In 2024, the total sales for Singles Day were approximately $203.6bn, significantly larger than Black Friday/Cyber Week sales, which totalled ‘only’ around $38bn for the entire Cyber Week period. Yet, many Brits have never heard of the event.
UK shoppers could be missing out on significant bargains by being unaware of the global sale, says the home delivery expert Parcelhero. Those Brits who were in the know went on a £2bn shopping spree last year to make the most of the international bargains.
Parcelhero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T., says: ‘Singles Day is supposedly the flip side of Valentine’s Day. It was created by Chinese single male university students in the 1990s who cheered themselves up by purchasing something nice for themselves. The date selected was 11/11, with the repeated number 1 symbolising solo living. By 2009, the event had become a global sales sensation, with people spending money not only on themselves but also buying presents early for Christmas.
‘It’s now the biggest single event in the global retail calendar. Not only does it eclipse the entire Black Friday/Cyber Monday week but it also dwarfs similar events such as Amazon’s Prime Day. This year’s Prime Day four-day sale brought in $24bn globally, which was a new record, but didn’t put a dent in the Singles Day figures.
‘Of course, for UK shoppers, it’s retailers and platforms with links to China that will feature the biggest sales. Alibaba.co.uk is likely to be offering significant discounts while UK shoppers who use AliExpress – the site which enables Brits to buy direct from Chinese traders – will also be able to access some global bargains. Similarly, Temu sellers will also likely be featuring some considerable offers.
‘But don’t go thinking it’s just a retail feast from the East. This year there are a number of big brands backing the event here in the UK. Singles Day will certainly be in fashion this year if the number of fashion brands embracing the event here is indicative. Calvin Klein says: “Discover special Calvin Klein discounts during the week of 11 November and indulge in some self-love”. Not to be outdone, Tommy Hilfiger says: “Celebrate Singles Day 2025 with Tommy Hilfiger and take advantage of a range of great deals.”
‘Singles Day kicks off the seasonal shopping race. In fact, Christmas is just six weeks away. If you are buying a Singles Day bargain for a friend or loved one, it’s not too early to be planning to send your gift to them in good time for the big day. For full details of UK and international prices and mailing times, see Parcelhero’s parcel price comparison quote box at https://www.parcelhero.com/
