Black Friday and Cyber Monday dominate the holiday shopping season. But which day offers the better discounts?
While originally separate events, these two shopping holidays now often overlap. Retailers launch Black Friday sales earlier, both online and in stores. Meanwhile, Cyber Monday deals frequently extend throughout the weekend and into Monday. This shopping weekend is massive, with record numbers expected in 2024.
According to the National Retail Federation, 183.4 million people will shop during Thanksgiving weekend, exceeding 2023’s 182 million. Black Friday leads with 131.7 million participants, while 72.3 million plan to shop on Cyber Monday. Deals that are “too good to miss” attract 57% of shoppers, while tradition motivates 28%.
With so many shoppers participating, the question remains: Is Black Friday or Cyber Monday better for deals? Let’s explore.
What Are Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Black Friday: A Post-Thanksgiving Tradition
Black Friday falls the day after Thanksgiving—Friday, Nov. 29, in 2024. The term originated in the 1950s when Philadelphia police used it to describe the chaos caused by suburban shoppers flooding the city. By the late 1980s, retailers rebranded the day, emphasizing how it turned stores profitable, from “the red” into “the black.”
Black Friday remains a cornerstone of holiday shopping, with major discounts both online and in stores.
Cyber Monday: The Online Shopping Event
Cyber Monday occurs on the Monday after Thanksgiving, falling on Dec. 2 in 2024. Coined in 2005 by the National Retail Federation, the term emerged after noticing a spike in online shopping as people returned to work. Retailers embraced this trend, transforming Cyber Monday into a major online sales event.
Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday: A Blending of Events
Originally distinct, Black Friday and Cyber Monday have increasingly merged. In-store shopping once defined Black Friday, while Cyber Monday focused on online deals. The rise of e-commerce and extended sales have blurred these lines. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, making online shopping the preferred choice for many.
Now, retailers often treat the two as one extended event. For instance, Amazon’s Black Friday Week runs from Nov. 21 to Nov. 29 and transitions directly into its Cyber Monday sale, which lasts through Dec. 2. Retailers may rebrand deals for each day or reserve specific discounts for one event. Shoppers should check official sale dates for items of interest.
Taking Advantage of Extended Sales
Retailers increasingly launch Black Friday deals early and extend them. Major players like Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, and Target offer discounts leading up to and beyond the main event. While deals start early, the largest discounts often happen on Black Friday itself.
Similarly, Cyber Monday deals now span multiple days, often labeled as Cyber Week. Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart save some of their steepest discounts for Cyber Monday but frequently extend them. For instance, Amazon’s Cyber Monday event in 2024 begins Nov. 29 and lasts through Dec. 2. Deals include up to 50% off JBL headphones, 55% off Zinus mattresses, and 20% off Stanley drinkware.
Target’s Cyber Monday deals start Sunday, Dec. 1, and run through Dec. 2. Expected discounts include Apple AirPods Pro 2, Keurig K-Mini, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, and Apple Watch SE.
Final Thoughts
Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer excellent opportunities for holiday savings. With sales blending and lasting longer, shoppers can enjoy discounts over several days. Understanding when and where to shop can help you make the most of this extended shopping season. Whether you’re eyeing tech gadgets, household items, or holiday gifts, planning ahead ensures you snag the best deals.
