As the convenience of online shopping continues to grow, more and more individuals are opting to ditch the crowded stores and make their purchases from the comfort of their own homes. This trend has been particularly evident during the Thanksgiving weekend, with Black Friday online sales expected to shatter previous records.

According to Adobe Analytics, a leading e-commerce data monitoring firm, Black Friday online sales are predicted to reach an impressive $10.7 billion to $11 billion this year. This would mark a significant increase of over 8% from the previous year, highlighting the growing popularity of online shopping for holiday deals.

The surge in online shopping activity does not come as much of a surprise, as consumers have been taking advantage of early Black Friday deals and discounts leading up to the big day. Adobe reported that online spending on Thanksgiving Day alone reached a record $6.1 billion, representing a nearly 9% increase from the previous year. This strong start to the holiday shopping season has set the stage for what is expected to be a record-breaking Black Friday.

So, what exactly are individuals purchasing this Black Friday? According to Adobe, the online spending spree has been largely driven by significant discounts on a variety of products. One category that has seen a particularly high demand is toys, with discounts of over 27% off the listed price. In fact, online transactions for toys on Black Friday have surged by a staggering 178% compared to an average day in October.

In addition to toys, other popular items this Black Friday include “Wicked” toys, Bluetooth speakers, TVs, patio heaters, air fryers, and cosmetics and skincare sets. Consumers are clearly taking advantage of the deep discounts and special deals available online, making the most of their holiday shopping budgets.

Another interesting trend that has emerged this Black Friday is the increasing prevalence of online shopping on mobile devices. According to Adobe, mobile devices accounted for over half of all online sales on Black Friday, making up 57.6% of total sales. This represents a significant increase from the previous year, when mobile sales accounted for 55.5% of total sales. This shift towards shopping on smaller screens underscores the convenience and ease of shopping on-the-go.

Overall, it is clear that Black Friday online sales are on track to set new records this year. With consumers eager to take advantage of the deep discounts and special deals available online, the holiday shopping season is off to a strong start. From toys to tech gadgets, shoppers are stocking up on a wide range of products, making the most of the savings available during this shopping extravaganza.