What is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday refers to the major online shopping day that occurs on the Monday following the U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving. The term was first introduced in 2005 by online-retail marketers as a way to boost web-based sales after the high-street frenzy of the preceding weekend.

In the years since, Cyber Monday has grown beyond the U.S. and become a prominent e-commerce event around the world with retailers and shoppers in many countries participating. 

How Shoppers Can Get the Best Value on Cyber Monday

For savvy shoppers, Cyber Monday is about more than browsing—it’s a chance to strategically pick up real bargains. Here’s how to go in prepared:

• Set your priorities and budget: Know which items you really want and how much you’re willing to spend. Without a plan, it’s easy to get drawn into deals that aren’t truly necessary.
• Track pricing ahead of time: A big discount doesn’t always mean the lowest price. Monitor prices beforehand so you can tell whether a deal is genuine.
• Get your tech and payment methods ready: With so many deals happening online and on mobile, ensure your device and payment information are set up in advance for quick checkout.
• Check delivery and return conditions: The best deal means little if shipping is delayed or you can’t return the item easily. Review timelines and policies before committing.
• Don’t ignore mobile or app‑only offers: Some retailers reserve their best deals for mobile users or app customers—so keep that in mind.
• Move fast on hot items: Popular products often disappear quickly. Being ready and decisive can make the difference between getting the deal or missing out.

New & Emerging for Cyber Monday 2025

• Social commerce & influencer‑driven shopping: In 2025, Cyber Monday online sales were attributed to influencers and affiliate marketers.
• New‑tech shopping tools: Features like augmented reality try‑ons, live‑stream shopping events, voice‑assistant shopping and mobile‑first experiences are becoming more common.
• Flexible payment and financing options: Payment methods like Buy‑Now‑Pay‑Later are increasingly offered, making high‑ticket items more accessible on sale days.
• Global participation and earlier deals: Cyber Monday is no longer just one day in the U.S. many international retailers launch earlier, run longer and localised deals are on the rise.
• Embrace mobile‑first shopping: With high mobile device usage in our region, make sure you’re ready to shop via apps or mobile sites—set up your payments, addresses and account ahead of time.
• Understand currency, shipping and import charges: When buying from international stores, check how the price converts into your local currency, and verify whether shipping, customs or return fees apply.
• Explore modern payment options: If local merchants are offering things like mobile‑wallet deals, app‑only discounts or “buy now, pay later” plans, these can give you extra value.
• Plan ahead for extended sale windows: Since many retailers now stretch deals beyond a single day, you may see “early‑access” offers or “last‑chance” discounts—being prepared can help you catch the best ones.