Record shoppers, online sales surge signal strong holiday season momentum

U.S. shoppers spent $14.25 billion on Cyber Monday, pushing total online sales over the Thanksgiving weekend to $44.2 billion, according to an Adobe Analytics report, as consumers lapped up offers on everything from gadgets to household essentials.

Spending rose 7.7% during the so-called Cyber Week – the five days from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday – compared with an 8.2% increase to $41.1 billion last year and above its prior expectations of $43.7 billion, the report said on Tuesday.

A record 202.9 million U.S. customers shopped during the period, compared with the 197 million recorded last year, according to the National Retail Federation.

“This year’s record turnout reflects a highly engaged consumer who is focused on value, responds to compelling promotions, and seizes upon the opportunity to make the winter holidays special and meaningful,” said NRF CEO Matthew Shay.

A total of 129.5 million consumers shopped in-store for the holidays, up 3% from a year earlier, the NRF said.

Shoppers spent $337.86 on average on items such as gifts, holiday apparel, decorations and other seasonal purchases, up from $315.56 in 2024, according to the NRF report.

Retailers including Amazon.com, Walmart and Target rolled out attractive discounts across categories to draw both affluent shoppers eager to splurge and budget-conscious consumers looking to stretch every dollar.

Even as big discounts led a few customers to take on short-term debt, analysts have noted that consumers remained savvy and watched price tags carefully to avoid impulse buys this year.

Several Americans relied on AI-powered services such as chatbots to browse products and compare prices in categories like appliances, toys, video games as well as jewelry.

Tags Business News

Reuters

Reporter

PREV

PREVIOUS

Prada finalizes purchase of fashion rival Versace for $1.4 billion

MILAN — The Prada Group has closed the purchase of Milan fashion rival Versace in a $1.375 billion cash deal that puts the fashion house known for its sexy silhouettes under the same roof as Prada’s “ugly chic” aesthetic and Miu Miu’s youth-driven appeal. The highly anticipated deal is expected to relaunch Versace’s fortunes, after […]

NEXT

NEXT UP

Trump administration says it will withhold SNAP from Democrat-led states if they don't provide data

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration said Tuesday that it will move to withhold SNAP food aid from recipients in most Democratic-controlled states starting next week unless those states provide information about those receiving the assistance. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said at a Cabinet meeting Tuesday that the action is in the works because […]


Welcome Back.

Streak: 9 days i

Stories you've missed since your last login:

Stories you've saved for later:

Recommended stories based on your interests:

Edit my interests