Xuru Technologies

Category: Retail & E-commerce

  • 56% of Shoppers Will Use AI This Black Friday: How to Be the Brand AI Recommends

    Skip to main content
    Blog · Trends · 5 min read

    AI is the new shop assistant. Make sure it knows you.

    More than half of shoppers will ask AI for help this Black Friday, and AI often suggests brands they had not considered. That is a real opening for smaller retailers.

    By the Xuru Technologies team · 21 October 2026

    Key takeaways

    • 56% of US consumers intend to shop with generative AI this Black Friday, up from 51% in 2025 and 35% in 2024.
    • AI introduces a brand shoppers wouldn't otherwise have considered in 46% of AI-assisted purchases.
    • 85% plan to shop Black Friday sales; apparel and electronics lead.
    • BCG advises marketing to both people and AI platforms with machine-readable product data and reviews.

    A year ago, being recommended by AI was a bonus. Now it is a core part of how shoppers discover products.

    What happened

    BCG's holiday analysis found spending holding up despite gloomy sentiment, with product comparison and deal-finding the top AI uses. Adobe's forecast expects AI-referred traffic up 130%.

    What it means for retailers

    • Discovery is open. AI can surface smaller brands next to giants.
    • Data quality decides. Complete, structured product information gets chosen.
    • Reviews matter. Third-party reviews build AI confidence.

    Getting recommended by AI

    StepWhy
    Product schema with price and stockMachines read it directly.
    Comparison-friendly descriptionsAI compares features and value.
    Collect genuine reviewsSignals trust.
    Clear deal pagesMatches deal-finding queries.

    Frequently asked questions

    How many shoppers will use AI for Black Friday 2026?

    BCG found 56% of US consumers intend to shop with generative AI this Black Friday.

    Can small brands get recommended by AI?

    Yes. AI introduced a brand shoppers hadn't considered in 46% of AI-assisted purchases, so clear data and reviews can level the field.

    What is machine-readable product data?

    Structured information like product schema and feeds that list price, availability, features and reviews in a standard format.

    AI search for retail

    Be the brand AI suggests.

    Product schema, comparison content and review strategies for AI-driven shopping.

    Website reviewAsk Xuru AI
    Have a project in mind?

    Let’s build
    what’s next.

    info@xurutechnologies.com +91 87992 91881 WhatsApp

    Websites, payments, digital marketing, AI automation, consultancy and practical technology training — for businesses and aspiring professionals worldwide.

    Monday – Friday: open 24 hours
    Saturday – Sunday: closed
    © 2026 Xuru Technologies Private Limited. All rights reserved. Serving clients worldwide · Mon – Fri, 24 hours

  • NRF Forecasts a $1 Trillion Holiday Season: How Shops and Restaurants Can Claim Their Share

    Skip to main content
    Blog · Trends · 4 min read

    A trillion-dollar season. Resilient shoppers, careful spending.

    Despite higher rates and energy costs, consumers are expected to spend more this holiday. Shops and restaurants that make gifting and booking easy will capture it.

    By the Xuru Technologies team · 16 October 2026

    Key takeaways

    • The NRF forecasts November–December 2026 sales of $1.013 trillion, up 4.2%.
    • Retailers plan 325,000 to 375,000 seasonal hires.
    • Shoppers remain resilient but value-focused.

    Holiday spending is the year's most important window for many businesses. This year's forecast is solid, even with economic headwinds.

    What happened

    The National Retail Federation released its forecast on 15 October. Retail Insight Network covered the figures.

    What it means for businesses

    • Gifting drives retail. Gift cards and guides convert.
    • Parties drive restaurants. Group bookings fill December.
    • Staffing is tight. Automation eases peak-season pressure.

    Holiday playbook

    BusinessAction
    RetailGift guides, gift cards, early-access emails.
    RestaurantsParty booking pages with deposits.
    HotelsFestive packages and gift vouchers.
    AllAI assistant for peak-time questions.

    Frequently asked questions

    What does the NRF forecast for holiday 2026?

    Sales of $1.013 trillion in November and December, up 4.2% from 2025.

    How can restaurants benefit?

    Open festive bookings early, take deposits for groups and sell gift cards online.

    How do small businesses cope with peak demand?

    Use online booking, ordering and AI answers so staff focus on serving customers.

    Holiday readiness

    Ready for the busiest weeks of the year.

    Gift cards, festive booking and AI answers for shops, restaurants and hotels.

    Our servicesAsk Xuru AI
    Have a project in mind?

    Let’s build
    what’s next.

    info@xurutechnologies.com +91 87992 91881 WhatsApp

    Websites, payments, digital marketing, AI automation, consultancy and practical technology training — for businesses and aspiring professionals worldwide.

    Monday – Friday: open 24 hours
    Saturday – Sunday: closed
    © 2026 Xuru Technologies Private Limited. All rights reserved. Serving clients worldwide · Mon – Fri, 24 hours

  • Prime Big Deal Days Hits $9.86 Billion: Toys, Costumes and Early Holiday Shopping Surge

    Skip to main content
    Blog · Trends · 4 min read

    The holidays started in October. Again.

    Two days of deals pulled holiday shopping forward. Retailers that wait for Black Friday will find many shoppers have already bought.

    By the Xuru Technologies team · 8 October 2026

    Key takeaways

    • US online spending reached $9.86 billion over 6–7 October 2026, up 8.5%, per Adobe.
    • Toys rose 158% and costumes 610% versus average September days.
    • Mobile was 52% of sales; buy now, pay later financed 6% of orders.

    October sales events now kick off the holiday season, especially for gifts and Halloween.

    What happened

    Digital Commerce 360 reported Adobe's figures, with peak discounts of 20% in computers, TVs and toys. Amazon's announcement listed the event's focus areas.

    What it means for retailers

    • Start promotions early. Gift buying is spread across October and November.
    • Toys and seasonal lead. Stock and marketing should follow.
    • Mobile is the majority. Speed on phones matters most.

    October moves

    ActionBenefit
    Early gift guidesCatch planners now.
    Price-protection promiseEncourages early purchase.
    Email early accessRewards loyal customers first.
    Inventory alertsAvoid selling out of top items.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much was spent during Prime Big Deal Days 2026?

    Adobe reported $9.86 billion in US online spending over 6–7 October 2026, up 8.5% year on year.

    Should small shops run October promotions?

    Yes. Shoppers are already in gift mode, and early offers reach them before budgets are spent.

    What sold best?

    Electronics, toys, video games, costumes and candy showed the biggest increases versus September.

    E-commerce

    Start your holiday season now.

    Gift guides, early-access emails and mobile-first stores.

    E-commerce buildsAsk Xuru AI
    Have a project in mind?

    Let’s build
    what’s next.

    info@xurutechnologies.com +91 87992 91881 WhatsApp

    Websites, payments, digital marketing, AI automation, consultancy and practical technology training — for businesses and aspiring professionals worldwide.

    Monday – Friday: open 24 hours
    Saturday – Sunday: closed
    © 2026 Xuru Technologies Private Limited. All rights reserved. Serving clients worldwide · Mon – Fri, 24 hours

  • Adobe Forecasts a Record $275 Billion Online Holiday Season, With AI Traffic Up 130%

    Skip to main content
    Blog · Trends · 4 min read

    A record season, led by mobile and AI. Is your store ready?

    Adobe expects another record holiday online, with AI assistants sending far more shoppers than last year. The winners will be stores that AI can read and phones can buy from easily.

    By the Xuru Technologies team · 4 October 2026

    Key takeaways

    • Adobe forecasts $275.1 billion in US online spending from 1 November to 31 December 2026, up 6.7%.
    • Cyber Monday is expected to hit $15.1 billion; Cyber Week $47.5 billion.
    • AI-referred traffic to retail sites is forecast up 130% year on year.
    • Mobile is expected to reach 57.4% of spending; buy now, pay later $21.3 billion.

    Last holiday season AI traffic grew nearly sevenfold. This year it is forecast to more than double again, and those visitors now convert well.

    What happened

    Relevant Audience summarised Adobe's forecast, released on 28 September. Digital Commerce 360 also covered it.

    What it means for online stores

    • AI referrals are a growth channel. Product data quality matters.
    • Mobile is the default. Fast, simple checkout wins.
    • Social and affiliates grow fastest. Diversify beyond paid search.

    Holiday checklist

    PriorityAction
    AI visibilityProduct schema, detailed descriptions, reviews.
    Mobile checkoutWallets, autofill, one page.
    PerformanceLoad test before Black Friday.
    PaymentsOffer pay-later for bigger baskets.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much will Americans spend online this holiday season?

    Adobe forecasts $275.1 billion from 1 November to 31 December 2026, up 6.7%.

    How fast is AI shopping traffic growing?

    Adobe forecasts AI-referred traffic to retail sites up 130% year on year this season.

    What is the biggest shopping day?

    Cyber Monday, 30 November 2026, forecast at $15.1 billion.

    E-commerce

    Holiday-ready for people and AI.

    Fast mobile stores with product schema and AI-friendly content.

    E-commerce buildsAsk Xuru AI
    Have a project in mind?

    Let’s build
    what’s next.

    info@xurutechnologies.com +91 87992 91881 WhatsApp

    Websites, payments, digital marketing, AI automation, consultancy and practical technology training — for businesses and aspiring professionals worldwide.

    Monday – Friday: open 24 hours
    Saturday – Sunday: closed
    © 2026 Xuru Technologies Private Limited. All rights reserved. Serving clients worldwide · Mon – Fri, 24 hours

  • Deloitte Sees $1.7 Trillion Holiday Season, With Online Up to $319 Billion and Value Seeking Everywhere

    Skip to main content
    Blog · Trends · 4 min read

    Online grows twice as fast. Get the store ready now.

    Holiday spending is set to grow, with online leading. But shoppers at every income level are switching brands for better value.

    By the Xuru Technologies team · 28 September 2026

    Key takeaways

    • Deloitte forecasts holiday retail sales up 4% to 4.8%, reaching $1.7 trillion to $1.71 trillion (November to January).
    • E-commerce is forecast to grow 7.5% to 8.4%, to $316–319 billion.
    • Value-seeking, brand switching and promotion use are rising across all incomes.

    The holiday season starts earlier every year. The stores that prepare in September and October win when demand peaks.

    What happened

    HomePage News reported Deloitte's forecast, linking it to disposable income growth of 4.5% to 5.2%. Deloitte's press release has the full figures.

    What it means for retailers

    • Online is the growth engine. Site speed and checkout matter most.
    • Loyalty is weaker. Shoppers switch for value, so make value obvious.
    • Promotions drive decisions. Plan offers early and clearly.

    Pre-season checklist

    TaskDeadline
    Speed and checkout testsEarly October.
    Gift guides and product schemaMid October.
    Email list warm-upLate October.
    Delivery cut-off messagingBefore Black Friday.

    Frequently asked questions

    What does Deloitte forecast for holiday 2026?

    Retail sales up 4% to 4.8%, about $1.7 trillion, with e-commerce up 7.5% to 8.4%.

    When should retailers prepare for the holidays?

    By early October: test site speed and checkout, publish gift guides and plan promotions.

    How do I win value-seeking shoppers?

    Clear pricing, bundles, free-shipping thresholds you can afford and loyalty rewards.

    Holiday readiness

    A store that's ready before the rush.

    Speed, checkout, gift guides and product schema for the holiday season.

    Website reviewAsk Xuru AI
    Have a project in mind?

    Let’s build
    what’s next.

    info@xurutechnologies.com +91 87992 91881 WhatsApp

    Websites, payments, digital marketing, AI automation, consultancy and practical technology training — for businesses and aspiring professionals worldwide.

    Monday – Friday: open 24 hours
    Saturday – Sunday: closed
    © 2026 Xuru Technologies Private Limited. All rights reserved. Serving clients worldwide · Mon – Fri, 24 hours

  • Halloween 2026 Heads for a Record $13.5 Billion, and 47% of Shoppers Use AI to Plan It

    Skip to main content
    Blog · Trends · 4 min read

    Costumes, candy and chatbots. Half of shoppers ask AI first.

    Halloween keeps growing, and nearly half of shoppers now use AI to find ideas and deals. Being findable by AI is becoming a seasonal sales strategy.

    By the Xuru Technologies team · 27 September 2026

    Key takeaways

    • NRF expects $13.5 billion in Halloween spending, up from a record $13.1 billion.
    • Costumes ($4.4 billion), decorations ($4.3 billion) and candy ($4.1 billion) lead.
    • 47% of consumers use AI tools to help with Halloween shopping.
    • 13% plan to shop with local and small businesses.

    Seasonal events are short, intense windows. This year, AI assistants are part of how people plan costumes, parties and purchases.

    What happened

    CPA Practice Advisor reported the NRF and Prosper survey, including 49% starting shopping in September or earlier. Talk Business also covered the forecast.

    What it means for businesses

    • Shop early, rank early. Seasonal pages need time to appear in search and AI.
    • AI influences choices. Clear product data gets you suggested.
    • Local still matters. Events and pop-ups draw community shoppers.

    Seasonal checklist

    BusinessAction
    RetailersGift guides and product schema.
    Restaurants and barsThemed event pages with booking.
    AttractionsTicketed events with mobile checkout.
    AllGoogle profile updates for event hours.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much will Americans spend on Halloween 2026?

    The NRF expects a record $13.5 billion, or about $115 per person.

    Do shoppers use AI for Halloween?

    Yes. 47% of consumers said they use AI tools to help with Halloween shopping.

    How can a small business benefit?

    Publish seasonal pages early, keep product and event information clear and promote local experiences.

    Seasonal campaigns

    Found by shoppers and their AI assistants.

    Seasonal pages, product schema and event booking.

    E-commerce buildsAsk Xuru AI
    Have a project in mind?

    Let’s build
    what’s next.

    info@xurutechnologies.com +91 87992 91881 WhatsApp

    Websites, payments, digital marketing, AI automation, consultancy and practical technology training — for businesses and aspiring professionals worldwide.

    Monday – Friday: open 24 hours
    Saturday – Sunday: closed
    © 2026 Xuru Technologies Private Limited. All rights reserved. Serving clients worldwide · Mon – Fri, 24 hours

  • Back-to-School 2026 Breaks Records at $146.8 Billion, With Value Front of Mind

    Skip to main content
    Blog · Trends · 4 min read

    Record totals, careful shoppers. Value wins the school run.

    Families and students plan to spend more than ever, but many are waiting for deals and buying essentials only. Clear value and convenience decide where they shop.

    By the Xuru Technologies team · 27 July 2026

    Key takeaways

    • K-12 spending is projected at a record $43.3 billion and college at $103.5 billion, per the NRF.
    • Only 50% of K-12 families plan to shop online, down from 55% last year.
    • 47% of late shoppers plan to buy only essentials, and 46% are waiting for the best deals.

    Back-to-school is retail's second-biggest season. This year's numbers show bigger budgets but sharper focus on value.

    What happened

    HomePage News reported the NRF and Prosper Insights survey, with electronics leading purchase plans. AP's coverage, carried by WSB-TV, highlighted families stretching budgets.

    What it means for retailers

    • Essentials first. Bundle must-haves at clear prices.
    • Stores regain ground. More shoppers plan in-store trips; click-and-collect bridges both.
    • Electronics lead. Financing and comparisons help bigger purchases.

    Season checklist

    ActionWhy
    School-list bundles onlineSaves families time and shows value.
    Click-and-collectCombines online browsing with store pickup.
    Price-match or deal messagingSpeaks to deal-waiters.
    Local SEO for "school supplies near me"Captures last-minute searches.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much will Americans spend on back-to-school in 2026?

    The NRF projects a record $43.3 billion for K-12 and $103.5 billion for college.

    Are fewer people shopping online for school?

    Yes. 50% of K-12 families plan to shop online, down from 55%, and college online intent is the lowest since 2016.

    How can a small store compete?

    Offer bundles, local pickup and clear prices, and make sure you appear in local searches.

    Retail websites

    Online and in-store, working together.

    Online stores with bundles, click-and-collect and local SEO.

    E-commerce buildsAsk Xuru AI
    Have a project in mind?

    Let’s build
    what’s next.

    info@xurutechnologies.com +91 87992 91881 WhatsApp

    Websites, payments, digital marketing, AI automation, consultancy and practical technology training — for businesses and aspiring professionals worldwide.

    Monday – Friday: open 24 hours
    Saturday – Sunday: closed
    © 2026 Xuru Technologies Private Limited. All rights reserved. Serving clients worldwide · Mon – Fri, 24 hours

  • Prime Day 2026 Hits $26.4 Billion, and AI-Referred Shoppers Convert 40% Better

    Skip to main content
    Blog · Trends · 4 min read

    AI shoppers stopped browsing. They started buying.

    A year ago, visitors from AI tools converted worse than average. This Prime Day they converted 40% better. That flips how online stores should think about AI search.

    By the Xuru Technologies team · 30 June 2026

    Key takeaways

    • US online spending reached $26.4 billion from 23 to 26 June 2026, up 9.3%, per Adobe.
    • AI-referred traffic rose 89% during the event, and those visitors converted 40% better than others.
    • Mobile hit a record 54.2% of sales, and buy now, pay later reached $2.1 billion.

    Prime Day lifts the whole online market, not just Amazon. Adobe's data shows where shoppers came from and what made them buy.

    What happened

    Adobe's Prime Day insights showed electronics leading growth and shoppers trading up to pricier items. AP, via the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, reported the headline total.

    What it means for online stores

    • AI search drives buyers. Shoppers who ask AI arrive ready to purchase.
    • Mobile is the majority. Checkout must be quick on phones.
    • Flexible payment helps. Pay-later supports bigger baskets.

    Capture AI-referred shoppers

    StepWhy
    Complete product schemaAI tools read price, stock and reviews.
    Detailed product descriptionsAnswers the questions shoppers ask AI.
    Track AI referrals in analyticsSee which assistants send buyers.
    One-page mobile checkoutTurns ready buyers into orders.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much was spent online during Prime Day 2026?

    Adobe reported $26.4 billion in US online spending from 23 to 26 June 2026, up 9.3% year on year.

    Do AI-referred visitors buy more?

    During Prime Day 2026 they converted 40% better than visitors from other channels, according to Adobe.

    How do I get traffic from AI assistants?

    Publish complete, structured product information, helpful guides and accurate policies, and keep your site fast and crawlable.

    E-commerce and AI search

    Win the shoppers AI sends your way.

    Product schema, buying guides and fast mobile checkout.

    E-commerce buildsAsk Xuru AI
    Have a project in mind?

    Let’s build
    what’s next.

    info@xurutechnologies.com +91 87992 91881 WhatsApp

    Websites, payments, digital marketing, AI automation, consultancy and practical technology training — for businesses and aspiring professionals worldwide.

    Monday – Friday: open 24 hours
    Saturday – Sunday: closed
    © 2026 Xuru Technologies Private Limited. All rights reserved. Serving clients worldwide · Mon – Fri, 24 hours

  • Prime Day Moves to June 23–26: How Independent Retailers Can Compete With Amazon’s Big Week

    Skip to main content
    Blog · Trends · 4 min read

    Prime Day comes early. Your counter-offer should too.

    Amazon's biggest sale moves to June. Shoppers will be in deal mode that week, which is a chance for independent stores, not just a threat.

    By the Xuru Technologies team · 4 June 2026

    Key takeaways

    • Prime Day 2026 runs 23–26 June, moved from July to avoid World Cup and US 250th anniversary clashes.
    • Amazon expects groceries and household essentials to play a bigger role as shoppers stretch budgets.
    • The event covers the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Canada and more.

    Big sales events create a wave of deal-hunting across the whole internet. Smart independents ride the wave rather than hide from it.

    What happened

    TechRepublic reported the new dates and Amazon's reasoning. 9to5Mac noted the shift to avoid major event clashes.

    What it means for independent retailers

    • Deal mode everywhere. Shoppers compare prices across stores that week.
    • Essentials matter. Value on everyday items draws budget-conscious buyers.
    • Loyalty is your edge. Personal service and community beat pure price.

    A counter-programming plan

    IdeaWhy
    Members-only week for your listReward loyalty with your own event.
    Bundles Amazon cannot matchCurated sets and local extras.
    Local same-day pickupFaster than many deliveries.
    Fast, mobile checkoutDeal shoppers do not wait.

    Frequently asked questions

    When is Prime Day 2026?

    23 to 26 June 2026, a four-day event for Prime members.

    Should small shops run sales during Prime Day?

    Often yes. Shoppers are actively looking for deals, so a well-promoted offer to your own customers can perform well.

    How can I compete without cutting prices too far?

    Offer bundles, loyalty rewards, local pickup and expert advice rather than matching every discount.

    E-commerce

    Run your own big week with your own customers.

    Online stores with email capture, bundles and fast mobile checkout.

    E-commerce buildsAsk Xuru AI
    Have a project in mind?

    Let’s build
    what’s next.

    info@xurutechnologies.com +91 87992 91881 WhatsApp

    Websites, payments, digital marketing, AI automation, consultancy and practical technology training — for businesses and aspiring professionals worldwide.

    Monday – Friday: open 24 hours
    Saturday – Sunday: closed
    © 2026 Xuru Technologies Private Limited. All rights reserved. Serving clients worldwide · Mon – Fri, 24 hours

  • Universal Cart and Agent Payments: Google’s Plan to Let AI Shop Across Every Store

    Skip to main content
    Blog · Trends · 4 min read

    One cart across the internet. Your products need to be in it.

    Google wants shoppers to collect items from any store in one place and let agents pay within limits. For retailers, clean product data becomes the shop floor.

    By the Xuru Technologies team · 21 May 2026

    Key takeaways

    • Universal Cart follows shoppers across Search, Gemini, YouTube and Gmail, tracking prices and restocks.
    • It launches in the US this summer with retailers including Nike, Target, Walmart and Wayfair.
    • AP2 lets agents make payments within limits users set.
    • The Universal Commerce Protocol expands to Canada and Australia, then the UK, and into hotels and food delivery.

    In January, Google launched its open commerce protocol. Four months later it is building a shopping layer across all its products, and opening it to more countries and industries.

    What happened

    TechCabal detailed the shopping announcements from I/O, and Tech2 covered the wider keynote.

    What it means for retailers and hotels

    • Product feeds are critical. Missing prices or stock means missing the cart.
    • Price tracking is public. Shoppers get alerts when competitors drop prices.
    • Hotels and restaurants are next. Booking and delivery join agentic checkout.

    Preparing for agent shopping

    StepOutcome
    Merchant Center feed auditAccurate titles, prices, variants and stock.
    Product and offer schemaMachines read your site correctly.
    Clear returns and deliveryAgents compare policies too.
    Modern checkout platformReady for agent and wallet payments.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is Google Universal Cart?

    A shopping cart that works across Google Search, Gemini, YouTube and Gmail, collecting items from multiple stores and tracking prices.

    What is AP2?

    A protocol announced at Google I/O 2026 that lets AI agents make payments on a user's behalf within limits the user sets.

    Will this come to the UK and Australia?

    Google said its Universal Commerce Protocol will expand to Canada and Australia in the coming months, followed by the UK.

    Agent-ready commerce

    Get into the cart before your competitors.

    Product feeds, schema and modern checkout for AI-driven shopping.

    E-commerce buildsAsk Xuru AI
    Have a project in mind?

    Let’s build
    what’s next.

    info@xurutechnologies.com +91 87992 91881 WhatsApp

    Websites, payments, digital marketing, AI automation, consultancy and practical technology training — for businesses and aspiring professionals worldwide.

    Monday – Friday: open 24 hours
    Saturday – Sunday: closed
    © 2026 Xuru Technologies Private Limited. All rights reserved. Serving clients worldwide · Mon – Fri, 24 hours