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Shoppers are adding to cart for the holidays
Over the next year, Roku predicts that 100% of the streaming audience will see ads. For growth marketers in 2026, CTV will remain an important “safe space” as AI creates widespread disruption in the search and social channels. Plus, easier access to self-serve CTV ad buying tools and targeting options will lead to a surge in locally-targeted streaming campaigns.
Read our guide to find out why growth marketers should make sure CTV is part of their 2026 media mix.
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📉 2025 Black Friday Recap — Online Shopping Roars, In-Store Remains Hit or Miss
🔍 What the Data Says
According to Adobe Analytics, U.S. online sales hit $11.8 billion on Black Friday — a 9.1% increase over last year. Forbes+2Yahoo Finance+2
At its peak (10 a.m.–2 p.m. local time), the spending rate was roughly $12.5 million per minute. Yahoo Finance+2CBS News+2
Meanwhile, online-sales trackers like Salesforce estimated U.S. Black Friday online sales at $18 billion globally (with a modest increase vs prior year), but noted a small drop in order volume and 7% uptick in average selling prices — hinting at inflation’s role in those larger totals. Ginlix AI+2Retail Dive+2
In contrast: foot-traffic data for physical retail stores was mixed. One major tracker reported a 3.6% nationwide decline in store traffic compared to 2024, though some retailers saw small gains or stabilization depending on location and category. Forbes+2Parade+2
📊 What’s Driving the Shift Online
More consumers are leaning on convenience and avoiding the hassle — with strong discounts and broad product availability online fueling that shift. Reuters+2CBS News+2
The presence of inflation and elevated prices likely pushed some shoppers to take fewer risks and spend more cautiously in physical stores — making online deals and fixed discounts more appealing. Ginlix AI+2Reuters+2
For many, Black Friday seems less like a one-day splurge and more like the start of a longer “value hunt” — shopping windows are broader, and buyers are more deliberate than impulsive. Reuters+2Retail Dive+2
✅ What This Means for Shoppers & Small-Biz Owners
For Shoppers
Online remains the safest bet for deals — comfort, convenience, and inventory availability make a strong case.
But higher prices and inflation mean you’ll want to be smart: compare deals, watch for price drops, and check reviews carefully.
For Creators, Bloggers & Retailers (like you)
If you’re reviewing or recommending tech, home-goods, or smart-home gear — now’s a strong moment to lean into e-commerce-friendly content: online-deal roundups, product comparisons, and buying guides.
Online-focused retail and marketing seem more stable than physical stores this season. Campaigns, SEO, affiliate links — everything tied to online purchases — are likely to perform well.
But real success now requires transparency with prices, value propositions, and helping readers sift through inflation-inflated totals vs true discounts.
🎯 My Take: Black Friday 2025 Shows Retail Reality
This year’s Black Friday confirms what many have sensed: e-commerce isn’t just growing — it’s dominating. Physical retail is still relevant, but it’s no longer the default. Shoppers want convenience, predictable pricing, and frictionless checkout — things online shopping delivers well.
For anyone writing about products or running online-oriented businesses, the key takeaway is this: double-down on digital presence. Whether that’s through honest reviews, curated deal lists, or educational content about inflation and value — now’s the time to earn trust and help readers/shop-smart.
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AI Spotlight: Higgsfield—Transforming Static Images into Cinematic Videos |
Higgsfield is an AI-powered video generation platform designed to empower creators with advanced cinematic tools. By converting static images into dynamic videos, Higgsfield offers a suite of features that bring professional-grade motion effects to users of all skill levels. |
🎬 Key Features: Extensive Motion Controls: Higgsfield provides over 50 cinematic camera movements, including dolly zooms, crash zooms, FPV drone shots, and more, allowing users to craft visually compelling narratives. Image-to-Video Conversion: Users can upload a single image and apply motion effects to generate short videos, making it ideal for social media content, advertisements, and storytelling. User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed for ease of use, enabling creators without extensive technical backgrounds to produce high-quality videos. Customizable Effects: Higgsfield offers a variety of visual effects, such as disintegration, levitation, and explosions, to enhance the creative possibilities. 💰 Pricing Plans: Basic Plan: Includes 150 credits per month, suitable for casual creators. Pro Plan: Offers 600 credits per month, access to advanced models, and additional features for professional use. Ultimate Plan: Provides 1500 credits per month, priority access to new features, and support for up to 4 concurrent jobs. Credit Packs: One-time purchase options are available for users needing additional credits without changing their subscription plan. 🚀 Getting Started: Sign Up: Create an account on Higgsfield's website. Choose a Motion Effect: Select from the extensive library of camera movements and visual effects. Upload an Image: Provide a high-quality image to serve as the base for your video. Generate Video: Apply the chosen effects and generate your video within minutes. 📣 My Take: Higgsfield stands out as a powerful tool for creators seeking to infuse their content with cinematic flair without the need for complex software or equipment. Its combination of user-friendly design and professional-grade effects makes it a valuable asset for marketers, storytellers, and social media influencers aiming to elevate their visual content. |
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