Home / Business and Economy / AI Drives Holiday Sales Surge: $263 Billion E-Commerce Boom
AI Drives Holiday Sales Surge: $263 Billion E-Commerce Boom
26 Nov, 2025
Summary
- AI is predicted to drive $263 billion in global holiday sales this year.
- Generative AI referral traffic to retail sites grew over 1,300% last year.
- AI referrals show a 16% higher purchase rate compared to non-AI traffic.
Artificial intelligence is poised to significantly impact this year's holiday commerce, driving billions in sales and marking a milestone for the technology. While fully agentic commerce is nascent, AI's influence is rapidly accelerating, offering new avenues for brands and retailers, and a transformative experience for shoppers.
Recent data indicates AI's growing role, with generative AI sources driving a 1,300% increase in shopping traffic last year. Projections suggest AI will account for $263 billion in global online holiday sales, with $51 billion in the U.S. alone. This signals a potential shift from traditional search engines, prompting companies to adapt their marketing strategies.
Consumers are increasingly using AI for gift inspiration and personalized recommendations. While challenges remain, such as single-item checkouts, major players like OpenAI, Shopify, and even Amazon are investing heavily. The evolving landscape of AI-driven commerce raises questions about who will control the shopping experience and monetize user insights.
