Two Sales Events, Different Strengths
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the two biggest shopping days of the year, but they're not interchangeable. Each has traditionally favored different product categories, and understanding this distinction can mean the difference between a genuine bargain and an impulse buy at a mediocre discount. Here's what you need to know before the holiday shopping season kicks off.
A Brief History of Both Events
Black Friday originated as the day after Thanksgiving when retailers would kick off the holiday shopping season with in-store promotions. It has evolved into a multi-day (sometimes multi-week) event that now includes significant online deals alongside doorbusters.
Cyber Monday was coined in 2005 to describe the Monday after Thanksgiving, when online retailers — originally trying to capture shoppers returning to fast office internet connections — offered online-exclusive deals. Today the distinction between the two events has blurred considerably, but meaningful differences remain.
What's Typically Better on Black Friday
- Large appliances – Washers, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers see some of their deepest annual discounts around Black Friday.
- TVs – Retailers compete aggressively on TV pricing, particularly on large-screen and entry-to-mid-range models.
- Toys and games – In-store doorbusters often feature popular toy brands at steep discounts.
- Clothing and footwear – Many apparel retailers tie their biggest seasonal discounts to Black Friday weekend.
- Mattresses and furniture – Home goods see strong Black Friday promotions both online and in-store.
What's Typically Better on Cyber Monday
- Laptops and computers – Online retailers tend to offer stronger tech deals on Cyber Monday.
- Software and digital subscriptions – Exclusively an online event, making it ideal for app subscriptions, antivirus software, and digital tools.
- Smaller electronics – Headphones, smart home devices, and accessories often see deeper discounts on Cyber Monday.
- Online courses and services – Many e-learning platforms run Cyber Monday promotions.
Quick Comparison Table
| Category | Best Day |
|---|---|
| Large appliances | Black Friday |
| TVs | Black Friday |
| Clothing & shoes | Black Friday |
| Laptops & computers | Cyber Monday |
| Software & subscriptions | Cyber Monday |
| Toys | Black Friday |
| Smart home devices | Cyber Monday |
| Furniture & mattresses | Black Friday |
How to Prepare Before the Sales Begin
- Build your list early. Know exactly what you want before sales start — impulse buying defeats the purpose.
- Check price history now. Use tools like CamelCamelCamel to establish the real "normal" price before the sale.
- Sign up for retailer newsletters. Early access deals are often emailed to subscribers before they go public.
- Set budget limits by category. Decide how much you're willing to spend on tech, gifts, and home goods separately.
- Don't buy just because it's on sale. A 40% discount on something you didn't need is still money spent, not saved.
The Broader Picture: Black Friday Is Year-Long Now
In recent years, many retailers have started running "Black Friday in July" or extended sales that rival the actual event. This means the best strategy isn't always to wait — it's to stay informed year-round and act when a deal genuinely meets your target price, whether that's in November or any other month.