AI Bots Drive Record Holiday Spending, Salesforce Survey Finds
AI Bots Drive Record Holiday Spending, Salesforce Survey Finds
Salesforce's holiday survey shows AI agents boosted spending to $1.29 trillion globally and $294 billion in the U.S., with online sales hitting new highs.
A wave of AI agents and chatbots helped push holiday shopping to record levels this year, according to a Salesforce holiday survey.
Globally, consumers spent $1.29 trillion during the season, with $294 billion in the United States, and average selling prices rising 7% year-over-year. These shifts point to a broader impact of AI-enabled shopping on how people buy gifts and essentials.
Online sales also surged, with $257.8 billion spent online during the 2025 holiday season, a figure attributed in large part to AI shopping assistants guiding choices, surfacing discounts, and delivering personalized recommendations.
The combination of discounts and AI-driven recommendations kept shoppers engaged, boosting baskets and speeding conversions across digital channels. This trend suggests a lasting shift in ecommerce, with retailers increasingly relying on AI to tailor promotions, optimize experiences, and manage demand.
Industry watchers expect continued investment in AI for ecommerce, as retailers seek to balance stronger performance with privacy considerations and the operational challenges of implementing advanced automation.
