Every year, shoppers wrestle with the same question: should you grab the deals on Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday and their digital discounts?
What started as two separate events has turned into a shopping marathon stretching across a week.
In 2025, the rivalry between these shopping juggernauts will reach new levels. Knowing how they differ can help you avoid overspending and get the best value.
This post breaks down real data, expert commentary, and product trends to help you make smarter choices this shopping season.

The Origins: How These Shopping Days Took Over

Black Friday dates back to the 1960s, when retailers started using the term to describe the post-Thanksgiving surge that pushed stores “into the black,” or profitability. What began with long lines and early-morning doorbusters soon became a national tradition.

Cyber Monday arrived decades later in 2005, after analysts noticed a rise in online purchases the Monday following Thanksgiving. It quickly grew into the online counterpart to Black Friday, attracting digital shoppers and e-commerce retailers.

Today, the line between the two events is thin. Reports from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Adobe Analytics show that retailers have expanded both events into “Black Friday Week” and “Cyber Week.”
Brands like Amazon, Walmart, and Target now roll out discounts days before Thanksgiving, creating nearly two weeks of continuous promotions.
This shift marks a clear change in how people shop—moving from crowded stores to mobile screens.

The Numbers Game: What 2024 Revealed

In 2024, Cyber Monday led the pack.
Data from Adobe Analytics shows shoppers spent a record $13.3 billion online, making it the biggest single shopping day ever recorded. Black Friday followed at $10.8 billion in online sales—still impressive, but slightly behind.

The NRF reported that total U.S. holiday retail sales hit $994.1 billion, a 4% increase from the previous year. This suggests that overall spending remains strong, even as buyers lean more toward online options.
Smartphones now account for most website traffic and a growing share of purchases across both events.
Retailers that prioritize mobile shopping are best positioned to stay ahead in 2025.

Category Showdown: When to Buy and What to Skip

Understanding when to buy specific items can save serious money. Insights from Adobe and Salesforce highlight clear category patterns:

• Black Friday: Great for toys, clothing, and personal care products. These items often see early markdowns to attract families and early gift buyers.
• Cyber Monday: Ideal for electronics, tech accessories, and software. Online discounts and bundle offers make this day a tech lover’s paradise.

Sales tactics vary too. Black Friday relies on in-store “doorbusters”—short-term discounts that encourage crowds. Cyber Monday, on the other hand, uses “flash sales” and online promo codes to push quick decisions.

In short: Black Friday for gifts and apparel, Cyber Monday for gadgets and tech.

Retailers’ Playbook: The Lines Keep Blurring

Retailers now treat Black Friday and Cyber Monday as one extended campaign.
Amazon shared that its combined “Black Friday Week” and “Cyber Monday Deals Week” in 2024 marked its largest sales event ever, breaking records for total items sold.

Meanwhile, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy started rolling out deals in mid-November, offering identical discounts online and in stores.
Emerging players such as Temu and Shein have added pressure with extremely low prices and aggressive social media marketing. Reports from Reuters suggest that these tactics have pushed traditional retailers to extend their deals even further.

As a result, the classic Friday-versus-Monday divide has nearly vanished. The “Cyber Week” model—spanning from Thanksgiving to early December—is expected to be the new standard in 2025.

Expert Outlook: What’s Ahead for 2025

Analysts predict another standout year for Cyber Monday 2025, fueled by mobile users and personalized digital marketing.

According to Adobe Analytics, Cyber Monday will likely maintain its lead thanks to its ease of access and strong online infrastructure. Economists at the NRF expect retail sales to climb by about 4%, continuing the upward trend.

Reuters reports that giants such as Amazon and Walmart are positioned for another strong year, while electronics-focused retailers like Best Buy may face tougher competition online.

Overall, Cyber Monday dominates in spending, but Black Friday remains key for early-season shopping and in-store engagement.

The Smart Shopper’s Game Plan: Getting the Best of Both

You don’t have to choose sides—a well-timed plan lets you take advantage of both.

Timing Tips
 • Black Friday (Nov. 28, 2025): Shop early for clothing, toys, and home goods before stock runs out.
• Cyber Monday (Dec. 1, 2025): Wait for tech and electronics items that see deeper online discounts.

Tools for Deal Hunters
 • Apps & Extensions: Use Honey, CamelCamelCamel, or Rakuten to track prices and earn cashback.
• Wishlist Strategy: Add items to your cart ahead of time for quick alerts when prices drop.
• Mobile Apps: Shopping through retailer apps often gives faster checkout and app-only discounts.

To stay organized, grab the free 2025 Black Friday–Cyber Monday checklist—a simple way to track deals and avoid burnout.

Verdict: Which Day Takes the Crown?

By sales numbers alone, Cyber Monday wins.
Its record-breaking $13.3 billion in 2024, driven largely by mobile shopping, makes it the biggest day for online spending.

Even so, Black Friday still matters. It draws early shoppers and offers more hands-on experiences, especially for categories like apparel, toys, and personal care.

The choice depends on what you’re shopping for:
• Tech and convenience? Cyber Monday has the edge.
• Early access and store experiences? Black Friday delivers.

Together, they form the backbone of the modern holiday shopping season.

Final Thoughts: Which Will You Pick in 2025?

As the difference between the two events continues to fade, one rule stands—plan for both.

With sales stretching from Thanksgiving into early December, preparation, timing, and smart shopping tools can help you get the most from both days.

So, which will you go for this year—Black Friday’s early rush or Cyber Monday’s digital deals?
Share your thoughts in the comments, and watch for our upcoming post: “Top 10 Cyber Week Deals to Watch in 2025.” For more tips visit couponlords.