The holiday shopping season is upon us, and with it comes the age-old question: Is Black Friday or Cyber Monday cheaper? For years, shoppers have debated which day offers the best deals, with some swearing by the in-store doorbusters of Black Friday and others preferring the online exclusives of Cyber Monday. But which day truly reigns supreme when it comes to savings?
The Origins of Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Before we dive into the numbers, let’s take a brief look at the history behind these two shopping behemoths. Black Friday, traditionally the day after Thanksgiving, has its roots in the 1950s in Philadelphia. Back then, it was known as the official start of the holiday shopping season, with retailers offering discounts and promotions to kick off the festivities. Over time, the day has evolved into a frenzied free-for-all, with shoppers flocking to stores in search of doorbuster deals and limited-time offers.
Cyber Monday, on the other hand, is a relatively newer phenomenon. Coined in 2005 by the National Retail Federation (NRF), it was originally designed to encourage online shopping on the Monday after Thanksgiving. The idea was simple: offer exclusive deals and discounts online, and people would flock to their computers to take advantage of the savings. Today, Cyber Monday is one of the biggest online shopping days of the year, with many retailers offering site-wide discounts and free shipping.
The Numbers: A Historical Comparison
So, which day is truly cheaper? To answer this question, let’s take a look at some historical data. According to a study by Adobe Analytics, in 2020, Black Friday saw an average discount of 27% off products, while Cyber Monday offered an average discount of 30%.
| Year | Black Friday Average Discount | Cyber Monday Average Discount |
| — | — | — |
| 2018 | 22% | 28% |
| 2019 | 25% | 31% |
| 2020 | 27% | 30% |
As we can see, while both days offer significant discounts, Cyber Monday has consistently offered higher average discounts than Black Friday over the past few years. But what about specific product categories?
Electronics: A Key Category
Electronics are always a hot ticket item during the holiday season, and both Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer significant discounts on TVs, laptops, and gaming consoles. According to a study by NerdWallet, in 2020, Black Friday offered an average discount of 33% off electronics, while Cyber Monday offered an average discount of 36%.
However, it’s worth noting that some retailers, such as Best Buy and Walmart, offer exclusive deals on electronics on Black Friday, which can be significantly cheaper than what’s available on Cyber Monday.
Toys and Games: A Surprising Twist
Toys and games are another popular category during the holiday season, and here, the numbers tell a different story. According to a study by Profitero, in 2020, Black Friday offered an average discount of 34% off toys and games, while Cyber Monday offered an average discount of 26%.
This may be due to the fact that many retailers, such as Amazon and Target, offer toy deals throughout the holiday season, rather than concentrating them on specific days.
The Intangibles: Convenience, Shipping, and Returns
While discounts are certainly important, they’re not the only factor to consider when deciding between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Convenience, shipping, and returns can all play a significant role in the overall shopping experience.
Convenience: In-Store vs. Online
Black Friday is all about the in-store experience, with shoppers flocking to physical stores to snag deals and score doorbusters. Cyber Monday, on the other hand, is all about the online experience, with shoppers shopping from the comfort of their own homes.
For those who value convenience and avoiding the crowds, Cyber Monday may be the better option.
Shipping: The Hidden Cost
While Cyber Monday offers the convenience of online shopping, it also comes with the added cost of shipping. According to a study by Deloitte, in 2020, 64% of online shoppers expected free shipping, while 47% expected same-day or next-day shipping.
For those who factor in shipping costs, Black Friday may be the better option, as many retailers offer in-store pickup or same-day delivery.
Returns: A Key Consideration
Returns are an often-overlooked aspect of the holiday shopping experience, but they can be a major hassle. Black Friday returns can be a nightmare, with many retailers offering extended return windows or special holiday return policies.
Cyber Monday, on the other hand, often comes with more flexible return policies, as online retailers seek to build trust with customers.
The Verdict: Is Black Friday or Cyber Monday Cheaper?
So, which day is truly cheaper? The answer, of course, depends on the individual shopper’s needs and preferences. If you’re looking for exclusive deals on electronics, Black Friday may be the better option. If you’re looking for convenience, flexibility, and higher average discounts, Cyber Monday may be the way to go.
Ultimately, the smartest shoppers will do their research, compare prices, and take advantage of both days’ deals to maximize their savings.
As the holiday shopping season approaches, one thing is clear: both Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer significant savings and opportunities for shoppers to score great deals. By understanding the numbers, the product categories, and the intangibles, shoppers can make informed decisions and make the most of their holiday budgets.
So, which day will you be shopping on? Will you brave the crowds on Black Friday or shop from the comfort of your own home on Cyber Monday? Let us know in the comments!
What is the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Black Friday is a shopping event that takes place on the day after Thanksgiving, typically marked by in-store doorbusters and early morning sales. It’s a brick-and-mortar focused shopping event, where retailers offer discounts and promotions to kick off the holiday shopping season. On the other hand, Cyber Monday is a online-focused shopping event that takes place on the Monday following Black Friday. It was created to encourage online shopping, and many retailers offer exclusive online deals and discounts on this day.
While both events offer discounts and promotions, the key difference lies in the shopping experience. Black Friday is about the thrill of in-store shopping, with many people lining up outside stores overnight to snag doorbuster deals. Cyber Monday, on the other hand, is all about convenience, allowing shoppers to snag deals from the comfort of their own homes.
Which day offers better deals on electronics?
Black Friday is generally considered to be the better day for deals on electronics. Many major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target offer significant discounts on popular electronic items like TVs, laptops, and gaming consoles on Black Friday. These deals are often in-store only, and quantities are limited, so shoppers need to act fast to snag the best deals.
That being said, some retailers may offer similar or even better deals on electronics on Cyber Monday. Online retailers like Amazon often offer discounts on electronics, and some retailers may offer exclusive online deals on Cyber Monday. However, the selection of electronics deals on Cyber Monday may be limited compared to Black Friday.
Do online prices differ from in-store prices on Black Friday?
Yes, online prices can differ from in-store prices on Black Friday. Some retailers may offer exclusive online deals on Black Friday, while others may offer the same deals in-store and online. However, it’s not uncommon for online prices to be different from in-store prices, especially on popular items.
It’s always a good idea to price compare before making a purchase, whether online or in-store. Check the retailer’s website and compare prices with other retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Additionally, some retailers may offer online-only deals on Black Friday, so it’s worth checking their website even if you plan to shop in-store.
Can I find the same deals on both Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Some retailers may offer the same deals on both Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but it’s not always the case. Black Friday deals are often limited to in-store shopping, while Cyber Monday deals are exclusive to online shopping.
However, some retailers may offer similar deals on both days, especially on popular items. Additionally, some retailers may offer a “pre-Cyber Monday” sale, where they offer online deals on Sunday or Monday before Cyber Monday. It’s always a good idea to check the retailer’s website and social media pages to stay informed about their deals and promotions.
Should I shop on Black Friday or wait for Cyber Monday?
It depends on your shopping style and preferences. If you enjoy the thrill of in-store shopping and are looking for deals on popular items, Black Friday may be the better option for you. However, if you prefer to shop from the comfort of your own home and are looking for online-exclusive deals, Cyber Monday may be the way to go.
Ultimately, it’s a good idea to research the deals and promotions offered by your favorite retailers on both Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Make a list of the items you want to purchase and compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Do retailers offer price matching on Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Some retailers may offer price matching on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but it’s not always the case. Some retailers may have special price match policies in place for these shopping events, while others may not.
It’s always a good idea to check the retailer’s price match policy before making a purchase. Some retailers may offer a “lowest price guarantee,” where they’ll match a lower price offered by a competitor. Others may have specific exclusions or limitations on their price match policy, so be sure to read the fine print.
Can I return or exchange items purchased on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
Return and exchange policies can vary by retailer, even on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Some retailers may have special return and exchange policies in place for these shopping events, while others may have their standard policies in effect.
It’s always a good idea to check the retailer’s return and exchange policy before making a purchase. Some retailers may have extended return windows or special exceptions for items purchased on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, so be sure to read the fine print and understand the retailer’s policies before making a purchase.