American shoppers fueled a record-breaking Black Friday, with online spending reaching $11.8 billion, according to preliminary data. This represents a significant 9.1% increase compared to last year's figures, highlighting a surge in consumer activity during the holiday shopping event.

The substantial increase in online sales is attributed, in part, to the growing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technology by consumers. Many shoppers utilized AI chatbots to efficiently compare prices and monitor deals across various retailers throughout the day. This marked a shift in how consumers approached Black Friday shopping, leveraging technology to maximize savings and convenience.

The rise in AI adoption reflects a broader trend of integrating technology into everyday shopping habits. Retailers have also increasingly implemented AI-powered tools to personalize recommendations and optimize their online platforms. The combination of these factors contributed to the robust online sales figures observed this Black Friday. Analysts suggest that AI's role in price comparison and deal tracking is likely to continue influencing consumer behavior in future shopping events, potentially driving further growth in online retail.

While final numbers are still being tallied, the $11.8 billion figure already surpasses previous Black Friday online sales records, underscoring the enduring appeal and evolving nature of this major shopping day.