Black Friday originated to entice buyers into stores the day after Thanksgiving. Over the years, it has turned into the biggest sales of the year worldwide. In 2005, the National Retail Federation (NRF) coined Cyber Monday as its online counterpart. It was an alternative to the enormous crowds and long lines, as well as a method for businesses to offer discounted prices beyond Black Friday.
There is no doubt that these mega sales bring some of the best, most affordable deals for consumers. The only question remaining is whether one sale is inherently superior to the other? The answer is not as straightforward as you may imagine and depends on a number of factors. Read on to learn about Black Friday and Cyber Monday to see which one is the best option for you!
A Sneak Peek into the Biggest Sale Events of the Year
When it comes to the Christmas shopping season, both retailers and consumers look forward to the prices offered on Black Friday following Thanksgiving. It was predominantly a brick-and-mortar phenomenon until quite recently.
On the other hand, Cyber Monday was created in combination with the current online shopping boom as a method for e-commerce retailers to capitalize on holiday discounts and give them the perfect excuse to stretch their biggest sales events of the year.
In recent years, the distinction between the two has been increasingly blurred. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are no longer limited to in-store or online deals, thanks to businesses expanding in-store Black Friday specials to their online stores. Plus, retailers aren’t restricted to holding sales on a specific day. Black Friday offers often start as early as October, and Cyber Monday may extend into Cyber Week!
Black Friday Vs. Cyber Monday: Are They Different?
Wondering what the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is? Here are some key differences that may help you plan your shopping spree like a pro.
Products on Discount: Traditionally, discounts on smaller gadgets,
appliances, and clothing were available on Cyber Monday, whereas larger price items, like Apple devices, were available on Black Friday. However, this trend is slowly changing in the last few years. So, make sure to take a quick peek at your favorite websites on Black Friday. It might reveal that this is no longer the case.
Shopping Style: Another distinction is that Black Friday buying is generally done in-store, but Cyber Monday purchasing is done online. Again, the line has blurred over time, especially after last year’s restrictions, if not outright bans, on in-store shopping. Either way, online shopping makes it easier for buyers to purchase goods even during the workweek.
Buyer’s Experience: The convenience of online shopping, or the ability to add an item to your cart and check out in minutes, is at the heart of Cyber Monday’s allure. Black Friday, on the other hand, has a holiday feel to it, which experts say makes it simpler for individuals in the working who don’t have time to buy throughout the week.
Sales Popularity: Did you know that consumers spend more on Black Friday than on Cyber Monday? It shows that Black Friday is a more profitable day for retailers and still more popular than Cyber Monday.
The truth is that Cyber Monday was designed to assist smaller merchants in competing with the big names harping on about Black Friday. However, the big brands quickly jumped on the Cyber Monday bandwagon. As a result, it can be difficult to distinguish between the two sales.
But that’s not a bad thing because it means more amazing deals for us. Running all throughout November, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday might feel like one big sales extravaganza!
When Is Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Black Friday is always followed by Cyber Monday. This year, Black Friday begins on November 26th, and Cyber Monday falls on November 29th, 2021. Since it depends on Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday in November), the date changes every year.
However, it’s impossible to say when the event begins and finishes because retailers frequently use Black Friday/Cyber Monday branding in the weeks leading up to and even after the event. In any case, make a note of it in your calendar.
What Is the Best Time to Shop?
While Black Friday is perfect for in-store deals, Cyber Monday beats Black Friday for “the highest overall deals online” – but just by a slight margin.
According to Salesforce, the average discount rate in 2020 began at 28% on Thanksgiving Day and gradually increased throughout the week, reaching 29% on Cyber Monday. Generally, the best prices are offered during the “Cyber 5” or “Cyber Week,” which runs from Thanksgiving Day to the Monday after the holiday.
The Bottom Line
The tradition of Black Friday may lead you to believe that all of the best deals are available on one single day. However, this is not necessarily the case. With more people shopping online than ever before due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cyber Monday is quickly emerging as one of the biggest shopping fiestas of the year and stands a good chance of delivering the best deals for 2021. So, mark your calendars get ready to experience the best sales and discounts of the year.
