Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday: Unveiling the Perfect Shopping Extravaganza
Black Friday and Cyber Monday, once two distinct deal shopping days, have now merged into one enormous shopping extravaganza. The lines between these two days have blurred significantly, especially in recent years. In 2023, the distinction between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is practically nonexistent. In this article, we will explore the history and evolution of these shopping holidays, discuss the duration of the deals, compare the discounts offered, and provide insights on the best deals to look out for.
The Birth of Black Friday and Cyber Monday
The term "Cyber Monday" was coined in 2005 by the National Retail Federation. They noticed a surge in online sales on the Monday after Thanksgiving, which was attributed to shoppers using their faster internet connections at work to snag deals. This led to the creation of two distinct deal shopping days: Black Friday, for in-store shopping on the day after Thanksgiving, and Cyber Monday, for online shopping from the comfort of home.
Blurring the Lines: Black Friday and Cyber Monday Today
With the rise of e-commerce and online retail, the distinction between Black Friday and Cyber Monday has become less significant. In today's digital age, both days offer great deals, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and convenience. Whether you prefer the excitement of in-store shopping on Black Friday or the ease of online shopping on Cyber Monday, there are ample opportunities to save money and score great deals.
Duration of Black Friday
Gone are the days when Black Friday was limited to a single day. Major retailers like Walmart and Best Buy now start dropping official Black Friday deals as early as October, extending the shopping extravaganza for a full two months. The deals continue until the clock strikes midnight at the close of the Friday following Thanksgiving. However, it's worth noting that some deals may extend beyond this timeframe.
When do Cyber Monday Deals Start?
Officially, Cyber Monday starts on Monday, Nov. 27 in 2023. However, you'll likely see sales labelled as "Cyber Monday" as early as Saturday, Nov. 25. The concept of Cyber Week has become increasingly popular, with many retailers offering deals that extend throughout the week. Essentially, Cyber Monday has transformed into a week-long shopping event, providing ample time for savvy shoppers to find incredible discounts.
Comparing the Deals: Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday
In the past, there was a clear distinction between the types of products that received the best discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Black Friday was historically the day for purchasing TVs and popular toys, while Cyber Monday was known for laptop and PC deals. Although this rule still holds to some extent, with TV deals being more widespread on Black Friday and laptop deals on Cyber Monday, the lines have become blurred. Many deals now overlap, and it ultimately comes down to what you're looking for and the specific specifications you desire.
The Best Black Friday Deals So Far
With a multitude of deals available during Black Friday, it can be overwhelming to navigate through the sea of discounts. To help you out, we've curated a list of the Mashable editors' favourite Black Friday deals for 2023. These deals cover a wide range of categories, from Apple products to Dyson vacuums, and are handpicked by experts.
Best Early Cyber Monday Apple Deal
If you're in the market for an iPad, the iPad Air is the sweet spot according to Mashable's Stan Schroeder. With an M1 chip, the iPad Air offers powerful performance for tasks like gaming and audio editing. It's a more affordable alternative to the iPad Pro with the same chip. The base model is currently on sale for $499.99, which is the lowest price ever seen. If you're looking for more storage, the 256GB Air is also available at a discount.
More Early Cyber Monday Apple Deals
Apart from the iPad, there are several other Apple products on sale for Cyber Monday. The Apple AirPods (3rd generation) with Lightning Charging Case are available at a discounted price of $139.99, while the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with USB-C Charging Case are priced at $189.99. Additionally, there are deals on Apple Watches and iPads, providing ample options for Apple enthusiasts.
Best Early Cyber Monday Dyson Deal
For those in need of a powerful vacuum, the Dyson V15 Detect Absolute is a standout choice. This vacuum offers excellent suction power and features advanced laser technology that reveals hidden dirt on your floors. With a $200 discount, it is an attractive deal for a high-quality vacuum.
More Early Cyber Monday Dyson Deals
If you're looking for more affordable options, Dyson offers deals on other models as well. The Dyson V8 Origin is available at a discounted price of $249.99, while the Dyson V11 is priced at $399.99. These vacuums offer a range of features and accessories to suit different cleaning needs.
Best Black Friday Amazon Device Deal
Amazon consistently offers great deals on their own devices during Black Friday, and this year is no different. One standout deal is the bundle featuring the Echo Show 5 (2023 version) and a Kasa Smart Color bulb. This bundle is priced at just $39.99, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for those looking to dive into the world of smart home devices.
More Early Cyber Monday Amazon Device Deals
Apart from the Echo Show 5 bundle, there are several other Amazon devices available at discounted prices. These include Fire tablets, Echo devices, and Fire TV sticks. Whether you're in need of a new tablet, smart speaker, or streaming device, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Best Early Cyber Monday Robot Vacuum Deal
If you're tired of manual vacuuming, a robot vacuum can be a game-changer. One standout deal is the Roomba j5+ robot vacuum, which offers automatic emptying, mopping capabilities, and small obstacle avoidance. With a price tag of less than $500, it provides great value for those seeking a comprehensive cleaning solution.
More Early Cyber Monday Robot Vacuum Deals
In addition to the Roomba j5+, there are several other robot vacuums available at discounted prices. From standalone robot vacuums to self-emptying and self-mopping models, there's a wide range of options to choose from. Popular brands like iRobot, Shark, and Roborock are among the top contenders in this category.
Best Early Cyber Monday Headphones Deal
If you're in the market for a new pair of headphones, the Bose QuietComfort 45s are worth considering. Priced at $199, these over-ear headphones offer top-of-the-line active noise cancellation, long battery life, and all-day comfort. They are an excellent option for those seeking a premium audio experience without breaking the bank.
More Early Cyber Monday Headphone Deals
Apart from the Bose QuietComfort 45s, there are several other headphone deals available. From on-ear and over-ear headphones to earbuds, there's something for every preference and budget. Popular brands like JBL, Sony, and Beats offer a wide range of options to choose from.
Best Early Cyber Monday Laptop Deal
For those in need of a new laptop, the MacBook Air with an Apple M3 chip is a standout choice. With lightning-fast speeds, a spacious 14-inch display, and no touch bar, it offers excellent value for money. Currently priced at $1,449, it is the lowest price for this MacBook model available to the general public.
More Early Cyber Monday Laptop Deals
In addition to the MacBook Air, there are several other laptop deals worth considering. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-performance machine, there are deals available from brands like HP, Lenovo, Dell, and Microsoft. It's a great opportunity to upgrade your computing setup at a discounted price.
Best Cyber Monday TV Deal
If you're in the market for a new TV, the Samsung Q80C is a great option. With an 85-inch QLED display and precise local dimming zones, it offers excellent picture quality for an immersive viewing experience. Priced at less than $2,000, it provides great value for those seeking a large-screen TV.
More Early Cyber Monday TV Deals
Apart from the Samsung Q80C, there are several other TV deals available across different brands and sizes. Whether you're looking for an affordable option or a high-end model, there are plenty of choices available. Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart offer a wide range of TV deals to suit different preferences and budgets.
Conclusion
Black Friday and Cyber Monday have evolved into a single shopping extravaganza, offering shoppers an abundance of deals and discounts. Whether you prefer the thrill of in-store shopping on Black Friday or the convenience of online shopping on Cyber Monday, there are ample opportunities to save money and score great deals. From Apple products to Dyson vacuums and everything in between, the choices are endless. So, mark your calendars, prepare your shopping list, and get ready for the ultimate shopping extravaganza of the year!
Please note that the deals mentioned in this article are subject to change and availability. Be sure to check the retailers' websites for the latest information and pricing.
