Navigating the Holiday Sales: black Friday vs. Cyber Monday in 2023
The holiday shopping season is upon us, and with it comes the annual debate: should you brave the crowds on Black Friday or wait for the online deals of Cyber Monday? Both events offer important savings, but understanding their nuances can maximize your holiday budget. As seasoned deal hunters with over three decades of combined experience, the IGN Deals team is here to break down everything you need to know.
What are Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Black Friday, traditionally the day after Thanksgiving, marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. It’s historically been known for in-store doorbusters and massive crowds.Cyber monday, following on the Monday after Thanksgiving, was created as the online equivalent, offering similar discounts from the comfort of your home.
However, the lines have blurred considerably in recent years. Many retailers now launch Black Friday deals well before the actual day, and extend them through the weekend into Cyber Monday.
Similarities between black Friday and Cyber Monday
Don’t be surprised to see overlap in discounts. Many retailers offer the same promotions across both events. You’ll likely find competitive pricing on popular items like tvs,gaming consoles,appliances,and apparel during both sales.
But expect exclusive offers tailored to each event. Cyber Monday remains heavily focused on online deals, while Black Friday still sees some of its best offers in brick-and-mortar stores.
key Differences: Where to Shop & When
The biggest shift is where you shop. While Black Friday traditionally meant battling crowds, Cyber Monday is overwhelmingly online.
* Black Friday: Expect deals at major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy – both in-store and online. Best Buy is a notable exception, offering discounts both in stores and online on Cyber Monday as well.
* Cyber Monday: Primarily online. retailers like Target and Costco will largely confine their deals to their websites.
Cyber Monday officially begins December 1st, but many retailers launch their deals early.
Pro Tips for Black Friday & Cyber Monday Success
Planning is crucial. Don’t wait until the last minute to start strategizing. Here’s how to make the most of both sales:
- Set a Budget: Avoid overspending by determining how much you can realistically afford before you start shopping. It’s easy to get carried away when everything is on sale.
- Create a Shopping List: Focus your efforts. Knowing exactly what you want prevents impulse purchases and helps you compare prices effectively.
- Compare Prices: Don’t assume the first price you see is the best. Check Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and other retailers to find the lowest price. Price comparison tools can be invaluable.
- research Before You Buy: Especially for expensive items, read independent reviews from trusted sources. Don’t solely rely on retailer websites or potentially biased Amazon reviews.
- Be Wary of Search Results & AI Summaries: Search engines are increasingly filled with sponsored links and AI-generated summaries. Be critical of what you see and avoid clicking on ads if you’re looking for unbiased information.
Stay Informed with IGN Deals
The IGN deals team is dedicated to bringing you the best discounts and preorders. We’ve spent years honing our expertise to save you time and money.
Follow our coverage for:
* Real-time deal updates.
* Expert analysis of the best offers.
* Curated lists of top products.
We’ll be covering Black Friday and Cyber Monday extensively, so stay tuned for the latest information and expert recommendations. Happy shopping!
