What is Cyber Monday: A Look at Its History and Milestones

Cyber Monday, the digital counterpart of Black Friday, has become a powerhouse in the world of e-commerce. Cyber Monday takes center stage on the Monday following the Thanksgiving weekend in the United States. In a manner similar to the doorbuster deals and in-store chaos of Black Friday, online retailers roll out the virtual red carpet for Cyber Monday, offering enticing promotions, discounts, and exclusive web-only sales. While traditional brick-and-mortar stores transform Black Friday into a bustling in-store shopping extravaganza, Cyber Monday brings the deals right to your fingertips, providing exclusive website-only offers. 

The term “Cyber Monday” first made its debut in 2005, thanks to Shop.org, the online wing of the National Retail Federation (NRF). This ingenious concept aimed to entice consumers into the world of online shopping, capitalizing on the noticeable surge in web purchases seen on the Monday following Thanksgiving in previous years. 

For resale business owners, Cyber Monday presents an opportunity to showcase unique merchandise, drawing the spotlight to pre-owned items that carry a hint of history and character. With the merger of Black Friday and Cyber Monday into a unified shopping experience, it’s no surprise that this phenomenon has a profound impact on the retail landscape, including resale businesses. 

The evolution of Cyber Monday has been remarkable. Traditional retailers, both online and in-store, invest more time and effort into online sales, vying for attention alongside their cyber competitors. It’s not uncommon to see retailers kick-starting their sales well before the Thanksgiving holiday, signaling a significant shift in how we approach holiday shopping. 

As consumers, we cherish Cyber Monday for various reasons. Some of us prefer to spend our Thanksgiving holiday with family rather than chasing after bargains, while others dread the long lines and chaos that often accompany Black Friday. Cyber Monday offers a convenient, hassle-free way to shop and take advantage of enticing deals. The addition of free shipping incentives from most retailers makes online shopping even more appealing. 

While Cyber Monday originated in the United States, it has evolved into an international phenomenon. E-commerce companies worldwide have embraced the term to market promotions, boosting their sales during the holiday season. It’s a global celebration of online shopping that knows no borders. 

Additional Historical Notes About Cyber Monday 

In 2005, Cyber Monday was conceived by Shop.org, the NRF’s online branch. It capitalized on the trend of consumers flocking online after Thanksgiving for their shopping needs. There were various theories to explain this phenomenon. 

One theory suggested that people browsed items in stores and malls over the weekend but waited until Monday to make their purchases at work, where they had access to faster internet connections. Another theory attributed the phenomenon to the chaotic experiences associated with Thanksgiving weekend shopping, from early-morning Black Friday crowds to the frenzy of in-person bargain hunting. On the other hand, Cyber Monday allowed shoppers to relax at home, coffee in hand, while browsing the web for unbeatable deals. 

The numbers tell an incredible story. Sales on Cyber Monday soared from $484 million in 2005 to more than $11 billion in 2022. Black Friday may remain the busiest shopping day of the year, but Cyber Monday’s digital influence has been unstoppable, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Cyber Monday’s Milestones 

As Cyber Monday made its official debut, it quickly became synonymous with irresistible deals and discounts, solidifying its popularity. This shift didn’t go unnoticed, as it triggered significant milestones in its history. Here’s a glimpse of the pivotal moments that have shaped Cyber Monday’s evolution: 

2005: The inaugural year saw sales reaching $484 million, laying the foundation for what was to come. By 2010, Cyber Monday’s influence had grown so much that it surged past the $1 billion mark, signaling a massive shift in consumer behavior. 

 

2011: CNBC made a notable report, marking the first instance where Black Friday and Cyber Monday began merging into a seamless Thanksgiving shopping extravaganza. The distinction between these two shopping days was blurring, creating a more extended shopping event. 

 

2016: A significant turning point arrived as most major retailers expanded their offerings from a single Cyber Monday to an entire Cyber Week. This extended period allowed shoppers to enjoy a revolving menu of deals spread over several days. Retail giants like Amazon and Kohl’s led the way, even stretching their Cyber sales into December. 

 

2019: Cyber Monday reached new heights with sales soaring to $9.4 billion. Remarkably, this figure surpassed earlier predictions, thanks to the late-night shoppers who hopped online to snatch up last-minute deals. Adobe Analytics had initially forecasted sales of $9.2 billion, but the allure of late-night bargains proved irresistible, pushing the numbers even higher. 

These milestones not only emphasized the profound impact of Cyber Monday but also highlight how it has grown beyond a single day of shopping into a dynamic shopping event that stretches across days, transcending borders and making its mark as a global celebration of online commerce. For resale business owners, these milestones represent an ever-expanding opportunity to showcase their unique offerings to a broader, digitally savvy audience. 

The Influence of Cyber Monday During COVID-19 

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 shifted the dynamics of holiday shopping. The online shopping trend during Thanksgiving weekend reached unprecedented levels, with Black Friday digital spending hitting $9 billion and Cyber Monday approaching $10 billion. With the pandemic’s uncertainties, as many as 30% of shoppers opted for Cyber Monday sales over Black Friday. 

In 2021 and 2022, Black Friday regained its supremacy, including in online sales. Despite this, Cyber Monday remains a significant player in the retail landscape, with more than 77 million shoppers participating in 2022, making it a critical date for retailers to mark on their calendars. 

As we turn our gaze toward 2023, the NRF estimates holiday season sales to range between $957.3 billion and $966.6 billion, marking a 3% to 4% increase. Cyber Monday is expected to play a pivotal role in these projections, further emphasizing its relevance in the retail world. 

Cyber Monday Goes Global 

Cyber Monday’s influence isn’t limited to the United States. Since its inception, the concept has spread worldwide, with participation from as many as 28 countries. The U.K. boasts the highest awareness level at 89%, closely followed by Germany, Spain, Italy, and other nations. This global reach has led major U.S. retailers to adapt by creating e-commerce websites tailored to specific target audiences, promoting customer loyalty on a global scale. 

Beyond Cyber Monday 

The success of Cyber Monday has given rise to other dedicated shopping days. Small Business Saturday, occurring the day after Black Friday, encourages consumers to support local small businesses. Giving Tuesday, on the following Tuesday, promotes charitable donations and counteracts the commercialization of the holiday season. And Green Monday, often referred to as the second Cyber Monday, focuses on last-minute holiday shopping. 

In conclusion, Thanksgiving ushers in the holiday shopping season, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday as its cornerstones. While Cyber Monday offers deep discounts and online bargains, it has evolved into much more than just a day of shopping. It’s a global celebration of e-commerce, a testament to the ever-changing retail landscape, and a vital day for all, including resale business owners who have embraced the digital realm to showcase their unique pieces. It’s a testament to the power of online shopping and its undeniable impact on the way we celebrate the season of giving.