in online shopping is expected to continue throughout the weekend. Adobe forecasts that consumers will spend $5.5 billion on Saturday, a 3.8 percent increase from last year, and $5.9 billion on Sunday, reflecting a 5.4 percent growth as online discounts remain high. Cyber Monday is projected to be the peak day of the season, with sales expected to reach $14.2 billion, marking a 6.3 percent rise compared with last year.

Retailers including major US chains are experiencing significant online traffic, and many have already adjusted logistics to handle the surge in demand. Experts say the shift to digital shopping is part of a broader trend accelerated by convenience, safety concerns, and evolving consumer habits. Despite earlier forecasts suggesting slower growth for holiday online sales this year, Adobe’s data demonstrates that online retail continues to dominate Black Friday spending.

Consumers are encouraged to stay alert to avoid scams and ensure safe online shopping practices as they navigate the heavy traffic and competitive deals during this major holiday shopping weekend.

#Global News #Business & economy