Scott and SadieIt seems we’ve outdone ourselves in the annual festival of consumerism known as Cyber Monday. This year, U.S. shoppers shattered e-commerce records, shelling out a staggering $13.3 billion in a single day. That’s right, while the rest of the world was busy doing… well, anything else, we were collectively clicking “add to cart” like there was no tomorrow.
According to Adobe Analytics, this 7.3% increase from last year’s $12.4 billion is a testament to our unwavering dedication to snagging that 15% off deal on yet another smart speaker we don’t need. Because nothing says “holiday spirit” like drowning in a sea of cardboard boxes and bubble wrap.
But wait, there’s more! The entire Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday stretch, affectionately dubbed the “Cyber Five,” saw online spending reach a mind-blowing $41.1 billion. That’s a lot of virtual shopping carts filled with electronics, apparel, and luxury goods—because who doesn’t need a diamond-encrusted smartwatch to remind them of their poor financial decisions?
And let’s not forget the real MVPs of this shopping extravaganza: social-media influencers and affiliate marketers. These modern-day Pied Pipers led us straight to the checkout page, contributing about 20% of U.S. e-commerce revenue during Cyber Monday. Apparently, products promoted through affiliate links are six times more likely to be purchased than those sad, unendorsed items. Because if a 22-year-old on TikTok says you need it, who are you to argue?
Even the big players like Amazon and Walmart got in on the action, rolling out affiliate programs to reward creators for their sales-driving prowess. It’s a win-win: influencers get paid, retailers rake in the cash, and you get a closet full of gadgets you’ll use once.
But hey, it’s not all doom and gloom. This surge in spending is a “positive indicator” for the holiday shopping season, according to analysts. Because nothing boosts the economy like collectively maxing out our credit cards on things we’ll forget about by New Year’s.
So here’s to you, America—the land of the free and the home of the shopaholics. May your Wi-Fi be strong, your deals be plentiful, and your buyer’s remorse be fleeting.
