Cyber Week sales soar as shoppers rely on AI, 'buy now, pay later' tools

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( NewsNation ) — Americans spent billions during Cyber Week , and while the spending surge beat expectations, it may not actually signal a healthy economy.

As credit card debt and delinquencies on other short-term loans continue to rise, more shoppers are relying on “buy now, pay later” plans — which allow them to delay payments — to cover the price of holiday decor, gifts and other purchases.

Companies have been bracing for mass layoffs and inflation , but retailers say this year’s holiday season is shaping up to be one of the strongest in years, even with tight budgets and economic uncertainty.

$44.2B spent online du