Consistent with the results of a survey of 7,782 U.S. consumers

IBM has used AI to forecast year-end shopping sales. The forecast is drawing attention as it matches the results predicted by the National Retail Federation.
IBM predicted that sales during the U.S. year-end shopping season, spanning from Thanksgiving through Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas, would increase by 4% compared to last year. This aligns with the results of a survey conducted by the National Retail Association in October involving 7,782 U.S. consumers.

This report, derived from AI analysis of demographic data and various factors across more than 25 retail sectors, predicts that retail sales in December will surge at the end of the season, deviating from the previous trend of skyrocketing at the beginning of the Christmas season. According to the report, this is attributed to the increase in U.S. consumers' disposable income during the holiday season.

IBM predicted, based on AI-powered analysis, that toy sales would increase by 15.17% compared to last year, showing the largest growth among products. It was predicted that overall online sales would increase by 11.3%, while the food service industry would rise by 8.46%, sports and leisure by 5.55%, and household goods by 3.87%, whereas the children's clothing sector would decrease by 14.94%, home appliances by 2.24%, and clothing by 1.24% compared to last year.

Meanwhile, in addition to this outlook report, IBM is providing various AI-based solutions for businesses, including marketers, retailers, and supply chain managers, in time for the shopping season. Best Western, a world-renowned hotel chain, launched AI-powered digital advertisements for the year-end season. Utilizing IBM’s AI Watson, which has learned about customers, services, and travel destinations, they produced advertisements that engage in one-on-one conversations with customers to offer personalized travel packages and tips. As a result, the time spent conversing with customers through digital advertisements increased by more than 2.2 times, and the number of new customers rose by 48.6%.