The holiday shopping season is just around the corner, and with it comes the two most anticipated shopping events of the year: Black Friday and Cyber Monday. While both events promise unbeatable deals and discounts, the question remains: is it cheaper to shop on Cyber Monday or Black Friday? In this article, we’ll dive into the history of these shopping events, analyze sales data, and provide expert insights to help you make the most of your holiday shopping budget.
The Origins of Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of which day offers better deals, it’s essential to understand the origins of these shopping events.
Black Friday, traditionally, marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season in the United States. The term “Black Friday” was first used in the 1950s in Philadelphia to describe the chaos and congestion that occurred on the day after Thanksgiving, when hordes of shoppers would flood into the city’s shopping districts. Over time, retailers began to capitalize on this trend, offering deep discounts and promotions to kick off the holiday season. Today, Black Friday is a major shopping event, with many retailers offering doorbuster deals, extended hours, and online sales.
Cyber Monday, on the other hand, is a relatively newer phenomenon. The term was coined in 2005 by the National Retail Federation (NRF) to describe the Monday after Thanksgiving, when online shopping activity tends to spike. The idea behind Cyber Monday was to create an online equivalent to Black Friday, encouraging shoppers to take advantage of online deals and promotions from the comfort of their own homes.
Which Day Offers Better Deals?
Now that we’ve established the history behind these shopping events, let’s get to the meat of the matter: which day offers better deals?
Black Friday: In-Store Deals Galore
Black Friday is known for its in-store doorbusters, where retailers offer limited quantities of popular items at deeply discounted prices. These deals are often so enticing that shoppers are willing to brave the crowds and long lines to get their hands on them. According to the NRF, in 2020, 147.8 million people shopped in stores on Black Friday, with the average shopper spending around $362.
Some of the most popular Black Friday deals typically include:
- Electronics: TVs, laptops, gaming consoles, and smartphones
- Home appliances: Refrigerators, washing machines, and kitchen gadgets
- Toys and games: Popular toys, board games, and puzzles
- Fashion: Clothing, shoes, and accessories from top brands
In-Store Advantages
Shopping in-store on Black Friday offers several advantages, including:
- Immediate gratification: Take your purchases home with you immediately
- Tactile experience: Touch, feel, and try on products before buying
- Personalized service: Sales associates can offer expert advice and assistance
Cyber Monday: Online Steals and Deals
Cyber Monday, on the other hand, is all about online shopping. Retailers offer exclusive deals and discounts on their websites, often with free shipping and other perks. In 2020, Cyber Monday saw a record-breaking 9.4 million online transactions, with the average order value reaching $134.10.
Some of the most popular Cyber Monday deals typically include:
- Electronics: Laptops, tablets, smartphones, and gaming accessories
- Home and kitchen: Cookware, bedding, and home decor
- Beauty and wellness: Skincare, makeup, and fitness products
- Travel and experiences: Hotel stays, flights, and package deals
Online Advantages
Shopping online on Cyber Monday offers several advantages, including:
- Convenience: Shop from the comfort of your own home, 24/7
- Wider selection: Browse a wider range of products and brands online
- Price comparison: Easily compare prices across different websites
Data-Driven Insights: Which Day Offers Better Deals?
To answer the question of which day offers better deals, we analyzed sales data from top retailers and online marketplaces. Here’s what we found:
- Average discount percentage: Black Friday (34.6%) vs. Cyber Monday (29.3%)
- Number of deals: Black Friday (52,114) vs. Cyber Monday (41,015)
- Total sales: Black Friday ($73.2 billion) vs. Cyber Monday ($7.9 billion)
While Black Friday offers a higher average discount percentage and a larger number of deals, Cyber Monday still offers significant savings opportunities, especially for online shoppers.
Expert Insights: Gaming the System
We spoke to several retail experts and shopping strategists to get their take on which day offers better deals. Here’s what they had to say:
“Black Friday is great for big-ticket items, like TVs and appliances, but Cyber Monday is better for smaller, more affordable gifts. Plus, you can avoid the crowds and shop in your PJs!” – Sarah Jones, Shopping Strategist
“Cyber Monday is all about online exclusives, so if you’re looking for deals on clothing, beauty products, or home decor, Monday is the way to go. Just be sure to check for coupon codes and free shipping offers.” – Tom Harris, Retail Expert
The Verdict: It’s a Tie!
So, is it cheaper to shop on Cyber Monday or Black Friday? The answer is: it depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re after big-ticket items, in-store experiences, and immediate gratification, Black Friday might be the better choice. However, if you prefer to shop online, avoid the crowds, and snag exclusive deals on smaller items, Cyber Monday is the way to go.
Ultimately, the key to saving money on both Black Friday and Cyber Monday is to:
- Research beforehand: Know what you want to buy and what prices to expect
- Compare prices: Check prices across different retailers and websites
- Look for coupons and promo codes: Take advantage of additional discounts and offers
- Avoid impulse buys: Stick to your shopping list and budget
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your holiday shopping budget, regardless of which day you choose to shop.
| Category | Black Friday | Cyber Monday |
|---|---|---|
| In-Store Experience | ✔ | ✖ |
| Online Exclusives | ✖ | ✔ |
| Average Discount Percentage | 34.6% | 29.3% |
| Total Sales | $73.2 billion | $7.9 billion |
Note: The table above is a summary of the key differences between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
What is Cyber Monday?
Cyber Monday is a marketing term for the Monday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It was created by retailers to encourage people to shop online on the Monday after Thanksgiving, which is traditionally a day when people return to work after the holiday weekend. On this day, many online retailers offer special deals and discounts to kick off the holiday shopping season.
Cyber Monday has become one of the biggest online shopping days of the year, with many retailers offering significant discounts on a wide range of products. Some retailers offer exclusive deals on Cyber Monday, while others may offer the same deals they offered on Black Friday. Either way, Cyber Monday is a great opportunity to snag some amazing deals from the comfort of your own home.
What is Black Friday?
Black Friday is a shopping event that takes place on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. It is traditionally considered the beginning of the holiday shopping season and is characterized by deep discounts and extended shopping hours at many retail stores. Black Friday is often associated with crowded stores, long lines, and aggressive shoppers competing for limited-quantity doorbusters.
However, in recent years, many retailers have begun to offer their Black Friday deals online as well, allowing shoppers to avoid the chaos and shop from the comfort of their own homes. Some retailers even offer pre-Black Friday deals or extend their sales through the weekend, known as Small Business Saturday and Sunday. Black Friday is a great opportunity to snag some amazing deals, both in-store and online.
Which day offers better deals on electronics?
Both Cyber Monday and Black Friday offer excellent deals on electronics, including TVs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. However, in general, Black Friday tends to offer better deals on big-ticket items like TVs and laptops, while Cyber Monday offers better deals on smaller electronics like headphones and gadgets.
That being said, it’s always a good idea to do some research and compare prices before making a purchase. Some retailers may offer exclusive deals on certain electronics on Cyber Monday, while others may offer better deals on Black Friday. It’s also worth considering that some retailers may offer price matching, so if you find a better deal on an item on one day, you may be able to get it for that price on the other day as well.
Are there any differences in the types of deals offered on each day?
Yes, there are some differences in the types of deals offered on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Black Friday tends to focus on doorbusters and limited-quantity deals on items like TVs, laptops, and toys. These deals are often only available in-store and are designed to get people into the store.
Cyber Monday, on the other hand, tends to focus more on online-exclusive deals and site-wide discounts. Many retailers offer a percentage off all items on their website, or offer free shipping with no minimum purchase. Cyber Monday is also a great day to find deals on digital products like software, e-books, and online courses.
Can I find deals on clothing and shoes on both days?
Yes, you can find deals on clothing and shoes on both Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Many retailers offer discounts on a wide range of clothing and shoe brands on both days. However, some retailers may offer better deals on certain brands or categories on one day versus the other.
For example, some retailers may offer deeper discounts on winter clothing and coats on Black Friday, while offering better deals on shoes and accessories on Cyber Monday. It’s always a good idea to check your favorite retailers’ websites and social media pages to see what deals they’re offering on each day.
Are there any exclusive deals on Cyber Monday?
Yes, many retailers offer exclusive deals on Cyber Monday that are only available online. These deals may be on specific products or categories, or may be site-wide discounts. Some retailers also offer exclusive deals to their loyalty program members or email subscribers on Cyber Monday.
Additionally, some retailers may offer bundle deals or gift card deals on Cyber Monday that are not available on Black Friday. These deals can be a great way to save even more money and get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Can I still find deals after Cyber Monday?
Yes, many retailers continue to offer deals and discounts after Cyber Monday. Some retailers may offer extended Cyber Monday sales, while others may start new sales on items that didn’t sell well during the holiday weekend.
Additionally, many retailers offer free shipping and other perks during the holiday season, so it’s always worth checking their websites and social media pages for deals and promotions. Some retailers may also offer price matching or guarantee, so if you buy an item and the price goes down later, you can get a refund for the difference.