What Is Green Monday?
Green Monday is a major retail sales day during the holiday shopping season that falls on the second Monday in December. It marks a late push of online and omnichannel purchases by shoppers racing to buy gifts and secure shipping before peak holiday deadlines. The phrase was popularized by eBay in 2007 after the company identified the second Monday in December as one of its strongest sales days of the year. The “green” in Green Monday can allude to dollars (money spent) or to the idea that online shopping can be more environmentally friendly than driving to stores. (Sources: eBay; Investopedia)
Key takeaways
– Green Monday = second Monday in December; heavy last‑minute online shopping day.
– Coined by eBay in 2007 after noticing a seasonal sales spike.
– Less prominent than Black Friday or Cyber Monday but increasingly important for holiday sales.
– Best used by shoppers for last‑minute deals and by retailers to clear inventory and capture late buyers. (Sources: eBay; Investopedia; NRF)
When Green Monday occurs
– Timing: the second Monday in December each year. Example: Green Monday 2024 is Dec. 9. (Investopedia)
Short history and context
– Origin: eBay reportedly coined the term in 2007 after identifying a recurring high‑volume sales day in the second week of December.
– Role in the holiday calendar: retailers now run promotions throughout November and December, but Green Monday remains a key date for last‑minute online sales and shipping cutoff promotion. (eBay; Investopedia)
Green Monday vs. other holiday shopping days
– Black Friday: Traditionally the biggest in‑store and online discount day, the day after Thanksgiving. Many view it as the start of holiday shopping. (NRF)
– Small Business Saturday: The Saturday after Black Friday, promoted to support local and independent retailers (founded by American Express). (American Express; SBA)
– Cyber Monday: The Monday following Thanksgiving, focused on online deals. In recent years Cyber Monday has often surpassed Black Friday in online sales. (Investopedia; industry reporting)
Fast fact
– Retail forecasting groups such as the National Retail Federation use holiday weekend and seasonal shopping results as indicators of consumer demand for the full season. (NRF)
Practical steps for shoppers (how to make the most of Green Monday)
1. Know shipping deadlines
– Check carriers’ and retailers’ cutoffs for standard and expedited shipping to ensure delivery by your intended date. Last‑minute shopping often relies on overnight or two‑day options.
2. Set price alerts and compare
– Use price trackers, browser extensions, and multiple retailers to confirm that an advertised “deal” is genuinely discounted. Compare total cost including shipping and taxes.
3. Prioritize key gifts
– Buy higher‑priority or bulky items early; reserve Green Monday for items where shipping speed or a specific flash deal matters.
4. Use secure payment and account settings
– Confirm payment credentials, saved addresses, and two‑factor authentication to speed checkout and reduce fraud risk.
5. Check return and warranty policies
– Verify return windows and holiday return extensions; consider gift receipts or extended‑return options.
6. Consider e‑gift cards or digital gifts
– If delivery time is tight, digital gift cards, subscriptions, or online experiences are instant alternatives.
7. Stack discounts smartly
– Combine coupons, store credit, cashback offers, and card‑linked promotions where permitted to maximize savings.
8. Plan for in‑store pickup
– If available, click‑and‑collect (BOPIS) can be a faster, cost‑effective option for last‑minute purchases.
9. Be mindful of sustainability
– If environmental impact matters, choose consolidated shipping, slower ground options where possible, or retailers with carbon‑offset options. (Practical consumer finance best practices)
Practical steps for retailers (how to prepare and profit on Green Monday)
1. Plan inventory and fulfillment
– Prioritize fast‑moving SKUs for guaranteed availability; set aside buffer stock for late orders and optimize fulfillment routes for speed.
2. Promote clear shipping deadlines
– Communicate last‑day shipping cutoffs prominently in marketing and on product pages; offer expedited options and price them transparently.
3. Optimize site performance and checkout
– Ensure mobile responsiveness, fast page loads, and a streamlined checkout (guest checkout, saved payment options) to minimize cart abandonment.
4. Use targeted and time‑limited promotions
– Segment customers by purchase behavior and send tailored offers and “last chance” messaging to drive conversions.
5. Offer flexible returns and guarantees
– Extend holiday return windows or offer easier exchanges to reduce buyer hesitation for last‑minute purchases.
6. Leverage omnichannel fulfillment
– Use stores for pickup or ship‑from‑store to meet demand without overloading central distribution centers.
7. Prepare customer service and post‑purchase communications
– Staff customer support adequately and provide clear tracking emails, FAQs about delivery, and easy return instructions.
8. Monitor real‑time metrics
– Track conversion rates, site latency, inventory levels, and shipping capacity to react quickly if issues occur.
9. Consider sustainability communications
– For consumers who value eco‑friendly choices, highlight low‑carbon shipping options and recyclable packaging. (Retail operations and marketing best practices)
Metrics and expectations
– While Green Monday is not usually the single biggest holiday sales day (Black Friday and Cyber Monday commonly exceed it), it consistently ranks among the busiest e‑commerce days in mid‑December and can be pivotal for retailers clearing inventory and hitting year‑end targets. Organizations such as the National Retail Federation publish seasonal sales projections and shopper traffic data annually. (NRF)
The bottom line
Green Monday is a predictable, calendar‑based opportunity for both shoppers and retailers. For consumers, it’s a strategic moment to capture last‑minute deals while watching shipping deadlines. For retailers, it’s a chance to convert late shoppers, clear remaining inventory, and earn important year‑end revenue—if systems, messaging, and logistics are aligned.
Sources and further reading
– Investopedia — “Green Monday” (summary and context)
– eBay press materials — eBay’s announcements about Green Monday (origin and promotions)
– National Retail Federation (NRF) — holiday retail data and shopper forecasts
– American Express / U.S. Small Business Administration — Small Business Saturday background
Editor’s note: The following topics are reserved for upcoming updates and will be expanded with detailed examples and datasets.