More shoppers turn to AI assistants to score big on Black Friday deals

The rise of artificial intelligence is transforming how consumers approach Black Friday and holiday shopping, with AI tools offering new ways to find deals and make purchasing decisions.

Current trends and adoption: A significant portion of consumers are embracing AI for their holiday shopping needs, marking a shift in traditional shopping behaviors.

• Boston Consulting Group reports that 38% of consumers have used or plan to use AI for Black Friday shopping
• According to Attest’s survey, 44% of shoppers will rely on AI assistants for their holiday shopping decisions
• Among AI users, 56% specifically leverage these tools to find bargains

AI capabilities and benefits: AI tools are streamlining the shopping experience by automating time-consuming tasks and providing comprehensive product information.

• AI can rapidly compare prices across multiple retailers, eliminating the need for manual searches
• These tools can analyze and synthesize product reviews, helping shoppers make informed decisions
• Shoppers can receive personalized gift recommendations and discover relevant sales they might otherwise miss

Retailer integration and consumer satisfaction: Major retailers are incorporating AI into their shopping platforms, with positive reception from consumers.

• 70% of consumers report that generative AI tools enhance their shopping experience, according to WHOP
• Amazon and Google have implemented AI shopping assistants within their platforms
• More retailers are expected to develop and deploy similar AI-powered shopping features

Potential risks and considerations: While AI offers numerous benefits for holiday shopping, consumers should remain vigilant about potential pitfalls.

• Shoppers need to be cautious about AI-generated recommendations that might lead to fraudulent websites
• The technology’s limitations could potentially result in missed opportunities or incorrect information
• Users should verify deals and retailers independently, rather than relying solely on AI recommendations

Looking ahead: The integration of AI into holiday shopping represents a significant shift in consumer behavior that will likely expand beyond seasonal sales events, though maintaining a balance between AI assistance and human judgment remains crucial for optimal shopping outcomes.