Shoppers are underwhelmed by deals and crowds on Black Friday

U.S. Black Friday sales have shown resilience, with consumers spending significantly despite ongoing inflation and economic concerns, as evidenced by bustling shopping scenes outside major retailers like Macy's in Midtown Manhattan.

U.S. Black Friday online spending reached a record $11.8 billion, driven by increased consumer preference for digital shopping, as reported by Adobe. This marks a 9.1% increase from the previous year, showcasing the growing influence of e-commerce during the holiday shopping season.

U.S. ecommerce sales surged by 9.1% on Black Friday, reaching $11.8 billion according to Adobe, indicating a strong preference for online shopping amid ongoing economic uncertainties. However, the performance of physical stores remains uncertain, with mixed results reported.

On Black Friday, consumers increasingly opted for online shopping rather than traditional in-store experiences, reflecting a significant shift in retail behavior. U.S. online sales reached a record $11.8 billion, indicating a 9.1% increase from the previous year, as shoppers embraced digital platforms amid ongoing economic uncertainties.

US Black Friday online sales reached $8.6 billion, according to Adobe Analytics, marking a significant increase in digital spending during this key retail period. This surge reflects consumer enthusiasm for holiday shopping despite economic uncertainties.

Oil futures settled lower in low-volume trading on Black Friday, reversing earlier gains as market participants reacted to the holiday's impact on consumer spending and overall market sentiment.

On the last day of November, U.S. stocks experienced a lift as Wall Street resumed trading following the Thanksgiving holiday, with investors eagerly anticipating the outcomes of Black Friday sales. The abbreviated trading schedule allowed for a focus on consumer spending trends during this critical retail period.

Advocates are raising alarms about the $16.7 billion global smart-toy market, particularly in light of concerns over surveillance and insufficient regulation as the holiday shopping season approaches. The emergence of AI-driven toys has prompted warnings from watchdogs regarding potential risks to children's safety and development.