With safety concerns and digital deals reshaping shopping habits, Colonia students and staff are rethinking whether Black Friday still holds an advantage over Cyber Monday.
Changing Shopping Trends in the Digital Age
For decades, Black Friday marked the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, known for its crowded stores, early-morning lines, and high-energy rush to secure the best deals. What once felt like a national tradition, complete with doorbusters and packed parking lots, has started to fade as technology reshapes how people shop. With the growth of online retail, month-long discount events, and safety concerns around large crowds, many shoppers are choosing digital deals over the physical frenzy.
This shift is noticeable at Colonia High School. Financial and business teacher Ms. Cerbone says today’s digital alternatives are simply more appealing than the hectic in-store experience. She explains that she no longer feels drawn to Black Friday the way many once did and instead prefers the ease and comfort of online shopping. Cyber Monday’s extended deals, flexible timing, and relaxed atmosphere fit her lifestyle far better than sprinting through crowded stores.
Why Black Friday Feels Inconvenient
Cerbone shares that Black Friday often overlaps with her holiday decorating, making it “more of a hassle” to leave the house. She preshops online before major discounts begin and finds that browsing digitally is “more helpful” than fighting through crowds or waiting in long lines.
Safety and Comfort Concerns
Safety is also a major factor influencing her choice. Cerbone considers Black Friday “more dangerous,” pointing to the large crowds and occasional violent incidents that have occurred over the years. “I wouldn’t go knowing there are crowds,” she says. If she were to shop in person, she would choose TJ Maxx, but overall, “Cyber Monday is my go-to.” She also mentioned that she isn’t afraid to order anything online.
Students Divided by Tradition and Convenience
Students at Colonia High School, Juan Molina, Benjamin Llontop, and Diego Santos, share mixed opinions on which shopping day is better. Molina and Santos favor Black Friday, while Llontop leans toward Cyber Monday because he prefers shopping online. Molina says he enjoys going out with his family and embracing the day’s excitement, saying, “It’s Friday.”
Santos, however, finds the chaos unappealing. He says it “isn’t civil to fight over things,” and Llontop agrees, saying the behavior “isn’t right,” though he still participates in Black Friday shopping.
What Influences Their Choices Most
Molina argues that Black Friday is fair because it operates on a “first-come, first-served” basis. The students also note that Cyber Monday’s deals tend to focus more on technology than clothing. When asked, Molina says he plans to pre-order items this year to make sure he gets what he wants. Santos says he “does not care” much about either shopping day but joins in when friends or family participate.
