Black Friday has always been the biggest shopping event of the year, and in 2026 it’s going to be bigger than ever. But here’s the truth: shoppers are changing how they buy, and businesses need to keep up.
At AVMDEVS, we work with e-commerce brands every day, and we’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t). Here are the key trends for Black Friday 2026 that every business owner and shop manager should know.
1. Black Friday Isn’t Just One Day Anymore
Shoppers don’t wait until Friday morning. Many start looking for deals in early November, and some brands even launch campaigns two weeks before. In 2025, “Cyber Week” turned into “Cyber Ten,” with sales stretching across 10 days.
What this means for you: Start your promotions earlier, and keep the momentum going after Black Friday. Early-bird discounts and “last chance” reminders both work well.
2. Mobile Shopping Leads the Way
More than half of Black Friday sales now happen on phones. Globally, 69% of Black Friday purchases were made on mobile devices, slightly up from 68% in 2023, and the trend is only going up.
What this means for you: If your website isn’t fast and easy to use on a phone, you’ll lose customers. Make sure your checkout is simple and mobile-friendly.
3. Smarter Personalization with AI & Retargeting
Shoppers want to see products that matter to them. AI tools can now recommend items based on past searches, clicks, or purchases. Retargeting ads are even smarter—showing people the exact products they looked at on your site.
Platforms like Meta Advantage+ campaigns take this to the next level. They automatically test different ad combinations and show the right products to the right shoppers, saving time and improving results.
What this means for you: Use Advantage+ campaigns and product retargeting to remind shoppers of items they viewed or abandoned in their cart. It’s one of the easiest ways to increase sales.
4. Social Media Shopping Is Exploding
Social platforms are no longer just for discovery—they’re where people actually buy. TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook now allow direct shopping, and influencer livestreams drive huge traffic.
What this means for you: Make your products shoppable on social media. Pair that with Advantage+ campaigns and influencer promotions, and you’ll capture both attention and sales.
5. Payment Flexibility Helps Close More Sales
“Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) is becoming standard. In 2025, around 70% of Gen Z and Millennials used BNPL for at least one Black Friday purchase. Flexible payment options reduce cart abandonment and encourage bigger orders. What this means for you: Add BNPL options like Klarna, Tabby, or Tamara to your checkout. It makes buying easier and boosts your average order value.
6. Shoppers Want a Seamless Experience
Customers expect the same deals and smooth experience everywhere—your website, mobile app, email, and even in-store. Studies show omnichannel shoppers spend 23% more because they trust the brand.
What this means for you: Keep your offers consistent across all channels and make sure shoppers can move easily from browsing to buying, whether online or offline.
7. Sustainability Matters More Each Year
More than 60% of shoppers say they prefer eco-friendly products and transparent brands. Businesses that highlight sustainable packaging, ethical sourcing, or carbon-neutral shipping stand out.
What this means for you: Promote any sustainability efforts you have, it can give you an edge over competitors.
8. Trust and Delivery Make or Break Sales
Many shoppers are skeptical about Black Friday deals. A 2025 survey showed that only about half of buyers trusted all the offers they saw online. On top of that, late deliveries or hidden fees are deal-killers.
What this means for you: Be clear and honest with discounts. Highlight fast shipping options, easy returns, and trustworthy policies. A smooth delivery experience will win repeat customers.
Why These Trends Matter
In 2024, U.S. shoppers spent $39 billion during the Cyber Five (Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday). That’s a huge slice of the yearly revenue pie. If your store isn’t prepared, you risk missing out on one of the biggest growth opportunities of the year.
How AVMDEVS Helps You Win Black Friday 2026
At AVMDEVS, we help e-commerce businesses prepare for big events like Black Friday with strategies that actually work. Here’s how we can support your brand:
- Mobile-first website and checkout optimization
- AI-powered personalization and product retargeting
- Meta Advantage+ campaigns for smarter ads
- Social commerce integration and influencer campaigns
- BNPL and streamlined payment options
- Consistent omnichannel campaigns
- Sustainable branding strategies
- Logistics and trust-focused user experience
Final Word
Black Friday 2026 isn’t just about discounts, it’s about being smart, mobile-ready, and customer-focused. Businesses that use personalization, Advantage+ campaigns, flexible payments, and strong trust signals will win big.
Ready to boost your e-commerce sales this Black Friday? AVMDEVS can help.
