Generative AI use surging among consumers for online shopping: Report

Adobe's latest data shows that generative AI traffic pours into U.S. retail websites during the 2024 holiday season, and this trend continues until 2025.

From November 1 to December 31, 2024, generative AI traffic increased by 1,300% year-on-year (Cyber ​​Monday increased by 1,950% year-on-year). Adobe found that this trend continues after the holiday season. In February 2025, generative AI traffic increased by 1,200% compared with July 2024.

The reason why the percentage is so high is that generative AI tools are very novel. ChatGPT released its research preview on November 30, 2022. Generative AI traffic is still smaller, but it is growing significantly compared to other channels such as paid search or email. It has doubled every two months since September 2024.

Data details: Adobe's survey of 5,000 American consumers found that AI generated more traffic participation:

• 39% of respondents use generative AI to shop online, and 53% plan to do so in 2025.
• 55% of respondents used generative AI for their research.
• 47% of respondents used it for product recommendations.
• 43% of respondents used generative AI to find offers.
• 35% of respondents used it to find gift ideas.
• 35% of respondents use it to find unique products.
• 33% of respondents used it to create shopping lists.

One of Adobe's most interesting findings is what happens when generative AI users visit retail websites. Generative AI traffic displays compared to non-AI traffic sources (including paid search, affiliate partners, email, organic search, social media):

• Higher engagement: Adobe found that users stayed on the website longer and increased their engagement by 8%.
• More Pages: Generative AI visitors have increased 12% of the number of pages they browse per visit.
• Lower bounce rate: Their bounce rate is down by 23%.

However: Although traffic with high participation is good, the conversion rate is higher.

• Adobe found that the conversion rate from generative AI traffic is 9% lower than that from other sources.
• However, data show that this situation has improved significantly since July 2024, indicating that users are becoming more and more adaptable.

Generative AI for travel planning: In February 2025, the generative AI traffic for U.S. travel, leisure and hotel (including hotels) websites increased by 1,700% compared with July 2024. In the Adobe survey, 29% of respondents used generative AI to perform travel-related tasks, and 84% said this improved their experience.

The main use cases for AI users include:

• In general research, 54% of respondents.
• Travel inspiration, 43%.
• Recommended local food, 43%.
• Transportation planning, 41%.
• Itinerary, 37%.
• Budget management, 31%.
• Baggage assistance, 20%.

After users visited the travel website, Adobe Analytics data showed a 45% reduction in bounce rate.

Generative AI for Financial Services Research: In February 2025, the generative AI traffic of Bank of America's website increased by 1,200% compared with July 2024.

Adobe's survey of American consumers found that 27% of respondents used generative AI to meet banking and financial needs. Main use cases include:

• Savings and checking accounts recommended, 42%.
• Ask for the explanation of investment strategies and terms, 40%.
• Create a personalized budget, 39%.
• Understand the tax impact of financial decisions, 35%.

After accessing a banking website, visitors' browsing time increased by 45% (compared to non-AI sources).

Data Description: Adobe's data comes from the company's Adobe Analytics platform, based on more than 1 trillion visits to U.S. retail websites. Adobe also conducted a supporting survey of more than 5,000 U.S. respondents to understand how they use AI every day.

The above is the detailed content of Generative AI use surging among consumers for online shopping: Report. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!