The Rise of Cyber Monday
Black Friday's digital-native sibling has its own unique history and focus.
For years, Black Friday dominated the post-Thanksgiving shopping landscape. But as e-commerce grew, a new shopping holiday emerged, designed specifically for the online world: Cyber Monday.
Where Did Cyber Monday Come From?
The term "Cyber Monday" was coined in 2005 by Ellen Davis of the National Retail Federation in the US. Retailers had noticed a recurring trend: a massive spike in online sales on the Monday after Thanksgiving.
The theory was that people would return to work after the holiday weekend, where they had access to high-speed internet (which wasn't as common at home in 2005 as it is today), and would continue the shopping they started over the weekend. Online retailers seized this opportunity, branding the day as a major online-only sales event.
Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday: What's the Difference?
In the early days, the distinction was very clear:
- Black Friday: Focused on in-store "doorbuster" deals, especially on big-ticket items like TVs, appliances, and gaming consoles.
- Cyber Monday: Focused on online-only deals, often from smaller retailers. The deals were typically on fashion, beauty, and tech accessories.
The Blurring of the Lines
Today, that distinction is almost entirely gone. "Black Friday" deals now start online, often days or even a week early. Likewise, major brick-and-mortar stores have a huge online presence for Cyber Monday.
The entire period from the week of Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday has merged into one long "Cyber Week" or "Black Friday" promotional event. Retailers spread their deals out over the entire period to manage demand and stay competitive.
Is One Day Better Than the Other?
It depends on what you're buying:
- Big-Ticket Electronics (TVs, Laptops): The absolute best prices for these are still often found on Black Friday itself, though many of these deals are now available online.
- Fashion & Beauty: Cyber Monday (and the weekend leading up to it) is famous for site-wide discounts (e.g., "30% off everything") from clothing and cosmetic brands.
- Tech Gadgets & Smart Home: This is a toss-up. You'll find great deals on both days.
The best strategy? Use a tool like DealFinder throughout the entire period. The deal you're waiting for could drop at any time, and a price comparison tool is the only way to know if you're truly getting the best price on offer.