Silke Mayr Black Friday and Cyber Monday mark an extended shopping weekend, but which day offers the best bargains?
These two sales events were once distinct, but now their deals often overlap.
Retailers begin Black Friday promotions early, with offers online and in stores.
Cyber Monday deals usually start over the weekend and continue through Monday.
The biggest shopping weekend of the year is fast approaching.
The National Retail Federation estimates that 183.4 million people will shop in stores and online between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday in 2024. This figure surpasses last year’s record of 182 million shoppers.
Black Friday remains the most popular day, with 131.7 million people (72%) planning to shop. Cyber Monday attracts 72.3 million people (39%).
Shoppers cite “too good to pass up” deals as the main reason for participating (57%), followed by love for tradition (28%).
With millions planning to shop during this four-day period, the key question remains: Which day offers the best deals?
What is Black Friday? When is Black Friday 2024?
Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving, which falls on November 29, 2024.
The term “Black Friday” originated in Philadelphia in the 1950s. Police used it to describe the chaos caused by suburban shoppers flooding the city. By 1961, the term became a local fixture, but it didn’t gain national recognition until the late 1980s. Retailers then promoted it as the day when stores go from being “in the red” (in debt) to “in the black” (profitable).
Black Friday sales are known for deep discounts on electronics, appliances, and apparel. Retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy typically offer doorbuster deals that start online and in stores before the official day.
What is Cyber Monday? When is Cyber Monday 2024?
Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving, landing on December 2, 2024.
It began as an online shopping alternative to Black Friday. The National Retail Federation coined the term in 2005 after noticing a surge in online purchases on the Monday after Thanksgiving. As people returned to work with high-speed internet access, online shopping boomed.
Cyber Monday focuses on e-commerce deals, with online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy leading the charge. Discounts are often available on tech, gadgets, home goods, and more.
Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday: Which Day Has Better Deals?
In the past, Black Friday and Cyber Monday were distinct, with Black Friday focusing on in-store deals and Cyber Monday on online sales.
However, the rise of e-commerce blurred the lines. Retailers now offer Black Friday deals online and extend them through Cyber Monday. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, with more consumers shopping online than ever before.
Today, the two events often blend into one long sales period. For instance, Amazon’s Black Friday Week runs from November 21 to November 29, directly leading into its Cyber Monday sale from November 29 to December 2.
Many retailers reuse Black Friday deals for Cyber Monday, while some reserve exclusive deals for Cyber Monday only. Shoppers should check store schedules to avoid missing specific offers.
Retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and Amazon start “Black Friday” deals well before the official day, running them for several days or weeks. However, the steepest discounts are usually reserved for the day itself.
Top Cyber Monday Deals
Like Black Friday, Cyber Monday now extends beyond a single day.
Major retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart reserve special deals for Cyber Monday. Often, these promotions last two days or even an entire “Cyber Week.”
Amazon’s Cyber Monday sale begins on November 29 and runs through December 2. Shoppers can expect up to 50% off JBL headphones, 40% off Bissell and Tineco vacuums, 55% off Zinus mattresses, and 20% off Stanley drinkware.
Target’s Cyber Monday sale starts on Sunday, December 1, and continues through December 2. Deals include Apple AirPods Pro 2 for $189.99, Keurig K-Mini for $59.99, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K for $24.99, and Apple Watch SE for as low as $199.99.
Shoppers should monitor deals from these retailers as offers change rapidly and quantities are limited.
Both Black Friday and Cyber Monday present opportunities for huge savings, but the best day depends on what you’re looking to buy. For tech gadgets and electronics, Cyber Monday often has stronger deals. If you’re after big-ticket appliances or doorbuster items, Black Friday remains king. To maximize savings, shoppers should start early and keep an eye on deals throughout the weekend.