Walmart credits AI, fast delivery for strong Black Friday-Cyber Monday
Walmart Inc. had a merry Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with leading-edge technology and ship-from-store playing key roles.
While the discount giant did not release specific figures for its Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, it reported "consistently strong sales growth, led by digital," with especially positive performance in the electronics, toys, fashion, and home categories.
According to Walmart, the company delivered 57% more orders from stores on Black Friday than it did in 2024, with 44% more orders delivered in less than three hours. The fastest delivery recorded by Walmart on Black Friday arrived in 10 minutes to a customer in West Valley City, Utah.
Walmart also said numerous customers utilized "Sparky," the generative AI assistant embedded in its assistant. The retailer says customers used the tool to compare products, plan parties, and get purchase suggestions tailored to their gift preferences. Top conversational topics with Sparky included memberships in the paid Walmart+ subscription program, gift cards, and TVs.
[READ MORE: Walmart puts 'Sparky' next-generation AI assistant into wide release]
The retailer tracked nearly 10 million shoppers using the Walmart app in stores. Walmart data shows that in-store customers spend 25% more on average than when they don’t use the app.
Other Walmart Black Friday – Cyber Monday trends
- The Walmart Marketplace third-party sales platform set a new single-day conversion record with PlayStation 5 video game consoles and Labubu collectible tools as top sellers.
- Walmart’s overall top-selling product on Black Friday was Apple Airpods Gen 4, with the 65" Vizio 4k Smart TV and 55" Hisense 4K TV following closely. Best-selling items in other categories included men’s Wrangler denim, tires, and Pokémon cards.
Walmart says it has extended many of its Cyber Monday deals through Sunday, Dec. 7. Throughout the month of December, Walmart will offer exclusive last-minute deals.
"We curated an incredible assortment of the most sought-after gifts — from Barbie to Vizio to Apple — at the best prices of the season," said Latriece Watkins, chief merchant, Walmart U.S. "And thanks to our coast-to-coast Fast Delivery network, we delivered holiday magic to millions of doorsteps, with our fastest delivery completed in just 10 minutes. We love making the holidays bright, easy, and affordable for families everywhere."
