The shopping weekend is almost here, with a record number of people planning to shop in stores and online between Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday in 2024. According to an annual National Retail Federation survey, 183.4 million people are expected to participate in the sales, up from the previous record of 182 million in 2023. Black Friday remains the most popular shopping day with 131.7 million people planning to shop, followed by Cyber Monday with 72.3 million people. The main reason why people are so dedicated to these shopping holidays is the unbeatable deals they offer, according to 57% of respondents.
Black Friday, which falls on Friday, November 29, is believed to have gotten its name in the 1950s when Philadelphia police used the term to describe the chaos caused by shoppers flooding the city. The term stuck and eventually went nationwide in the late 1980s when retailers started using it to signify the day they went from being in the red to being profitable.
On the other hand, Cyber Monday, which takes place on Monday, December 2, originated as a response to Black Friday. Coined by the National Retail Federation in 2005, Cyber Monday became a lucrative day for online retailers as people returned to work and took advantage of faster internet connections in the office to do their holiday shopping.
While Black Friday and Cyber Monday were historically distinct events, they have now blended into one extended sales period. Many retailers now offer Black Friday deals early and continue them through Cyber Monday. For example, Amazon’s Black Friday Week runs from November 21 to November 29 and transitions directly into its Cyber Monday sale from November 29 to December 2. The same sales often carry over from one day to the next, creating a seamless shopping experience.
With the rise of online shopping, retailers are extending their Black Friday deals and offering discounts for a longer period of time. Top retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target have already rolled out their Black Friday deals, with discounts on a wide range of products. Amazon is offering up to 55% off select devices, while Walmart is providing up to 70% off various items.
Similarly, Cyber Monday deals have also expanded beyond a single day, with retailers offering discounts for at least two days, if not a full “Cyber Week.” Amazon’s Cyber Monday event starts on Friday, November 29 and runs through Monday, December 2, with deals on tech, mattresses, vacuums, and more. Target’s Cyber Monday event typically begins on the Sunday after Thanksgiving and extends into Monday, offering discounts on popular items like Apple AirPods, Keurig coffee makers, and Amazon Fire TV Sticks.
In conclusion, while Black Friday and Cyber Monday were once separate events, they have now become intertwined into one extended shopping extravaganza. Whether you prefer to shop in stores or online, there are plenty of deals to take advantage of during this busy shopping weekend.
