Black Friday and Cyber Monday are part of the same extended shopping weekend. But which day has better deals?
Traditionally, Black Friday and Cyber Monday were distinct events, but their sales now overlap. Retailers start Black Friday deals early, both online and in stores. Cyber Monday sales often continue throughout the weekend into Monday. This shopping weekend is a major event for consumers and retailers alike.
Shopping Trends and Statistics
The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts a record 183.4 million shoppers for the 2024 Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday period. This surpasses the 182 million shoppers recorded in 2023. Black Friday remains the top shopping day, with 131.7 million (72%) planning to shop. Cyber Monday follows with 72.3 million (39%) intending to participate.
Shoppers flock to these sales for unbeatable deals, with 57% citing deals as “too good to pass up.” Another 28% shop to keep up with holiday traditions. As millions plan to shop during this period, the key question is: which day offers the best discounts?
What is Black Friday?
Black Friday takes place the day after Thanksgiving. In 2024, it will be on Friday, November 29. The term “Black Friday” originated in the 1950s when Philadelphia police described the shopping chaos following Thanksgiving. By 1961, the term caught on locally and went national in the 1980s. Retailers later rebranded it to reflect stores’ shift from “red” (loss) to “black” (profit) in their financial ledgers.
What is Cyber Monday?
Cyber Monday happens the Monday after Thanksgiving, landing on Monday, December 2, 2024. It started in 2005 as a response to Black Friday. Retailers noticed an increase in online shopping on the Monday after Thanksgiving. Shoppers, often returning to work with faster internet, took advantage of online deals. Retailers quickly turned Cyber Monday into a major online shopping event, rivaling Black Friday in popularity and sales.
Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday: Which Day Has Better Deals?
Originally, Black Friday and Cyber Monday had distinct focuses. Black Friday was for in-store deals, while Cyber Monday featured online sales. Over time, the rise of online shopping blurred these lines. Many retailers now combine the two into one extended sale period.
For instance, Amazon’s Black Friday Week starts on November 21 and continues through November 29. It then shifts into Cyber Monday sales from November 29 to December 2. While marketed as separate events, these sales essentially form one continuous shopping period.
Retailers sometimes reserve specific deals for either Black Friday or Cyber Monday. In other cases, deals roll over with slight changes in branding. Shoppers should check official sale dates for their desired items to avoid missing out.
Black Friday Deals
Black Friday deals often start early and run for several days. Retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, and Target offer early sales, but the best deals usually appear on the actual day. Tech gadgets, home appliances, and toys are top categories for Black Friday discounts.
Retailers like Amazon offer “Black Friday Week” promotions starting November 21, with deals continuing through November 29. Walmart, Target, and Best Buy also provide early access to Black Friday deals. While early access is helpful, the biggest price cuts often happen on Black Friday itself.
Cyber Monday Deals
Cyber Monday deals now extend beyond a single day, much like Black Friday. Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart offer sales for two days or more. Cyber Monday deals on electronics, home goods, and fashion are especially popular.
Amazon’s Cyber Monday sale runs from November 29 to December 2, with discounts on tech items like JBL headphones and Eufy security cameras. Deals include up to 50% off tech, 55% off Zinus mattresses, and 20% off Stanley drinkware.
Target’s Cyber Monday event typically begins on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. In 2024, it will likely start on December 1 and run through December 2. Deals often feature discounts on Apple AirPods Pro 2, Keurig K-Mini, Fire TV Stick 4K, and Apple Watch SE.
Which Day Should You Shop?
Both Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer significant discounts, but the best day depends on what you’re shopping for. Black Friday tends to have better in-store deals and large-ticket items like TVs and appliances. Cyber Monday focuses on online sales, especially for electronics, clothing, and small gadgets.
Since many retailers now offer deals throughout the weekend, it’s wise to plan ahead. Check retailer ads for specific deals, note the sale start times, and prioritize your must-have items. Shopping early may secure the best deals, but patience can pay off if you’re hunting for online-only Cyber Monday discounts.
Ultimately, the “better” day depends on your shopping goals. If you’re after in-store deals, Black Friday is your day. If you prefer online shopping, Cyber Monday might offer more exclusive deals. But since sales now stretch across multiple days, you can likely score great deals on both.