U.S. consumers shattered previous records during the 2025 Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping period, spending a combined $44.2 billion online despite ongoing economic uncertainty. This surge in spending underscores a critical trend: even when facing financial pressures, many Americans prioritize deals and discounts during the holiday season.
Online Spending Soars to New Heights
According to Adobe Analytics, online spending reached unprecedented levels:
- Black Friday: $11.8 billion
- Thanksgiving Day: $6.4 billion
- Cyber Monday: $14.25 billion
These numbers, reported by NBC News and Reuters, demonstrate a clear preference for digital shopping. The willingness to spend this much online, even with inflation and recession fears, suggests that consumers are actively seeking value and taking advantage of promotional offers.
Brick-and-Mortar Traffic Also Increased
While online sales dominated, physical stores also saw a rise in foot traffic. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported that 129.5 million shoppers visited brick-and-mortar stores, a 3% increase from 2024. Those shoppers spent an average of $337.86, up from $315.56 last year. This suggests that in-person shopping remains relevant, especially for consumers seeking immediate gratification or a more tactile experience.
What Drives This Spending?
The record spending raises key questions about consumer behavior:
- Deal-Seeking: The combination of discounts and limited-time offers clearly motivates purchases.
- Economic Anxiety: Paradoxically, economic concerns may increase spending as consumers hunt for the best deals.
- Retail Strategy: Retailers heavily promote these sales, creating a sense of urgency that drives impulse buys.
Overall, the 2025 Black Friday-Cyber Monday results confirm that consumers remain resilient spenders, even under economic strain. This trend suggests that promotional events will continue to be a major driver of retail activity in the coming years.
