Green Monday

Green Monday is observed on the second Monday of December. It is a major online retail event that marks one of the busiest shopping days of the holiday season. ¹

History of Green Monday

The term “Green Monday” was coined in 2007 by the e-commerce giant eBay. They noticed a consistent historical trend where the second Monday in December marked their biggest sales day of the month. As the holiday season progressed, shoppers who had missed Black Friday and Cyber Monday were rushing to purchase gifts online to ensure they would arrive in time for Christmas. eBay named the day to highlight this massive spike in traffic and revenue.

Originally, the “Green” in the name referred primarily to “greenbacks” or money, symbolizing the significant revenue generated for retailers. Over time, some have reinterpreted the name to suggest an environmental benefit, arguing that shopping online is “greener” than driving to physical stores. However, the holiday’s roots are firmly planted in the retail industry’s efforts to capitalize on last-minute gift buying. It has since grown beyond eBay, with major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon adopting the term to promote their own mid-December sales events.

Why is Green Monday important?

Green Monday serves as a critical deadline for both shoppers and retailers. For consumers, it is widely considered the last viable day to place online orders with standard shipping and still have them delivered by Christmas Eve. After this date, shoppers often face expensive expedited shipping fees or the risk of empty stockings. This creates a natural sense of urgency that drives high transaction volumes.

For the retail industry, the day is a final opportunity to clear holiday inventory and boost fourth-quarter profits. It often functions as a “second Cyber Monday,” offering deep discounts on electronics, toys, and apparel to entice procrastinators. The day validates the shift in consumer behavior toward e-commerce, proving that people are increasingly comfortable buying gifts online even as the holiday deadline looms closer.

• marks the cutoff for standard holiday shipping
• offers a second chance for missed november deals
• helps retailers clear out seasonal inventory
• generates significant revenue for the economy
• reduces the stress of last-minute mall trips

How to Celebrate Green Monday

The best way to observe Green Monday is to finalize your holiday shopping list from the comfort of your home. Many online stores release specific “Green Monday” deals that rival those seen in November, particularly on tech gadgets and winter clothing. Taking advantage of these sales can save money while ensuring your gifts arrive on time without the need for expensive express delivery.

Beyond shopping, you can use the day to organize your holiday budget and track your spending. Since the “Green” originally referred to money, it is a fitting time to check your finances before the year ends. If you have finished your shopping, you might celebrate the “eco-friendly” interpretation of the day by wrapping gifts in recycled paper or planning a sustainable holiday meal, avoiding the chaotic traffic of physical shopping centers.

• finish buying holiday gifts online
• compare prices for big-ticket electronics
• check shipping deadlines for different stores
• wrap gifts with recycled materials
• review your holiday spending budget

Green Monday Dates Table

1. https://greenmonday.org/en/[↩]