Cyber Week’s $44.2 billion surge shows just how fast AI-driven commerce is taking over.
As shoppers moved faster, the industry followed. Big networks restructured, streaming giants placed bold bids, and new tech reshaped how brands reach and convert audiences.
In this week’s PDMI roundup, we break down rising e-commerce trends, major agency shakeups, evolving TV and streaming dynamics, and the newest performance tools built to help brands move faster and grow smarter.
Retail & Ecommerce Trends
Retail and e-commerce experienced a surge this week as shoppers shifted online and relied on AI to find the best value.
Black Friday Sales Up 9.1% YoY — AI Helps Drive Growth
Black Friday hit $11.8 billion in online sales, rising 9.1% from last year. Shoppers stayed home, hunted for deals online, and leaned on AI tools to find the best prices fast.
AI made a considerable impact. Traffic from AI agents increased by 805%, and tools like brand-owned shopping assistants helped some retailers grow by nearly 9%. Even with higher prices and fewer items per order, consumers continued to show up and spend generously.
Cyber Monday Sees 7.1% Growth, Capping a Record Weekend
Cyber Monday reached $14.25 billion in online sales, representing a 7.1% increase and marking the largest online shopping day ever. Shoppers focused on pricier categories, such as electronics and furniture, as costs continued to climb.
The week stayed strong. Cyber Week reached $44.2 billion as shoppers continued to buy and seek out good deals.
Advertising & Agency Industry Shakeups
The agency world witnessed significant shifts this week as major networks restructured their teams and prepared for a more connected, AI-driven future.
Omnicom Shutters Key Agencies and Cuts 4,000 Jobs in IPG Takeover
Omnicom closed its $13.5 billion deal for Interpublic Group and quickly reshaped its network. FCB, DDB, and MullenLowe will merge into larger creative groups.
The shift comes with real impact. Omnicom plans to cut 4,000 jobs, bringing total reductions across both companies to nearly 10,000 roles. Its media arm now centers on six flagship agencies, and the company is moving toward a leaner, more AI-focused operating model.
Media & Streaming Landscape Shifts
Media and streaming saw significant developments this week, with major bids, higher stakes, and questions about where viewers will go next.
Netflix Emerges as Leading Bidder in WBD Asset Sale
Netflix, Comcast, and Paramount all raised their bids for Warner Bros. Discovery. Netflix leads the pack as it aims for WBD’s studio and streaming assets, including HBO Max, with 125.5 million subscribers.
Comcast is preparing a $27 to $28 per-share offer, while WBD is pushing for closer to $30 per share. With numbers climbing and pressure rising, this deal could reshape the streaming race.
Analysts Predict Linear TV Ad Revenue Will Decline Through 2027
Linear TV is losing ground fast. Analysts expect ad revenue to decline by 7% in 2025, 6% in 2026, and 8% in 2027, resulting in a drop from $55.2 billion to $47.9 billion.
At the same time, CTV continues to grow, albeit at a slower pace, reaching $22 billion by 2027. As budgets shift, sports and news remain the only anchors keeping linear from sinking faster.
Social Commerce Spotlight
Social commerce experienced growth this week as creators transformed everyday content into sales.
How TikTok Shop Mirrors Classic Infomercials
TikTok Shop resembles old-school TV infomercials. Influencers pitch products with high energy, live demonstrations, and fast “Buy Now” links that encourage shoppers to act quickly.
The model works. U.S. sales hit $10 billion through October, up from $5 billion in 2024, and nearly 600,000 creators helped drive purchases. With real-time comments replacing call-ins, TikTok has turned classic DRTV tactics into a new kind of shopping show.
Tools & Directories for Advertisers
PDMI makes it easy for brands to find the outlets and agencies that power strong media performance.
Ad Outlet Directory
The PDMI Ad Outlet Directory features over 150 TV networks, streaming platforms, and CTV operators, encompassing prominent industry names. Advertisers can browse contact details, request demos, and quickly compare partners to find the best fit.
Media Agency Directory
The PDMI Media Agency Directory highlights 50+ buying-focused media agencies ready to support upcoming campaigns. Each listing includes clear contact and buying information, helping brands connect with the right teams fast.
Web-Exclusive Member Content
This week’s member-only content spotlights new tools and insights built to help brands move faster, convert better, and stay ahead.
Buyist Launches Auware — AI-Built Landing Pages for Shopify
Buyist introduced Auware, a new Shopify app that enables the creation of audience-specific landing pages in minutes. It utilizes AI and Buyist’s playbook, which has driven $2 billion in revenue at an 8% conversion rate, far above typical ecommerce results.
Brands can connect a product, and Auware instantly creates tailored pages for different shoppers, helping teams boost conversions without extra work.
Flatworld Group Shares TikTok Shop Growth Insights
TikTok Shop is experiencing rapid growth, reaching $12.5 billion in revenue after a 128% increase this year. More than 500,000 sellers now use the platform, as trends, creators, and smart recommendations encourage shoppers to make purchases.
Ranjit Mulgaonkar says brands win by creating scroll-stopping videos, teaming up with creators, and utilizing TikTok’s low fees and easy-to-use tools to build momentum.
Blockboard Introduces BlockVantage
Blockboard rolled out BlockVantage, a new AI platform built on its award-winning programmatic technology.
CEO Matt Wasserlauf highlighted its impact with a Jersey Mike’s pilot, where a small budget generated 18 customers at the cost of $5.48 per visit.
By reducing waste and pairing AI with blockchain, BlockVantage achieved results that surpassed those of far larger platforms.
Stay in the Loop With PDMI
This week proved one thing: the industry never stops moving. Trends shift, tech evolves, and the brands that stay curious always find their edge.
Continue exploring the tools, insights, and partners featured in PDMI Weekly.
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