Black Friday vs Cyber Monday: Dates & Discounts Comparison in India
The shopping frenzy has officially begun in India as retailers gear up for the battle of Black Friday versus Cyber Monday. These two massive shopping events have captured the attention of consumers across the country, promising huge discounts and deals on a wide range of products. But what exactly sets these two days apart, and which one should savvy shoppers be targeting this year? Let’s dive into the details to help you navigate through the chaos of holiday shopping.
Black Friday Origins and Celebrations
The term “Black Friday” originated in Philadelphia during the 1950s, when police used it to describe the chaos that ensued after Thanksgiving. Massive crowds of suburban shoppers and tourists flooded the city, leading to traffic jams, packed stores, and even shoplifting incidents. By the 1980s, retailers embraced the term as a positive shift from operating at a loss to making a profit thanks to the surge in sales. This year, Black Friday fell on November 29, 2024, marking the beginning of the shopping frenzy both in stores and online.
Cyber Monday: The Rise of Online Shopping
In contrast, Cyber Monday emerged as a response to the growing trend of online shopping. Introduced by the NRF’s division, Shop.org, in 2005, Cyber Monday consistently showed a spike in online sales the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday is set to take place on December 2, 2024, offering online-only deals and discounts for shoppers looking to score big without leaving the comfort of their homes.
Black Friday vs Cyber Monday: What’s the Difference?
While Black Friday traditionally favored large brick-and-mortar retailers, Cyber Monday was initially a way for smaller businesses and online-only stores to compete by offering exclusive online deals. Today, the four days from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday have become a shopping marathon, with major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target offering overlapping deals. Many discounts from Black Friday roll over to Cyber Monday, but some exclusive online offers are saved for the latter day.
Shopping Trends in 2024
This year’s Cyber Week, from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday, is projected to generate a record-breaking $40.6 billion in online sales, a 7% increase from last year. Cyber Monday alone is expected to bring in $13.2 billion, surpassing Black Friday’s $10.8 billion in online revenue. Retailers like Amazon, Flipkart, Ajio, Vijay Sales, and others have already offered significant discounts on a variety of products, enticing shoppers to make the most of these limited-time deals.
In conclusion, whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of in-store shopping on Black Friday or the convenience of online deals on Cyber Monday, this year’s sales are not to be missed. Keep an eye out for exclusive offers, compare prices, and make the most of the discounts available to score big this holiday season. Happy shopping!
