Cyber Monday shoppers plan ahead — Chain Store Age

Nearly half of U.S. consumers are entering Black Friday and Cyber Monday with specific purchase lists, showing a deliberate approach to holiday shopping.

Key Takeaways

  • Preplanned shopping is dominant: About 45% of consumers plan to buy from prepared lists, signaling strategic shopping focused on deals rather than impulse buys.

  • Younger generations drive engagement: Millennials and Gen Z show the highest participation rates, with up to 88% planning to shop, compared to just over half of baby boomers.

  • AI adoption reshapes research behavior: Nearly half of shoppers expect to use conversational or generative AI tools for ideas and product recommendations, emphasizing a shift toward tech-enabled shopping.