When is Cyber Monday 2022? UK date after Black Friday, deals to expect, and Royal Mail strike impact explained

One of the biggest shopping dates of the year, Cyber Monday, is here.

Every year, just a few days after Black Friday, retailers and shoppers turn their attention to websites for a second chance to offer - and grab - some pre-Christmas deals.

The date has been growing in popularity since it was first invented almost two decades ago, and the 2022 date will be particularly significant for people across the UK as the cost of living crisis continues and people seek to find ways to have an enjoyable festive season with their loved ones as cheaply as possible.

So, what exactly is Cyber Monday, when is it in 2022, what is the history of the day and will it be impacted by the Royal Mail strike?

Here’s everything you need to know.

What is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is an annual sales extravaganza, which sees retailers slash their prices and offer special discounts for 24 hours in the run up to Christmas. As the name suggests, this discount day is online only.

When is Cyber Monday 2022?

Cyber Monday is an annual sales event which always takes place on the last Monday in November - and so this year it is today (Monday 28 November).

Cyber Monday comes after Black Friday, another mega discount day which always takes place on the last Friday in November. This year, it will take place on 25 November.

Why does the annual sales event take place?

Cyber Monday is a huge pre-Christmas sales event which sees numerous brands and retailers slash their prices for a limited time on some of their most sought after products.

It happens just after Black Friday, and seeing retailers turn their attention to website exclusive deals.

It always takes place around a month before Christmas, and is an opportunity for people to begin their shopping for the festive season - be it gifts for others, treats for themselves or decorative items.

What is the history behind Cyber Monday?

As Black Friday and Cyber Monday are similar, it’s no surprise that their origins are the same.

Each of the shopping extravaganzas originated from the United States, but they have been adopted by the UK and other countries worldwide to boost online sales in the festive period. It began in the US back in 2005, which means this is its 17th year.

It is thought that previously, in the United States, people would make purchases online after they spent Thanksgiving weekend looking around the shops. This is also when they returned to work and made use of higher speed internet as they had slow internet at home at this time.

Again, much like Black Friday, the popularity of Cyber Monday has grown year-on-year. It’s more common than ever for people to do their shopping online - especially post Covid-19 pandemic when stores were closed and people had no choice but to buy their goods via websites.

How did Cyber Monday get its name?

The term Cyber Monday was coined by Ellen Davis of the National Retail Federation and Scott Silverman, the head of Shop.org.

It made its debut on 28 November 2005 in a Shop.org press release which had the subject line ‘Cyber Monday Quickly Becoming One of the Biggest Online Shopping Days of the Year’.

What are the best deals we can expect on Cyber Monday 2022?

Most retailers take part in Cyber Monday, from big high street names to independent brands.

Some of the biggest retailers who always take part in the event are Amazon, John Lewis, Argos, AO, Currys and Boots.

There are many deals available, so it’s advisable to do your research prior to making any purchases to compare prices and ensure you are getting the best possible deals on the things you really want. Also, if you want a particular product, or like a certain brand, it’s worth having a look to see if you can pick up a Cyber Monday deal.

Will the Royal Mail strikes affect Cyber Monday?

Royal Mail workers will stage a walkout for further dates this November and December, with one of these dates being Cyber Monday.

The planned dates for the strikes will affect the week when people will expect their Cyber Monday purchases to be delivered, which is week commencing Monday 28 November.

Royal Mail staff are also set to strike on six days in December, including on Christmas Eve - which is one of the busiest days of the year for the company. Communications Workers Union members are already planning to walk out on Cyber Monday, and have now added dates on 9, 11, 14, 15, 23 and 24 December.

People can expect there will be delays on receiving the goods they have ordered during this time.