**UPDATE: Nov. 19, 2024, 1:15 p.m. EST**
*This article has been revised to include details about Black Friday and Cyber Monday for 2024.*
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### Black Friday and Cyber Monday: A Massive Shopping Extravaganza in 2024
Once recognized as two separate shopping occasions — [Black Friday](https://mashable.com/category/black-friday) and [Cyber Monday](https://mashable.com/category/cyber-monday) — these days have now effectively converged into a single, enormous shopping phenomenon. The distinction between the two started to diminish in 2020 when the pandemic compelled physical stores to transition their Black Friday sales online. Now, in 2024, those distinctions have nearly vanished. Truly, we can hardly spot the difference.
While prominent retailers have been hosting holiday promotions throughout November, clever shoppers realize that the period around Black Friday and Cyber Monday still presents some of the most significant bargains of the year. These days are famous for featuring unprecedented low prices on major items such as [TVs](https://mashable.com/article/early-black-friday-2024-tv-deals), [Apple devices](https://mashable.com/article/early-black-friday-2024-apple-deals), [robot vacuums](https://mashable.com/article/early-black-friday-2024-robot-vacuum-deals), [headphones](https://mashable.com/article/early-black-friday-2024-headphones-and-speakers-deals), and (https://mashable.com/article/early-black-friday-2024-gaming-deals). In fact, some of these offers even exceed those available during Amazon’s highly publicized [October Prime Day](https://mashable.com/category/prime-day).
### Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday: What Distinguishes Them?
In the era of MySpace and AIM (hello, 2005), the National Retail Federation introduced the term “[Cyber Monday](https://blackfriday.com/news/cyber-monday-statistics-and-history)” after witnessing a spike in online sales on the Monday after Thanksgiving. This was likely due to individuals utilizing their faster work internet connections to secure deals. Online retailers, eager to tap into the holiday shopping excitement, capitalized on this trend, leading to the creation of two separate shopping days: Black Friday for in-store purchases and Cyber Monday for online shoppers.
Fast forward to today, and the difference between the two has largely diminished. With the so-called “[death of retail](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/05/10/five-myths-about-the-death-of-retail),” everything is now on the internet, including Black Friday. After years of reporting on both occasions, we can assert that neither day is inherently “better” for shopping. It ultimately depends on what you’re searching for and the level of demand surrounding it.
### Are Deals Better on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
The best recommendation? If you find a great deal, seize it — regardless of whether it’s labeled as a Black Friday or Cyber Monday offer. The separation between the two regarding product discounts has become less crucial in recent times. Nevertheless, certain trends remain relevant for particular product categories. For instance, [TV deals](https://blackfriday.com/news/black-friday-vs-cyber-monday-what-to-buy-each-day) tend to be more substantial and widespread on Black Friday, with a greater likelihood of selling out before Cyber Monday. Conversely, it might be beneficial to hold off until Cyber Monday for potentially better laptop deals.
With the emergence of “Cyber Week,” many deals now extend across both Black Friday and Cyber Monday. According to [BlackFriday.com](http://BlackFriday.com), “Some TV promotions will boast exciting discounts during Black Friday *and* Cyber Monday, but they may not feature the specifications you desire.” In summary: the bargains will be excellent on both occasions, but it all depends on your preferences. If you come across a product with the specifications you want at a pleasing price, do not hesitate — take it. And as always, consult [camelcamelcamel.com](http://camelcamelcamel.com) for the price history on Amazon to make sure you’re securing the best possible deal.
### How Long Does Black Friday Last?
At this stage, referring to it as “Black Friday” is somewhat misleading. It has transformed into more than just a one-day affair — it’s a month-long shopping event. Retail behemoths like [Walmart](https://mashable.com/article/walmart-black-friday-2024-everything-you-need-to-know) and [Target](https://mashable.com/article/target-black-friday