Scott and SadieThe holiday shopping season—a time when we collectively lose our minds over discounted toasters and half-priced gadgets. But the burning question remains: Is Cyber Monday dethroning Black Friday as the ultimate shopping frenzy? Let’s dive into this retail circus and find out.
Black Friday: The OG Shopping Bloodbath
Traditionally, Black Friday has been the day when people line up at ungodly hours to wrestle strangers for discounted electronics. It’s the Super Bowl of consumerism, where the strongest survive and the weak get trampled—literally. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), a record 183.4 million people planned to shop in-store and online from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday in 2024, with Black Friday being the most popular day.
Cyber Monday: The Digital Takeover
Enter Cyber Monday, the younger, tech-savvy sibling who prefers clicking over camping outside stores. In 2024, U.S. consumers were expected to spend a record $13.2 billion online on Cyber Monday, a 6.1% increase from the previous year. Major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart have turned this into a multi-day event, because who doesn’t love stretching out the chaos?
Small Business Saturday: The Middle Child
Not to be forgotten, Small Business Saturday swoops in to remind us that local mom-and-pop shops exist. Established by American Express in 2010, this day encourages shopping small, contributing significantly to local economies. It’s like the Jan Brady of shopping days—often overlooked but still vying for attention.
The Verdict: Who Wears the Crown?
While Black Friday still holds the title for in-store mayhem, Cyber Monday is rapidly gaining ground, especially among those who prefer shopping in pajamas over battling parking lots. The rise of e-commerce and extended sales have blurred the lines between these shopping holidays, making it less about the day and more about the deals.
So, is Cyber Monday more popular than Black Friday? It’s not a clear-cut answer. Black Friday remains a strong contender, especially for in-person shopping enthusiasts, while Cyber Monday appeals to the online crowd. In the end, both days contribute to the retail madness that defines the holiday season.
