Black Friday 2025 saw a shift in retail dynamics with increased AI usage and exclusive store perks, while online order volume slightly declined and in-store traffic was mixed, highlighting changing consumer behaviors and the evolving importance of multiday sales events amid economic pressures.
U.S. online holiday spending is projected to grow by 5.3% to $253.4 billion, slower than last year's 8.7%, as consumers seek discounts and increasingly use AI chatbots for shopping research, with overall holiday sales expected to grow modestly amid economic concerns.
Costco has stopped selling Xbox consoles online in the US and UK, removing them from its website, possibly due to poor sales performance and strategic shifts by Microsoft, while continuing to sell Sony and Nintendo consoles.
The $1.7 billion Powerball jackpot has significantly boosted online lottery sales through DraftKings' Jackpocket platform, with ticket orders increasing sharply. Despite some state restrictions, the surge highlights the growing market for online lottery services and DraftKings' strategic expansion into this area, projecting substantial future revenue.
U.S. online sales during Amazon's Prime Day reached $7.9 billion in the first 24 hours, making it the biggest e-commerce day of the year so far and surpassing last year's Thanksgiving sales, with overall sales expected to hit $23.8 billion across all retailers during the event. Despite some softer demand in categories like beauty and household essentials early on, the extended four-day event is spreading out consumer purchases, and the impact of tariffs remains a concern for retailers and consumers alike.
Victoria's Secret experienced a cyberattack that led to its website and some in-store services being taken offline, disrupting online sales and causing an 8% drop in its stock price, with ongoing efforts to restore operations.
Black Friday online sales hit a record $74.4 billion globally, marking a 5% increase from last year, with U.S. sales reaching $10.8 billion according to Adobe, and $17.5 billion according to Salesforce. The growth is attributed to increased mobile shopping and the use of chatbots, with significant discounts driving consumer spending. This marks a significant shift from traditional in-store shopping to online platforms, as the holiday sales season kicks off.
Walmart's business is thriving, with a notable increase in customers earning over $100,000 annually, contributing to a 5.3% rise in US sales and an 8.2% profit growth last quarter. The retailer has expanded its appeal to higher-income shoppers by enhancing its grocery offerings and competitive pricing, traditionally Amazon's customer base. Walmart's online sales in the US grew by 22%, bolstered by services like buy online, pickup in store, and Walmart+. This growth contrasts with struggles faced by other retailers, many of which are closing stores due to high prices and interest rates.
U.S. lottery sales surpassed $113.3 billion in 2023, with various purchase options available to players, including in-person and online sales, depending on state regulations. The emergence of lottery-courier services, such as Jackpot.com, allows customers to order state lottery tickets via mobile devices, with the company purchasing the tickets on their behalf. Despite digital options, most players still buy tickets in person, but the Pennsylvania Lottery's app has helped boost brick-and-mortar sales by reaching a new audience. The latest Powerball jackpot has reached $1.3 billion, following a recent Mega Millions grand prize win, with the odds of winning at approximately 1 in 302 million.
FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf has raised concerns about the sale of fake weight loss drugs online, particularly compounded and counterfeit versions of GLP-1 agonist drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, which are approved for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. The drugs, in high demand due to their weight loss effects, have experienced shortages, leading some users to seek alternatives online. The FDA has issued warning letters to online vendors for selling illicit versions of these drugs, emphasizing the risks of consuming unregulated and potentially harmful medications.
Anthony Farrer, also known as the Timepiece Gentleman, rose to fame as a flashy dealer in luxury watches, amassing a large following on social media. However, the FBI caught up with him, accusing him of running a "luxury watch Ponzi-type scheme" to finance his lavish lifestyle. Farrer's journey from a troubled past to becoming a prominent figure in the luxury watch trade is detailed, shedding light on the unregulated world of online watch sales and the rise of secondhand luxury timepieces as alternative investments.
Ryanair has trimmed its profit forecast for the year due to a sudden halt in sales by online travel agents, resulting in increased empty seats on flights and lower-than-anticipated fares over the Christmas and New Year period. The company now expects an after-tax profit of 1.85-1.95 billion euros, down from its previous forecast, but still a potential record. CEO Michael O'Leary expressed some optimism for the summer, citing constrained European short-haul capacity and potential for higher ticket prices, while also reaffirming the company's commitment to increasing passenger numbers and considering expanding its aircraft order from Boeing.
A man in Massapequa arranged to sell his Rolex watch through Facebook Marketplace, but the transaction took a dangerous turn when the buyer attempted to steal the watch. The buyer lured the seller into his car, then reversed the car, knocking the seller to the ground. The seller jumped onto the car's hood, but was eventually thrown off. A police officer witnessed the incident and the seller urged the officer to pursue the thief. The police are now searching for the suspect's car, and the seller advises others to be cautious when selling high-value items online.
Amazon is piloting a program to allow a small number of Hyundai dealers to sell vehicles through its platform to employees, aiming to bring a seamless online car-buying experience to a highly regulated industry. While some dealers are skeptical, a significant portion of car buyers, especially those interested in electric vehicles, are interested in online purchasing. Amazon's entry into the market has raised concerns among dealers, but its technological sophistication and resources could potentially reshape the future of car-buying.
Costco has sold $100 million worth of gold bars in its most recent quarter, as demand for the precious metal rises amid global economic uncertainty. The retailer began selling 1oz bars of 24-karat gold exclusively online in September, with each release selling out within hours. The exact price of the gold bars, which are reserved for Costco members, is reported to be just under $2,000, slightly below the current market price of gold. Costco also sells other expensive items, including autographed baseball cards, which are refundable.