Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) are like the heavyweight champs of shopping, each throwing its own punches when it comes to killer deals. Back in the day, Black Friday meant rushing to stores at the crack of dawn, while Cyber Monday let you kick back and grab deals online.
Now? The game’s changed. Retailers are merging them into one big event called BFCM, spreading deals out for an entire month. Sure, they’ve got their differences—one’s about the rush, the other about convenience—but in this article, we’re going to compare side by side, helping you figure out which day packs the better punch for your wallet.
Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday origins
1. Origins in the U.S.
Black Friday’s roots stretch back to 1960s Philadelphia, where local cops coined the term to describe the overwhelming surge of foot and vehicle traffic the day after Thanksgiving. What began as a term for chaotic streets quickly turned into a retail goldmine. Retailers capitalized on the name, flipping the chaos into an opportunity for discounts that drove customers through their doors in droves.
Cyber Monday, however, has a more modern flair. Created in 2005 by savvy marketers, it can catch the digital shoppers who skipped the in-store frenzy, tapping into the growing power of the internet. It was the digital shopping evolution that transformed Monday into a force to be reckoned with, providing a more laid-back experience for those who preferred their shopping clicks over crowds.
2. Crossing borders
At first, Black Friday was a U.S.-only spectacle, with Canadians looking south for their post-Thanksgiving shopping adventures. But that soon changed. Retailers in Canada recognized the migration of shoppers heading to the U.S. for deals and decided to create their own local frenzy.
Black Friday swiftly became a staple in Canadian retail, providing the same adrenaline-pumping discounts—without the cross-border trip. Cyber Monday wasn’t far behind, taking hold of the Canadian market as online shopping gained steam.
Today, both Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become household names in Canada, merging seamlessly into the country’s own holiday shopping culture.
3. Digital revolution
Cyber Monday wasn’t just another sale—it was a turning point that forever changed the way people shop. In a world that was becoming increasingly connected, this online-only event tapped into something profound: the desire for convenience, ease, and endless choices at our fingertips.
The appeal of Cyber Monday wasn’t just in the discounts, but in the fact that it allowed consumers to bypass the physical retail chaos and dive into a digital marketplace from anywhere.
Cyber Monday also fueled the growth of e-commerce titans like Amazon, solidifying online shopping as a dominant force in the retail world and opening the floodgates for a global wave of digital consumerism.
4. Milestones
Black Friday and Cyber Monday didn’t just explode onto the scene overnight—they’ve evolved through pivotal moments. One such turning point for Black Friday was the introduction of midnight sales. Stores started pushing earlier and earlier openings, eventually leading to the now infamous Thanksgiving night openings, giving shoppers a head start on their bargain hunt.
On the Cyber Monday front, the first major milestone came in 2010, when online sales soared past $1 billion for the first time ever. That staggering number solidified Cyber Monday’s place as a retail heavyweight and signaled the shifting tides toward digital shopping dominance. These key moments marked the rise of two shopping juggernauts, each leaving an indelible mark on consumer culture.
Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday deals in Canada
It’s that time of year again—Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just around the corner, and whether you’re ready to hit the stores or prefer to shop in your PJs, both days bring some serious deals. Laifen offers brilliant BFCM deals for you.
These days, though, the lines are blurred, and most retailers are throwing out discounts across the entire weekend (or longer). So, wherever you are in Canada—whether you’re out in Toronto or tucked away in Vancouver—you’re covered.
Here’s what to look out for this year, and believe me, these deals are going to fly:
- Laifen Swift Special hair dryer: This negative ionic, high-speed hair dryer is your answer to quick drying without the heat damage. Normally going for $219.99, you can snag it for a 10% discount this season. It’s just for you if you want to blow out your hair naturally and deftly at home, and let’s face it, Canadian winters mean we need a dryer that works fast.
- Laifen SE Lite hair dryer: Coming in at $119.99 with a 20% discount, this lightweight option is a great everyday dryer that won’t break the bank. If you’re traveling from Montreal to Banff or just need something simple and efficient for daily use, the SE Lite is your go-to.
- Smart TVs: Looking to upgrade your setup before the big holiday movie marathon? Black Friday’s the best time to score a 4K TV in Canada. You’ll find deals on brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony—perfect for a night in with the fam or your next Leafs game watch party.
- Laptops and gadgets: Tech lovers, this one’s for you. Cyber Monday is where the big discounts on Apple, Dell, and HP laptops come in. Need a tablet for the kiddos? Or maybe a new laptop for yourself? Deals on smart home devices like the Amazon Echo and Google Nest are also up for grabs—making life at home a little more connected and a lot more fun.
- Home appliances: Thinking about a new fridge or finally replacing that vacuum? Black Friday has deep discounts on top brands like Dyson, LG, and Whirlpool. These deals will save you big before the holiday rush sets in.
Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday vs. Boxing Day: What’s different?
In Canada, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day are the trifecta of shopping events, each with its own twist.
- Black Friday kicks off the action right after American Thanksgiving, offering massive in-store and online discounts.
- Cyber Monday keeps the momentum going but is strictly for online shoppers, giving you the chance to score deals without leaving the couch.
- Boxing Day is a Canadian favorite, hitting right after Christmas with big post-holiday sales designed to clear out leftover stock at huge discounts.
| Black Friday | Cyber Monday | Boxing Day | |
| When | Day after U.S. Thanksgiving | Monday after Black Friday | Day after Christmas (Dec 26) |
| Where | In-store & online | Online only | In-store & online |
| Recommendation | Big items like tech & appliances | Online exclusives, gadgets | Clearance sales, leftover stock |
| Deal style | Flash sales, doorbusters | Website-only discounts | Deep markdowns, inventory clear-out |
| Canadian popularity | Quickly rising | Gaining ground, but less in-store | A long-time Canadian tradition |
Best Buy Cyber Monday vs. Black Friday
Regarding shopping for tech, Best Buy makes both BF and CM worth your while, but each has its own vibe. Black Friday is all about those big in-store doorbusters—perfect for grabbing a new TV or home appliance at a deep discount. On the other hand, Cyber Monday is designed for online convenience, letting you shop similar deals from the comfort of home.
Here’s a look at some top products you’ll want to watch for during Best Buy’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday events:
- 4K Smart TVs: Black Friday is the go-to for in-store markdowns on brands like Samsung, Sony, and LG. You’ll find some jaw-dropping prices on premium models. For Cyber Monday, keep an eye out for special online bundles or extra discounts on smart TVs.
- Laptops & tablets: Whether you’re in the market for a MacBook, HP, or Dell, Best Buy will be dropping prices across the board. Black Friday tends to favor in-store deals with limited quantities, while Cyber Monday is ideal for snagging laptops and tablets with free shipping or online-exclusive offers.
- Smart home devices: Looking to make your home a bit smarter? Both Black Friday and Cyber Monday will have deals on Google Nest, Amazon Echo, and smart lighting. Cyber Monday often sweetens the pot with bundle offers or exclusive discounts, so it’s worth checking out if you’re building out your smart home setup.
- Headphones & speakers: Brands like Bose, Sony, and JBL are always popular. Black Friday usually brings the in-store flash sales, but Cyber Monday’s the day to grab wireless headphones, speakers, and soundbars online with extra perks like free shipping or additional accessories.
- Gaming consoles: Deals on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch consoles can be tough to catch, especially during Black Friday with limited stock. But Cyber Monday sometimes offers bundles with games and accessories, so if you miss out on Black Friday, you can still get a solid deal online.
The bottom line
What makes Canada’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday unique is how retailers blend both, turning the weekend into a shopping marathon. You’ll find Black Friday deals on everything from smart home devices and gaming consoles to fashion and home goods. So, which day wins? It depends on your style. If you love the rush of in-store shopping, Black Friday is your day. If you prefer relaxing at home and scoring deals online, Cyber Monday is your game.
