Each year, holiday shoppers prepare for Black Friday and Cyber Monday—the two biggest sale events in the retail calendar. These nearly back-to-back discount days mark the beginning of the holiday shopping season and offer shoppers a chance to score significant savings. But with both days claiming the title of “best shopping day of the year,” which one is most worth it if you’re hoping to maximize your savings?
What’s the Difference?
Black Friday, which began in the 1950’s, occurs the day after Thanksgiving each year. It’s known for huge discounts on electronics, appliances, and big-ticket items. While plenty of online retailers also offer Black Friday deals, historically, Black Friday has been a day for in-store deals. Many participating stores open early – some as early as midnight – so shoppers often head to stores early to beat the rush.
Cyber Monday, coined in 2005, shifted the focus online and encouraged consumers to shop from the comfort of home. It has become known for a broader selection of online-exclusive sales. Today, many retailers offer discounts on both days, but Black Friday often has “doorbuster” deals and exclusive items for those who can brave the crowds. In contrast, Cyber Monday offers the appeal of convenience.
How to Find the Products You Need
With thousands of deals being advertised, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Start by making a list of products you actually need, prioritizing big-ticket items to maximize savings. Websites like Slickdeals and Google Shopping can help track price drops on specific items.
Consider subscribing to retailers’ newsletters and loyalty programs to receive early access to sales and special discounts. Many stores release preview ads ahead of time so organized shoppers can make note of deals on specific products. You can use online aggregators to compare prices across multiple stores, as well as browser extensions like Keepa, The Camelizer, and PayPal Honey, which can alert you to coupon codes or discounts you can layer with retailer sales. Preparing in advance can help you maximize savings and stay on budget.
Where You Can See Previews on Deals for Each Day
If you’re serious about saving, previewing deals in advance is a must. For Black Friday, major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy release their ad circulars online in early November. Websites like BlackFriday.com and TheBlackFriday.com aggregate these deals to give you a head start on planning.
For Cyber Monday, many online retailers provide teasers of their upcoming deals on their websites or through newsletters. Amazon, for example, often hosts a “Cyber Monday Countdown” page, displaying early deals. Other sites, such as CyberMonday.global, collect Cyber Monday deals across retailers, making it easy to compare promotions. By previewing these ads early, you’ll have a clearer idea of which day offers the best deals on items you want, so you’re ready to shop without second-guessing.
The Best Ways to Shop
Black Friday shoppers benefit from a mix of in-store and online strategies. In-store shopping can be better for popular items that may sell out quickly. If you plan to go in-store, ensure you’re there early to increase your chances of scoring limited-stock items.
Cyber Monday is all about using online tools to simplify the process. Set alerts on websites that notify you when specific items go on sale and utilize shopping apps that offer additional discounts. Know what deals you’re shopping for ahead of time and have all your payment and shipping information ready for checking out fast.
The Pros and Cons of Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday each come with pros and cons. Black Friday’s main benefit is the opportunity for “doorbuster” deals on high-demand items, often only available in limited quantities. However, shopping in crowded stores can be overwhelming and physically demanding, with some shoppers waiting in line for hours.
Cyber Monday, on the other hand, allows you to shop comfortably from home, often with free or discounted delivery. You also avoid the crowds and can compare prices across multiple websites quickly. However, the downside is that certain items sell out quickly online, and website crashes are common due to high traffic.
The best choice often depends on your shopping style and the deals you’re looking for.
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