📦 The Order : Weekly Roundup - BFCM stats
Issue #244
Happy Sunday,
Here’s a quick roundup of last week’s news:
Chart of the Week:
AI x Commerce in 2025 by Juozas KaziukÄ—nas is a nice roundup of current developments, and includes a reference on the actual importance of digital & ecom importance:
AI News:
OpenAI announced Shopping Research in ChatGPT this week - with accuracy for product suggestions improving from 1 out of 3 helpful suggestions in ChatGPT to 2 out of 3 on the new model that is specifically optimized for shopping:
BFCM Stats 🦃
AI helps drive record $11.8 billion in Black Friday online spending [Reuters]
Adobe Analytics Insights
Black Friday online sales hit $11.8 billion, up 9.1% from last year, Adobe Analytics says
Highlights from MasterCard compared to last year’s Black Friday:
Overall US retail sales (excl Auto) up +4.1% vs Black Friday last year
Bundled-up style and sparkle: Apparel climbed +5.7% (online +6.1%, in-store +5.4%), as chilly temperatures and seasonal deals encouraged spending on new fashions. Jewelry also rose +2.75% (online +4.2%), as consumers opted for gifts that shine.
Sleighing online shopping: E-commerce retail sales ex-autos jumped +10.4%, as shoppers increasingly value speed and convenience. In-store sales grew more modestly (+1.7%) but remain essential to consumers for tactile experiences.
Festive feasts: Restaurants grew +4.5%, as dining out has become part of the holiday ritual to celebrate the season and underscores consumers’ continued desire for experiences.
Across the map: Spending outperformed in pockets of the country including New England, the Midwest and Southeast. Overall sales in New England and the Midwest were boosted by Apparel, as spending on cold-weather gear was likely supported by the drop in temperatures. The Southeast has shown persistent strength this year.
SensorTower’s Ian Simpson posted key BF Rufus stats:
And some fun with the sales trackers:
Strategy ♟
Nov 29 - Dec 01: When is Amazon’s Cyber Monday 2025 sale? Here’s what you need to know [Amazon]
Amazon Tests New ‘Rapid Delivery’ Concept [Men’s Journal]
Meet the AI robots working as Christmas elves at Amazon [Associated Press]
Sorry Mom. The Shopping Bots Suggested a Bathrobe for Christmas [Bloomberg]
Indian e-commerce firm Meesho aims for $5.6 billion valuation in IPO [Reuters]
Walmart Advertising Grows Six Times Faster Than Sales
US retail sales growth cools; consumer sentiment sags amid job market worries [Reuters]
Events 🎤
CES, Las Vegas, Jan 6-9
NRF, New York, Jan 11-13
Shoptalk Luxe, Abu Dhabi, Jan 27-29
Prosper Show, Las Vegas, Mar 10-12
Shoptalk Spring, Las Vegas, Mar 24-26
Make this week count 🙌
Christian