Adds NRF data in paragraphs 3 and 5, comment from NRF CEO in paragraph 4

Dec 2 (Reuters) - U.S. shoppers spent $14.25 billion on Cyber Monday, pushing total online sales over the Thanksgiving weekend to $44.2 billion, according to an Adobe Analytics report, as consumers lapped up offers on everything from gadgets to household essentials.

Spending rose 7.7% during the so-called Cyber Week - the five days from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday - compared with an 8.2% increase to $41.1 billion last year and above its prior expectations of $43.7 billion, the report said on Tuesday.

A record 202.9 million U.S. customers shopped during the period, compared with the 197 million recorded last year, according to the National Retail Federation.

"This year's record turnout reflects a highly engaged consumer who is focused on value, responds to compelling promotions, and seizes upon the opportunity to make the winter holidays special and meaningful," said NRF CEO Matthew Shay.

A total of 129.5 million consumers shopped in-store for the holidays, up 3% from a year earlier, the NRF said.

Shoppers spent $337.86 on average on items such as gifts, holiday apparel, decorations and other seasonal purchases, up from $315.56 in 2024, according to the NRF report.

Retailers including Amazon.com AMZN.O, Walmart WMT.N and Target TGT.N rolled out attractive discounts across categories to draw both affluent shoppers eager to splurge and budget-conscious consumers looking to stretch every dollar.

Even as big discounts led a few customers to take on short-term debt, analysts have noted that consumers remained savvy and watched price tags carefully to avoid impulse buys this year.

Several Americans relied on AI-powered services such as chatbots to browse products and compare prices in categories like appliances, toys, video games as well as jewelry.

(Reporting by Anuja Bharat Mistry in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)

((AnujaBharat.Mistry@thomsonreuters.com))