Black Friday and Cyber Monday remain cornerstone events in the holiday commerce calendar and again retailers are gearing up for the biggest surge of the year. Over the past several years ecommerce has dramatically evolved.
Our 2024 guide linked here provides a comprehensive look at last year’s major trends. (See Ultimate Guide to Black Friday & Cyber Monday 2024). What’s more our earlier posts for 2023, 2022, 2021, and the store-readiness guide offer a useful backdrop. This year we’re going deeper into what’s changed, what the numbers say, and what merchants should do to prepare.
Here’s what you need to know for 2025.
The Road to Black Friday 2025: What’s Already Changed?
Over the first half of 2025, several shifts have emerged that will shape the Black Friday and Cyber Monday period. Retailers are launching early access deals in October and even earlier to capture attention. The event window is stretching. According to data compiled, consumer interest is more deliberate and selective.
For example, a recent survey noted that more than one-third of Americans say they are less interested in mega-sale events now compared to two or three years ago. Also, mobile commerce continues its ascent and the divide between physical-store and online shopping behavior evolves.
Our 2023 guide (see Ultimate Guide to Black Friday & Cyber Monday 2023) had already flagged many of these changes; what’s new in 2025 is how rapidly they’re accelerating. Merchant readiness must now address extended deal windows, mobile-first experiences, and shifting consumer sentiment.
The Big Numbers: What the Stats Say About 2025 Shopper Behavior
The latest research yields actionable insights. According to a report from YouGov titled America’s appetite for Black Friday & Cyber Monday 2025, 46% of Americans plan to shop during one of the major sale events this year. The same report reveals 36% of respondents say their interest in mega-sales has declined compared with a few years ago.
From web-traffic vantage, data from Queue-it show that Black Friday 2023 drew 67.4 million sessions, nearly double that of an average October day—although that was down year-on-year.
Additional data covering the 2024 season show Black Friday web traffic of 63.6 million visitors (up 5.3% YoY) and mobile traffic accounting for 64% of Cyber Five traffic.
Image Source: Queue It
On the holiday-week front, research from Exploding Topics cites that 38% of US consumers plan to participate in Cyber Monday events in 2025 and notes that buyer activity spikes by over 500% on Cyber Monday versus an average day.
These numbers tell us a few key things: the volume remains massive; mobile traffic is now dominant; consumer enthusiasm is more mixed; and merchants must execute with precision.
In addition to traffic, cart abandonment rates remain elevated—one study estimated 40% abandonment during Black Friday when shipping costs are high.
Black Friday vs Cyber Monday 2025: Who’s Winning the Wallet War?
Merchants often wonder which day to focus on: Black Friday or Cyber Monday? In 2025 the dynamics are interesting. Cyber Monday is expected to outpace Black Friday in ecommerce revenue. According to the Exploding Topics data, Cyber Monday in 2025 is projected at $14.2 billion versus $11.7 billion for Black Friday.
Historically, in our earlier posts such as the 2022 predictions (see Cyber Monday & Black Friday Predictions for 2022) and the 2021 facts post (see Facts on Black Friday 2021) we saw Black Friday still dominate in sheer traffic, but the gap has narrowed.
For 2025 we see younger generations—Gen Z and Millennials—leading participation (58% of them plan to shop mega sales) while older generations show less interest. What this means for marketers: segment by day, by demographic, by channel. Black Friday may deliver more mass-reach deals; Cyber Monday may deliver higher-intent online conversions. Merchants should tailor offers accordingly.
The Rise of AI + Personalized Shopping in Holiday Sales
In 2025, AI is finally stepping out of buzzword territory and becoming part of the shopping experience. According to YouGov, only 11% of Americans said their interest in mega-sale events had grown, but among those who are more interested, 34% say they likely will use AI tools such as chatbots or comparison engines to help them shop.
A related report by Reuters finds that during Cyber Week, retailers using AI tools for customer service saw higher conversion rates. What’s more, product recommendation engines and personalized post-purchase messaging now boost average order value, and intelligent inventory forecasting reduces stock-outs.
For smaller merchants, the big shift is that these capabilities are becoming accessible: segmenting customers, sending personalized SMS or email based on behavior, offering chat-based assistants, all thanks to smarter tools. From a strategy perspective: build data capture early, use those insights for offer timing, personalization and channel optimization.
Deal Fatigue is Real: Why Early Sales Don’t Always Win
Launching deals too early can lead to consumer fatigue. With so many “early access” promotions in October and early November, shoppers start to tune out. The YouGov data show skepticism: 63% of those who say their interest has waned cite misleading discounts; 37% say the novelty has worn off.
Additional data show that many shoppers now intentionally delay purchases in anticipation of deeper deals around Thanksgiving weekend. For merchants the takeaway is: build early hype, collect opt-ins, but don’t push full-blown deals too early. Use early teaser content and reserve your major offer for peak weekend.
Mobile-First Holiday Strategy: 2025 Isn’t Desktop-Friendly Anymore
Mobile is no longer just a channel—it’s the channel. According to Queue-it, mobile traffic during Cyber Five in 2024 was 64% (up from 57% in 2023). Other research shows that 71% of U.S. consumers were expected to make purchases online during Black Friday 2024.
What does this mean in practice? One-page mobile checkout, guest checkout, mobile wallet options, fast page load times, clear mobile navigation.
Shipping, Returns, and Customer Experience: Holiday Stress Points
In 2025 consumers expect faster shipping, accurate tracking, and smooth returns. Reports show that shipping costs remain one of the top deterrents to completing checkout (40% of shoppers say so during Black Friday). Return policies are also a major factor affecting conversion.
What Small Businesses Need to Know to Compete in 2025
Smaller retailers can’t match the deep-discount budgets of big box stores, but they can win on agility, authenticity and customer experience. Focus on: niche targeting, community and brand story, personalized messaging. “Shop local” and “small business Saturday” still deliver high engagement.
Segment your list, launch early teasers with loyalty offers, use SMS and email to your advantage. Use your CRM to identify high-lifetime-value customers and give them early access.
For more tips, see Is Your Store Ready? The Black Friday & Cyber Monday Rushes Are Upon Us.
Ecommerce Tips to Boost Your BFCM 2025 Conversion Rates
Shoppers are more distracted than ever during the Cyber Week blitz, which means your site has to work harder to convert every click. It’s not just about having the lowest price—it’s about delivering the right message, to the right person, at the right time. From building trust before the sale to keeping the post-purchase experience seamless, here are the most effective tactics to help you convert browsers into buyers this holiday season.
- Create urgency without overwhelming: Use countdown timers and inventory alerts.
- Build trust before the event: Clear return policy, reviews, live chat.
- Upsell and cross-sell smartly: Product bundles, free shipping thresholds.
- Test campaigns: Subject lines, offer types, landing pages.
- Use past-year behavior for segmentation and timing.
- Optimize for mobile: Fast load times, frictionless checkout.
- Post-purchase strategy: Shipping updates, upsells, loyalty follow-ups.
Get Your Store Ready for Black Friday + Cyber Monday Now
The holiday rush isn’t waiting. If your ecommerce store isn’t fully optimized for speed, segmentation, and post-purchase satisfaction, you’re going to feel it during Cyber Week. That’s where ReadyCloud comes in.
Start by streamlining your entire customer journey. Use ReadyCloud to track shopper behavior, create targeted campaigns, and convert one-time buyers into repeat customers. Add ReadyReturns to reduce friction at the end of the buying journey with seamless, automated returns that shoppers trust. Then connect ReadyShipper X to speed up your fulfillment, slash delivery times, and keep shipping costs in check.
Now is the time to test, refine, and automate. Don’t let slow checkouts, missed messages, or clunky returns ruin your biggest weekend of the year. With ReadyCloud powering your CRM, shipping, and returns, you’ll deliver the kind of ecommerce experience that brings customers back long after Cyber Monday ends.
Need help setting it all up? Our team is here to help. Book a demo and get started today.
How ReadyCloud Empowers Retailers to Win Peak Season in E-Commerce
The holiday season is filled with challenges like managing skyrocketing traffic, executing effective marketing campaigns, and providing seamless post-purchase experiences that can make or break a retailer’s success. ReadyCloud’s suite of software tools is designed to tackle these challenges head-on, equipping businesses with the tools they need to thrive during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and beyond.
Marketing and Promotions with ReadyCloud
Marketing is at the heart of peak season success. With ReadyCloud, retailers can elevate their marketing strategies through powerful data centralization and personalization via integrated Action Alerts. This tool organizes customer data into actionable insights, enabling businesses to segment their audience and tailor campaigns to individual shopping behaviors.
Retailers can use ReadyCloud to:
- Craft hyper-targeted email campaigns featuring product recommendations based on purchase history.
- Leverage social media platforms to deliver tailored promotions directly to targeted customer groups.
- Monitor campaign performance in real time, refining strategies to maximize engagement and conversions.
What’s more, ReadyCloud ensures consistency across marketing channels, from email to social media to influencer collaborations, making it easier to spread the word about your deals and engage shoppers effectively.
Operational Preparedness: ReadyShipper X for Efficient Fulfillment
No retailer can afford operational hiccups during peak season. ReadyShipper X is the ultimate solution for managing the shipping, fulfillment and returns that come with increased order volume. By streamlining order fulfillment, this tool ensures fast, accurate deliveries and helps retailers keep up with demand.
Here’s how ReadyShipper X supports your operations:
- Discounted Shipping Rates: Save on shipping costs with pre-negotiated carrier rates, boosting profitability on every order.
- Label Printing: Generate shipping labels in bulk, reducing fulfillment times and eliminating errors.
- Order Management: Consolidate orders from multiple platforms into one interface for easy tracking and processing.
When your customers receive their purchases on time without issues, it enhances trust and increases the likelihood of repeat business.
Seamless Returns with ReadyReturns
Returns are a reality of online shopping, and handling them well is crucial to retaining customers. ReadyReturns makes the returns process simple, transparent, and customer-friendly.
Key features of ReadyReturns include:
- Automated Returns: Allow customers to initiate returns online with ease, reducing the workload on your support team.
- Clear Communication: Provide return instructions and shipping labels instantly, ensuring clarity and convenience for shoppers.
- Building Trust: Offering a hassle-free return policy instills confidence in shoppers, driving higher conversion rates during the busy holiday season.
With ReadyReturns, retailers can turn a potential pain point into a competitive advantage, keeping customers happy and encouraging repeat purchases.
Integration Capabilities: A Unified System for E-Commerce Excellence
ReadyCloud seamlessly integrates with popular shopping carts and order management systems ensures that your entire workflow—from marketing to order fulfillment to returns—is streamlined and efficient during peak shopping periods. Synchronizing data across platforms eliminates manual errors, keeps inventory accurate, and ensures your business runs smoothly under pressure.
Post-Purchase Excellence: Retaining Customers Beyond the Sale
The journey for shoppers continues well beyond the checkout process. ReadyCloud helps retailers excel in post-purchase interactions like messaging by simplifying returns, enhancing customer service, and fostering long-term loyalty.
- Efficient Support: ReadyCloud enables you to monitor customer inquiries and provide swift resolutions. AI-powered chatbots can handle common questions, while live agents equipped with customer data can provide personalized assistance for complex cases.
- Loyalty Building: Analyze post-purchase behaviors to identify opportunities for loyalty programs, exclusive offers, or targeted re-engagement campaigns.
Why ReadyCloud is a Game-Changer for Peak Season
E-commerce retailers face immense challenges during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but ReadyCloud provides the tools needed to tackle every aspect of the customer journey. From personalized marketing to smooth logistics and exceptional post-purchase support, ReadyCloud ensures your business is prepared to handle the pressure and thrive during the busiest time of the year.
Invest in ReadyCloud’s suite of solutions and position your business to win the peak shopping season, delight customers, and drive repeat sales well into the new year.
Prepare for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2024 with ReadyCloud
The 2024 Black Friday and Cyber Monday season is shaping up to be a defining moment for both consumers and retailers. From leveraging emerging trends like Buy Now, Pay Later and social media-driven sales to capitalizing on e-commerce dominance, success hinges on preparation, adaptability, and the right tools.
As we’ve explored, strategies like targeted marketing, operational readiness, and streamlined post-purchase processes are no longer optional—they’re essential. What’s more, tools like ReadyCloud’s CRM, ReadyShipper X, and ReadyReturns offer a unified solution to navigate the complexities of peak shopping seasons, enabling businesses to deliver exceptional experiences that keep customers coming back long after the holidays.
Now is the time to act. With ReadyCloud, you can centralize your operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and maximize your profits this holiday season. Whether you’re gearing up to launch compelling promotions, handle an influx of orders, or build loyalty with seamless returns, ReadyCloud’s suite of software is your partner in success. Start your free trial today and see how ReadyCloud can transform your approach to Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
The tools you need are ready—are you? Better E-commerce Starts Here! Got questions? Contact Our Sales Team for a No-Obligation Demo!
FAQs About Black Friday & Cyber Monday 2025
How much will people spend on Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2025?
Cyber Monday may hit $14.2 billion and Black Friday around $11.7 billion in online sales.
Is Cyber Monday bigger than Black Friday in 2025?
Yes in ecommerce revenue. Cyber Monday is now the bigger online event.
What time do Black Friday sales start online in 2025?
Some start in October but major deals drop Thanksgiving night into Friday.
What is the best way for small businesses to compete during BFCM 2025?
Personalization, mobile optimization, clear shipping/returns, and loyalty marketing.
Are return policies important during holiday shopping?
Yes. 40% of carts are abandoned due to shipping issues or unclear returns.
How important is mobile optimization for Black Friday 2025?
It’s crucial. More than 64% of traffic will come from mobile.
What industries are expected to perform best during Cyber Week 2025?
Electronics, fashion, health & beauty, home tech, and sustainable products.
When should I start my Black Friday campaign?
Start opt-in and teaser campaigns in early November, but launch main offers on Thanksgiving weekend.
How does ReadyCloud help with Black Friday planning?
ReadyCloud gives you CRM, Shipping, Returns, and analytics tools built for holiday scale.