As the holiday shopping season approaches, millions of consumers are eagerly awaiting the discounts offered by the season’s retail giants: Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday.

Both shopping events have evolved significantly over the years, sparking a debate among shoppers: which day has the better deals?

Here’s a closer look at these legendary sales days and what they have to offer.

The Origins of Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday

Black Friday, which occurs the day after Thanksgiving, has a long history dating back to the 1950s, when Philadelphia police coined the term to describe the shopping frenzy caused by crowds in the suburbs.

In the late 1980s, retailers adopted the name and marketed it as the day their profits would shift from “red” (loss) to “black” (profit). This year, Black Friday falls on November 29, 2024 and promises deals that will attract millions to stores and online platforms.

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Cyber ​​Monday, introduced by the National Retail Federation in 2005, capitalized on the growing trend of online shopping.

It takes place on the first Monday after Thanksgiving and is specifically aimed at online shoppers. This year’s Cyber ​​Monday will take place on December 2, 2024 and will feature deals that complement the Black Friday shopping spree.

How the two events compare

Traditionally, Black Friday focused on in-store promotions and exclusive doorbuster deals, while Cyber ​​Monday targeted online shoppers with discounts on tech, apparel and home goods.

However, the rise of e-commerce and longer sales periods have blurred these distinctions, making the four days from Thanksgiving to Cyber ​​Monday a constant shopping extravaganza.

Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target often run overlapping promotions during this period, creating a seamless transition from Black Friday to Cyber ​​Monday.

In many cases, the same discounts apply to Cyber ​​Monday as well, while some stores reserve special offers exclusively for online shoppers, as noted in a USA Today report.

Which day offers better deals?

Deciding between Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday depends on the type of deals you’re looking for:

Best for tech and electronics: Black Friday remains the most popular day for TVs and gaming consoles, with discounts of up to 24%. However, Cyber ​​Monday typically offers better prices on smaller electronics like laptops and smart devices, with discounts as high as 30%, according to Adobe Analytics, as noted in the USA Today report.

Best for Fashion and Apparel: Cyber ​​Monday stands out in this category with discounts of up to 23%, making it ideal for shoppers looking to update their wardrobe.

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Best Convenience: Cyber ​​Monday’s online focus is perfect for those who prefer to shop from home and avoid the crowds that often accompany Black Friday.

Consumer spending trends

This year, Cyber ​​Week, which stretches from Thanksgiving through Cyber ​​Monday, is expected to generate a record-breaking $40.6 billion in online sales, up 7% from last year corresponds. Cyber ​​Monday alone is forecast to generate $13.2 billion in sales, followed by Black Friday at $10.8 billion.

FAQs

Why is Cyber ​​Monday celebrated?
Originally designed to boost online sales, Cyber ​​Monday has become a highly anticipated shopping event for both retailers and consumers. Originally conceived as an online counterpart to Black Friday, it has now evolved to rival its predecessor in terms of popularity and enthusiasm.

Why is November 29th Black Friday?
Black Friday occurs the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, which is traditionally celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. In 2024, Thanksgiving fell on Thursday, November 28th, setting Black Friday on Friday, November 29th.