Which Retail Sales Event Dominates: Cyber Monday or Black Friday?
Black Friday and Cyber Monday, two of the most anticipated shopping events of the year, are just around the corner. These days are synonymous with significant discounts, crowds, and the start of the holiday shopping season. While both events offer attractive deals, they tend to emphasise different product categories.
Black Friday is known for its broad discounts across popular consumer categories like electronics, apparel, and personal care products. According to data, over half of online spending on Black Friday is focused on these categories, with an average discount of around 25-30% [1][3].
Cyber Monday, on the other hand, leans more towards online-exclusive deals, particularly for higher-priced items such as smart electronics, kitchen appliances, and upscale personal gadgets. During Cyber Week, the share of expensive goods sold online increases by over 15% compared to pre-season [3].
Popular top-selling gift categories for both events include electronics, furniture and bedding, groceries, and cosmetics [3]. Even during Amazon Prime Day, electronics and beauty products are top performers [4], suggesting that these categories consistently do well during major sales.
As the timeline of these sales events blurs, with many retailers extending Black Friday deals into the weekend and offering exclusive or flash deals on Cyber Monday, it's essential to stay informed [2][5]. Researching products and comparing prices across different retailers can help secure the best deals. Spend time before the events looking at ads and online previews to know exactly what you want.
Many brick-and-mortar stores now participate in Cyber Monday through e-commerce platforms. Enabling notifications on shopping apps can alert customers to flash sales or limited-time offers during both Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Tools like Honey can automatically apply coupon codes at checkout during Cyber Monday, ensuring you get the best possible deal.
Shoppers who prioritise convenience or dislike crowds may find Cyber Monday more appealing, as it allows for easy price comparison and shopping from the comfort of one's home. However, the energy of competition for limited stock and the in-person shopping experience are defining factors of Black Friday.
Return policies during Black Friday and Cyber Monday can vary by retailer, but many stores offer extended return policies during the holiday season. Sign up for newsletters and follow retailers on social media for exclusive deals and early access to sales.
Black Friday dates back to the 1950s, while Cyber Monday made its debut in 2005, targeting online shoppers with flash sales and exclusive online promotions. These events have gained international recognition and participation beyond the United States, with retailers across the globe offering substantial discounts and promotions.
In summary, Black Friday emphasises broader and popular consumer categories like electronics and apparel with wide discounts, while Cyber Monday leans more into online-exclusive deals with a tilt towards pricier electronics and premium gifts. This trend reflects shopper behaviour—starting Black Friday looking for general bargains and shifting to Cyber Monday for valuable exclusive offers online [3][1].
- During Black Friday, consumers can expect significant discounts on a wide range of products including electronics, apparel, and personal care items, with an average discount of around 25-30%.
- On Cyber Monday, consumers may find online-exclusive deals for high-priced items such as smart electronics, kitchen appliances, and upscale personal gadgets, with a notable increase in the sale of expensive goods online.
