In recent years, the UK has witnessed a shopping phenomenon that’s been steadily on the rise—Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Originally an American tradition, these two days of epic discounts have made a substantial splash in the UK retail scene. At Find US Made, we keep a keen eye on trends that traverse the Atlantic, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday are no exception. In this blog, we’ll look at what Black Friday and Cyber Monday are, why they gained popularity in the US, their impressive growth there, and their increasing influence in the UK. Plus, we’ll make some predictions about their future until 2030.
What are Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving in the United States, traditionally marked by the start of the Christmas shopping season. It’s characterised by retailers offering massive discounts, and it often involves shoppers queuing outside stores in the early hours of the morning.
Cyber Monday, on the other hand, is the Monday after Thanksgiving and focuses on online deals. This trend emerged with the rise of e-commerce, enticing shoppers with deep discounts on various products available online.
Why are they popular in the US?
The popularity of Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the US can be attributed to several factors:
- Thanksgiving Timing: Black Friday follows Thanksgiving, a widely celebrated holiday in the US, making it an ideal occasion to kick off the festive shopping season.
- Consumerism: The US has a robust consumer culture, and the idea of massive discounts on desirable items is incredibly appealing.
- Marketing and Advertising: Retailers use persuasive marketing and advertising strategies to create a shopping frenzy. Door buster deals, limited-time offers, and exclusive discounts draw in shoppers.
- E-commerce Boom: The rapid growth of e-commerce platforms has propelled Cyber Monday to new heights. It caters to the growing number of online shoppers.
Impressive Growth in the US
The growth of Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the US is nothing short of spectacular. According to the National Retail Federation, the total retail sales during the Thanksgiving weekend (Thursday through Monday) in 2010 were approximately $45 billion. Fast forward to 2020, and that number had more than doubled, reaching over $90 billion.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the UK
Black Friday and Cyber Monday have made significant inroads into the UK retail landscape. These events have been gaining momentum, and this is reflected in the sales figures.
- In 2014, the Guardian reported that the UK spent around £810 million during the Black Friday weekend.
- By 2022, the UK spent a staggering £8.71 billion over Black Friday weekend, according to Statista.
Key companies like Amazon, which need no introduction, have played a vital role in promoting Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the UK. Amazon UK‘s Black Friday Week and Cyber Monday deals have become highly anticipated events, offering discounts on a wide array of products, from electronics to fashion.
Predictions for the Future
Looking ahead to 2030, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are likely to continue their impressive growth in the UK. As the e-commerce landscape evolves and consumers become more digitally connected, online shopping is set to surge. Retailers will continue to innovate and expand these events, offering not only substantial discounts but also unique shopping experiences.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are becoming increasingly integral to the UK’s retail calendar. As consumers embrace the culture of discounts and the convenience of online shopping, these American-born traditions are set to continue their growth, promising even more exciting deals and shopping opportunities in the years to come. At Find US Made, we will keep tracking these trends as they shape the UK’s shopping landscape.
