Millions of shoppers eagerly anticipate one of the most awaited shopping weekends of the year: the stretch between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday. In 2024, this period promises to be another record-breaking event for retailers and consumers alike. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), an astounding 183.4 million people are expected to shop during this four-day period, surpassing the previous year's record of 182 million. The Best Nintendo Switch Deals This Black Friday We have Seen
Among these days, Black Friday and Cyber Monday stand out as the titans of shopping holidays. While Black Friday maintains its dominance with a projected 131.7 million shoppers (72% of those surveyed), Cyber Monday is no slouch, attracting 72.3 million participants (39%). The pressing question for many, however, is simple: Which day offers the better deals?
Let’s delve into the origins, significance, and the current state of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and determine which shopping holiday reigns supreme in 2024.
The Origins of Black Friday and Cyber Monday
What is Black Friday?
Black Friday, falling on November 29, 2024, is the traditional kickoff to the holiday shopping season. The term "Black Friday" originated in the 1950s in Philadelphia, coined by police to describe the chaotic crowds of suburban shoppers descending upon the city after Thanksgiving. By the late 1980s, retailers rebranded the term to signify profitability, as the day often marked the shift from being "in the red" (operating at a loss) to "in the black" (earning a profit).
Historically, Black Friday was synonymous with in-store deals and early morning lines, with consumers braving the cold to snag limited-time offers. Today, while brick-and-mortar shopping remains significant, much of the action has moved online, creating a hybrid shopping experience.
What is Cyber Monday?
Cyber Monday, set for December 2, 2024, emerged in 2005 as the digital counterpart to Black Friday. Coined by the National Retail Federation, the day capitalized on a growing trend: people using faster office internet connections on the Monday after Thanksgiving to shop online. Over the years, it has evolved into a critical day for e-commerce, with retailers offering exclusive online deals.
Unlike Black Friday’s emphasis on in-store promotions, Cyber Monday focuses entirely on online shopping, making it a convenient option for those who prefer avoiding crowds. In many ways, Cyber Monday complements Black Friday, rounding out a weekend of frenzied consumerism.
How Black Friday and Cyber Monday Have Evolved
The distinction between Black Friday and Cyber Monday has blurred significantly over the years. Retailers now extend sales across several days, offering overlapping discounts. For example, Amazon’s Black Friday Week spans November 21 to November 29, segueing directly into its Cyber Monday sale, which lasts until December 2.
The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this shift, pushing many in-store shoppers online. Retailers adapted by creating extended sales events and hybrid models, combining the best of both worlds. Today, Black Friday and Cyber Monday often feel like part of a single, continuous shopping event.
Comparing Deals: Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday
Product Categories and Discounts
Black Friday and Cyber Monday cater to slightly different shopping preferences. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in 2024:
- Electronics: Discounts for electronics are expected to peak on Cyber Monday, with savings reaching 30%, compared to Black Friday’s 10.9% for early-season sales. Televisions, however, remain a Black Friday specialty, with discounts of up to 24%.
- Apparel: Cyber Monday offers the best deals on clothing, with an average discount of 23%. Black Friday discounts for apparel tend to hover around 10%.
- Computers and Tech Accessories: Saturday during Cyber Week is projected to have the best bargains for computers, with discounts of 23%. However, Black Friday and Cyber Monday still feature excellent deals on accessories like headphones and smart home devices.
- Toys and Gifts: Both days see significant discounts, but Black Friday often leads in this category, especially for in-store purchases.
Sales Volume
Cyber Monday 2024 is expected to drive a record $13.2 billion in online sales, a 6.1% increase from the previous year. By comparison, Black Friday is projected to generate $10.8 billion in sales, marking a 9.9% year-over-year growth.
While Black Friday’s appeal remains stronger for in-store shopping, Cyber Monday dominates the e-commerce landscape. For consumers, this translates to more extensive online deals and better options for tech-savvy shoppers.
Shopping Strategies for 2024
When to Shop
Start Early: Many retailers begin their Black Friday sales weeks in advance. For example, Walmart launched its early Black Friday deals on November 11, offering up to 70% off on various items.
- Monitor Both Days: With many deals extending across both Black Friday and Cyber Monday, shoppers should keep an eye on their desired items throughout the weekend.
- Use Price Tracking Tools: Tools like Honey, CamelCamelCamel, and browser extensions can help monitor price drops and ensure you’re getting the best deal.
In-Store vs. Online
While in-store shopping allows for immediate access to items, online shopping offers convenience and often better deals on tech and electronics. Retailers like Amazon, Target, and Best Buy provide comprehensive online catalogs with deals that match or exceed their in-store counterparts.
Leverage Loyalty Programs
Many retailers offer exclusive discounts to loyalty program members. Signing up for these programs ahead of time can grant access to early sales and additional perks.
The Verdict: Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
Ultimately, the "better" shopping holiday depends on your preferences and shopping goals:
- Choose Black Friday if: You’re looking for in-store experiences, the best deals on TVs, or want to shop early for toys and gifts.
- Choose Cyber Monday if: You prefer online shopping, are hunting for tech deals, or want to snag the biggest discounts on clothing.
In 2024, both days offer incredible opportunities for savings, with some deals overlapping and others exclusive to specific days. Smart shoppers will plan strategically, taking advantage of both events to maximize their savings.
The Supreme Shopping Weekend
Cyber Monday and Black Friday are no longer distinct rivals but rather complementary pillars of the ultimate shopping weekend. Together, they represent a consumer phenomenon that combines tradition, convenience, and savings.
As the lines between these two shopping holidays continue to blur, the choice isn’t necessarily about picking one over the other. Instead, it’s about leveraging the unique strengths of each day to create the ultimate holiday shopping experience. In 2024, with record-breaking participation and sales expected, both days promise to deliver deals that are truly "too good to pass up."
