Table of Content.

5 min read
December 2, 2024

Black Friday 2024 - $10.8 billion spent online and other interesting stats

Black Friday 2024 shattered records once again, showcasing the growing dominance of online shopping and the power of technology in driving sales. From massive discounts on toys and electronics to innovative payment options like "Buy Now, Pay Later," consumers flocked to both digital and physical stores for unbeatable deals. Mobile devices and AI-powered tools played a pivotal role in shaping shopping behavior, with billions spent through these channels alone. In this blog, we dive into the fascinating stats, shopping trends, and consumer behaviors that defined this year's Black Friday frenzy.

Key Takeaways

  • Record-Breaking Sales: Online shoppers spent $10.8 billion, a significant jump from 2023’s $9.8 billion.
  • Mobile Dominance: Over 55% of online sales were made on mobile devices, highlighting the shift to mobile-first shopping.
  • AI’s Growing Influence: AI-powered tools drove over $14 billion in global sales, with retailers using AI seeing a 9% higher conversion rate.
  • Top-Selling Categories: Toys, jewelry, appliances, apparel, and electronics saw massive spikes in sales, led by popular items like gaming consoles and skincare products.
  • "Buy Now, Pay Later" Impact: Financing options contributed to an 8.8% increase in online spending, totaling $686.3 million.
  • Shopify’s Record: The platform reported $5 billion in global sales, with the U.S. average cart value at $157.
  • Retail Growth: Overall retail sales, combining online and in-store, rose by 3.4%, showing a steady climb in consumer spending.

Overall Spending Trends

  • Online shoppers spent $10.8 billion, up from $9.8 billion in 2023.
  • Sales have more than doubled since 2017, when online shopping totaled just over $5 billion.

  • MasterCard Insights:
    • Online retail sales increased by 14.6% compared to 2023.
    • In-store sales rose by only 0.7%.
    • Combined overall retail sales (online and in-store) grew 3.4% this year.

What Were People Buying?

  • Top Categories Driving Online Sales (According to Adobe):
    • Toys: +622% (compared to an average fall day).
    • Jewelry: +561%.
    • Appliances: +476%.
    • Apparel: +374%.
    • Electronics: +334%.
  • Shopify Record-Breaker:
    • Global Black Friday sales hit $5 billion.
    • Average cart price for U.S. shoppers: $157.
    • Popular items: T-shirts, skincare, and vitamins.
  • "Buy Now, Pay Later" Plans:
    • Drove an 8.8% increase in online spending compared to last year, reaching $686.3 million.

Hot Sellers

  • Toys:
    • Harry Potter LEGO sets.
    • "Wicked" toys.
    • Card and board games.
    • Disney Princess dolls.
    • Cookeez Makery oven play sets.
  • Gaming Consoles:
    • PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch OLED, and Meta Quest.
  • Other Popular Products:
    • Makeup and skincare sets.
    • Bluetooth speakers and headphones.
    • Smartwatches, perfumes, and espresso machines.

How Did People Shop?

  • Mobile Dominance:
    • 55% of online sales came from mobile devices, according to Adobe.
  • AI and Technology’s Role:
    • AI-driven sales exceeded $14 billion globally on Black Friday.
    • Retailers using generative AI saw a 9% higher conversion rate than those without.
    • Chatbot Influence:
      • Bot-driven clicks to retail sites soared by 1,800% compared to last year (Adobe).
•
•
•

Business Trends

Latest Articles

10/03/2025

5 min read

A Beginner’s Guide for Writing a Business Plan in 2025

Learn how to write a clear, concise business plan with this step-by-step guide. Whether you're seeking funding or clarity, a solid plan is key to your business success.

06/12/2024

7 min read

7 Signs Your Business Idea Has Strong Market Demand

In this blog, we break down 7 no-BS signs that your idea has what it takes to thrive. From frustrated customers begging for solutions to spotting gaps your competitors missed, these tips will help you validate your idea and set yourself up for success.

27/11/2024

6 min read

7 Questions to Help You Define Your Business Idea in 2025

This article walks you through the essential steps to validate your idea and ensure it's ready for the real world.