If you have ever wondered when is the biggest sale in USA, the answer is clear: Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These two massive shopping events dominate the retail calendar, drawing millions of shoppers every year with jaw-dropping discounts, limited-time offers, and exciting holiday deals. Black Friday, traditionally held the day after Thanksgiving, is considered the ultimate sales day in America. Cyber Monday, which follows immediately after, extends the shopping frenzy into the online world. Together, they kick off the holiday shopping season and have become an iconic part of American consumer culture.
But what makes these events so powerful? How did they begin, and how are they evolving in today’s digital age? Let’s explore the history, impact, and future of Black Friday and Cyber Monday to understand why they hold the crown as the biggest sales in the USA.
Black Friday: The Biggest Sale Event in the USA
Black Friday is often called the biggest sale in America, and for good reason. It takes place the Friday after Thanksgiving and is known for massive discounts on electronics, home appliances, fashion, and toys. For decades, shoppers have lined up outside stores at dawn, waiting for doors to open so they can score unbeatable deals.
Retailers slash prices to clear out inventory, attract customers, and officially launch the holiday shopping season. From televisions to laptops and clothing to kitchen gadgets, no category is left untouched. The deals are often so strong that many shoppers plan their purchases months in advance.
Beyond the numbers, Black Friday has become a cultural event. Families shop together, news stations cover the crowds, and retailers prepare all year for this day. It’s more than just shopping, it’s a holiday tradition of its own.
The History of Black Friday
The story of Black Friday is as interesting as the event itself. The term was first used in 1869 to describe a financial crisis caused by a failed attempt to manipulate the gold market. But it wasn’t until the 1960s that the phrase became linked to shopping. Police officers in Philadelphia used it to describe the chaos of post-Thanksgiving traffic and crowded streets filled with shoppers.
Retailers later rebranded the name, suggesting it marked the point when businesses moved from operating “in the red” (losses) to “in the black” (profits). The positive spin caught on, and Black Friday soon became synonymous with discounts, savings, and the unofficial start of holiday shopping.
Why Black Friday Is the Biggest Sale in the USA
So, why is Black Friday considered the biggest shopping event of the year? The answer lies in the scale of participation and the volume of discounts offered.
Massive Discounts: Electronics, appliances, fashion, and toys see their lowest prices of the year.
Early Holiday Shopping: Families use this day to kick start Christmas gift buying.
Retailer Competition: Giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Target battle each other to offer better deals, making discounts even more attractive.
Cultural Tradition: For many families, shopping together after Thanksgiving dinner has become as traditional as the holiday itself.
According to Forbes, billions of dollars are spent on Black Friday weekend alone, cementing its place as the biggest sale in America.
Cyber Monday: The Digital Shopping Holiday
While Black Friday dominated physical stores, Cyber Monday was created in 2005 to encourage online shopping. It takes place the Monday after Thanksgiving and is packed with online-exclusive deals. Retailers noticed that shoppers returned to work after the holiday weekend and used high-speed internet to browse and buy.
Cyber Monday quickly became a favorite for those who prefer shopping from home rather than dealing with crowds. It offers discounts on electronics, gadgets, software, clothing, and even travel packages. Many online retailers also extend their deals throughout the week, leading to what is now called Cyber Week.
Together, Black Friday and Cyber Monday form a powerhouse shopping period that drives billions in sales and sets the tone for the entire holiday shopping season.
How Consumers Can Prepare for the Biggest Sales in America
To make the most of these holiday shopping deals, planning ahead is essential. Here are some practical tips:
1. Make a Shopping List
Know what you want before sales start. Focus on high-ticket items like laptops, TVs, or smartphones where discounts are the deepest.
2. Set a Budget
The excitement can lead to overspending. Decide how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it.
3. Compare Prices Early
Check prices weeks in advance so you’ll know when a deal is truly good. Retailers sometimes inflate prices before slashing them to appear like huge discounts.
4. Sign Up for Alerts
Subscribe to newsletters from major retailers or set up deal alerts on shopping apps.
5. Use Coupons and Promo Codes
Beyond advertised discounts, smart shoppers maximize savings with promo codes. Zubile provides extra coupons you can stack on top of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.
6. Shop Early Online
Hot products sell out fast. If you’re shopping online, be ready as soon as deals go live, sometimes even at midnight.
Retailers and the Biggest Shopping Events
For retailers, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are not just sales, they are opportunities to boost annual revenue, clear old inventory, and gain new customers. Brands like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy plan their marketing campaigns months in advance, teasing shoppers with early deals.
The rise of e-commerce has made competition fiercer than ever. Retailers now roll out discounts weeks before Thanksgiving to spread out demand and keep shoppers engaged. This shift has created a longer holiday shopping season, but the peak excitement still centers around Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales in 2024
The year 2024 was a landmark for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. According to Adobe Analytics, Black Friday online sales reached around 9.8 billion dollars, setting a new record. More than 200 million Americans shopped online and in-store during the Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday stretch, according to the National Retail Federation. Electronics, gaming consoles, and home goods were among the top-selling categories.
Cyber Monday was not far behind, with sales surpassing 12 billion dollars, making it the single biggest day for online shopping in the United States. Retailers offered extensive discounts, with urgency tactics like countdown timers pushing shoppers to complete their purchases.
Overall, the 2024 season showed that consumers are more eager than ever to take advantage of these holiday shopping deals, despite inflation concerns.
What to Expect from Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2025
Looking ahead, 2025 is expected to be even bigger. Retail experts predict that Black Friday will see further growth in online shopping, with retailers rolling out deals earlier than ever before. Amazon is likely to host an October sales event again, creating momentum ahead of November.
Cyber Monday is also expected to grow, with analysts forecasting sales that could surpass 13 billion dollars. With shoppers increasingly comfortable buying online, digital sales are expected to dominate, though in-store shopping will remain strong for those who enjoy the tradition of lining up early.
The 2025 season will likely bring even more personalization, with AI-driven shopping recommendations and exclusive app-based discounts shaping the experience. Shoppers who plan and take advantage of coupons and promo codes will stand to save the most. And if you’re already counting down, don’t forget to check out How Much Days Until Black Friday 2025? to stay on top of the date and get a head start on planning your shopping strategy.
Tips for Getting the Best Deals
If you’re preparing for the 2025 shopping season, here are a few insider tips to stretch your budget even further:
Shop early, as many deals start weeks before Black Friday
Use coupon apps and reward programs for extra savings
Check multiple retailers for price matching opportunities
Look for bundled deals on electronics and gaming consoles
Always apply coupons or promo codes at checkout
Smart planning ensures you not only score the best discounts but also avoid the stress of last-minute shopping.
Criticism and Changing Perceptions
While these sales events are beloved by many, not everyone embraces them. Critics argue that Black Friday promotes overconsumption and unnecessary spending. Environmental concerns are also raised due to packaging waste and increased shipping.
In response, many shoppers now look for sustainable deals, focusing on eco-friendly brands and conscious buying. Retailers are also making changes by offering longer sales windows to reduce the chaos of a single day and by promoting greener practices.
Conclusion
So, when is the biggest sale in USA? Without question, it is the shopping period that starts with Black Friday and continues through Cyber Monday. Black Friday dominates as the most iconic sales event, while Cyber Monday leads the way in online shopping. Together, they create an unbeatable holiday shopping season that combines tradition, savings, and excitement.
The 2024 numbers showed record breaking growth, and 2025 is shaping up to be even bigger. For both retailers and shoppers, these sales represent more than just discounts, they symbolize the start of the holiday season, a cultural tradition, and a celebration of consumer excitement.
Whether you’re chasing doorbusters in-store or scrolling for deals online, Black Friday and Cyber Monday remain the best time to shop in the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is the biggest sale in USA?
The biggest sale in the USA happens right after Thanksgiving, starting with Black Friday on Friday and continuing with Cyber Monday the following Monday. Together, these two events kick off the holiday shopping season with record breaking deals.
Q. Which is bigger: Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
Both are massive sales events, but Black Friday is bigger in terms of cultural tradition and total participation, while Cyber Monday often leads in online sales revenue. Many shoppers take advantage of both for maximum savings.
Q. How much do people spend during Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
In 2024, Americans spent about 9.8 billion dollars on Black Friday online and more than 12 billion dollars on Cyber Monday, making it the largest online shopping day in U.S. history.
Q. What kind of discounts can shoppers expect?
Electronics, fashion, home appliances, toys, and beauty products often see their lowest prices of the year during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Bundled deals and flash sales are also common.
Q. How can I save even more during these sales?
Plan ahead with a shopping list, compare prices, and always apply coupons or promo codes at checkout. Zubile provide extra savings you can stack on top of retailer discounts.
