Is Black Friday What It Used To Be? Reflecting on Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2025

Written by Clare Bodine

Long lines, rare deals, and utter chaos quickly come to mind when someone mentions Black Friday and the shopping extravaganza. Does this excitement still exist, or is the intensity of Black Friday a thing of the past? 

Growing up in Minnesota, I always looked forward to rushing to the Mall of America first thing in the morning every year. I find so much excitement in being a part of one of the biggest shopping days of the year and getting into the holiday spirit. While I tend to witness massive crowds and lines, this year included, I can’t help but wonder if it compares to years past, and if malls across the country have this same turnout.

Many can recall the mayhem of in-person Black Friday in the 2000s and 2010s. Deals disrupting Thanksgiving dinner and early store open times for this one-day event dominated the news every year. Black Friday deals are clearly still alive and well, but a lot can be said about how the day has changed.

With online shopping at an all-time high, Black Friday and Cyber Monday have started to merge into one, as many companies turn their deals into a weekend, week, or even month-long attraction. Those excited to shop can access deals by simply opening their laptop, diminishing the need to go from store to store in one outing or wait in line all night.

The day may no longer be a one-day event, but the recent trends have definitely encouraged shoppers to make purchases. According to the National Retail Federation, an estimated 202.9 million U.S. consumers shopped during the five-day stretch from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday this year. This marks the largest turnout in all years since 2017. 

The National Retail Federation also found that a total of 129.5 million consumers shopped in stores over the five days, a 3% year-over-year increase, despite the major growth of online shopping. Online shopping saw an even greater turnout — by 9% year over year — as 134.9 million people shopped on retailers’ websites and apps.

I think this recent merge between in-person and online shopping creates opportunities for everyone depending on their preferences. Those who would rather shop in the comfort of their home have countless online deals to choose from, but those who want the experience and nostalgia of Black Friday can still shop in-person. Although, the lack of urgency and extension of many deal periods have caused some companies to offer less exciting or shocking deals. This new Black Friday could just be a tool for companies to make more money.

Consumer trends and preferences, technology, advertising and more are constantly changing and altering the way we shop. What will next year hold for Black Friday and Cyber Monday? We may just have to wait and see.

Edited by Ana Massoglia

Sources: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/02/black-friday-cyber-monday-shopping-turnout-nrf.html