On November 24th, stores will be open for longer than usual, and lines will be drastically longer, with packs of people standing outside stores to get what they want. This day of the year is called Black Friday, a day when store items can be 70% or more off their original retail price. On the following Monday, November 27th, people will be doing this all over again, but this time, specifically online, during Cyber Monday.
The term “Cyber Monday” was introduced by Ellen Davis of the National Retail Federation and Scott Silverman and made its debut on November 28, 2005, in a Shop.org press release entitled “Cyber Monday.” Ever since then, both Black Friday and Cyber Monday have evolved throughout the years, with more and more people joining in and both becoming widely introduced in various parts of the country.
“I think both Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become more online-centered. Now that people are used to ordering online more, people have been shifting to online ordering on Black Friday rather than going to the store and waiting in line for hours. It’s become more of an Ease-Of-Access thing now,” junior Ayaan Khan said
Others think that Black Friday and Cyber Monday have evolved because more and more people are participating.
“I think more and more people have been coming to stores on Black Friday now more than ever. I see more people in stores now, and the lines have become longer outside stores today,” senior Reshy Retty said.
Whenever people shop for something, they try to find the best way to do it. Whether it is by rebates, coupons or even signing up for an app, people find all sorts of ways to save money, even on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Even though the prices are lower than retail, people try to find the best ways their money can be used more cheaply.
“I think the best way to save money on Black Friday is to use coupons. There are a lot of apps that can give you coupons and most of them work if you can get the coupons on time,” sophomore Surya Maroju said.
Another way to maximize potential on Black Friday and Cyber Monday is to get to the lines early. Many people have found success in this way.
“I think that if you get to the line early on Black Friday, you can get to the store quicker, and then, you can get what you want before anyone else gets it before you and takes it,” junior Davi Bastos said.
People shop on Black Friday for many different things—electronics, appliances and sometimes even food. But, there are some things that are prevalent for many people. Those items are the reason motivating most people to come to Black Friday and also wait for the queue to end on Cyber Monday.
“I think most people on Black Friday go for stuff like electronics and appliances. This is because they are cheap now, and more people are interested in them,” junior Alex Smith said.
But, many people don’t use the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. This could be for many reasons, such as failing to make it in time, or not having anything they really want or need to buy. Additionally, some deals around the year are just as good as the deals on Black Friday.
“Some of the alternatives that are just as good as Black Friday are Easter deals, Christmas deals and Summer deals,” senior Navneet Kunadi said.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are tailored towards everybody. People can find whatever they want for these two days of great deals, even items usually sold out during the regular year. Even if Black Friday and Cyber Monday pass by, fear not. The calendar is dotted with numerous other opportunities to snag fantastic deals. From seasonal sales to clearance events, the shopper can always find a way to save. So people should keep their eyes peeled and their shopping lists ready, because every day can be a day of great savings