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Why is Singles’ Day on 11/11 a Shopping Festival?

Every year, November 11th is recognized as Singles' Day, a celebration of the single lifestyle. But it has also evolved into something much bigger - a massive shopping festival that rivals the scale of Black Friday or Cyber Monday. This year, discover the exciting deals and offers that make this day so special. Learn more by reading our comprehensive article, where we delve into the history and significance of this unique event.

Administrator

6 August, 2024

On November 11th, single people in China will be organizing entertainment activities, gatherings, feasts, and singing sessions to forget their loneliness.

This day is also an opportunity for singles to shop to their heart’s content with attractive promotions. November 11th is not only “Singles’ Day” but also the biggest “Shopping Festival” in Asia, comparable to Black Friday and Cyber Monday in Western countries. Check out our tips on hunting for Black Friday deals!

Why has Singles’ Day, November 11th, become a shopping holiday?

Since 2009, Singles’ Day has taken a new and more diverse turn thanks to the idea of billionaire Jack Ma. From the early days of his entrepreneurship, he directed his team to choose a fixed day for “super discounts” to stimulate shopping, similar to Black Friday in the US—November 11th.

The Alibaba e-commerce platform has turned November 11th into an annual “Shopping Festival” with the slogan “Even if we don’t have a lover, at least we can shop like crazy.”

See also: (11/11) What is it? Origin and meaning of Singles’ Day

Even if we don’t have a lover, at least we can shop like crazy

The target of this festival is not just singles but everyone, regardless of class, who loves shopping. During this shopping festival, people not only shop for themselves but also buy gifts for their friends and family.

On this shopping holiday, stores will take turns offering discounts from 8 – 90% off the original price so that everyone can shop to their heart’s content. This shopping day has boosted commerce, skyrocketed retailers’ sales, and become a global shopping trend that many Western brands have jumped on.

On November 11th, brands will offer discounts of 8-90% on their products

In 2018, Alibaba made American retailers envious by setting a record-breaking revenue of almost double the sales of Black Friday and Cyber Monday in the US in the same year.

Now you know why November 11th has become a shopping holiday. We hope you have a fun and safe shopping spree!

Don’t forget that we also have many promotions for Singles’ Day. Check them out here: insert link!

Frequently asked questions

The date, 11/11, was chosen as it resembles four ‘bare sticks’, a Chinese slang for bachelorhood, referring to the unattached individuals celebrating their pride in being single.

Singles’ Day originated in China during the 1990s as an informal holiday to celebrate being single. It was initially created by a group of Nanjing University students as a response to Valentine’s Day, with the date chosen, 11/11, representing four individuals standing alone.

In 2009, Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce giant, transformed Singles’ Day into an online shopping festival, offering significant discounts and promotions to target the large population of single people in China, encouraging them to treat themselves.

Singles’ Day has become the world’s largest online shopping event, surpassing Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined. In 2022, Alibaba reported a gross merchandise volume of US$89.2 billion during the Singles’ Day shopping festival, showcasing its immense popularity and impact on the global retail industry.

The number 11:11, or ‘double eleven’, represents a wish-fulfilling moment. It is believed that making a wish at 11:11 can lead to good luck and the manifestation of one’s desires. This adds a playful element to the day, encouraging people to embrace the spirit of fun and positivity.