Green Monday

What is Green Monday?

Green Monday is a major retail shopping day that falls on the second Monday in December. It marks a surge in last-minute holiday purchases and online deals as shoppers try to hit shipping deadlines and secure gifts before Christmas.

Origin

The term was popularized in 2007 by eBay after the company identified the second Monday in December as one of its biggest sales days. The “green” in Green Monday can imply dollars (sales revenue) and, for some shoppers, the relative environmental convenience of buying online versus driving to stores.

How it works

• Retailers — especially large e-commerce sites and big-box chains — promote discounts and time-limited offers to capture last-minute holiday traffic.
• Merchants use the day to clear inventory, boost year-end sales figures, and attract buyers who missed earlier events.
• Shoppers use Green Monday for online bargains and to meet shipping cutoff dates for holiday delivery.

How Green Monday compares with other holiday retail days

• Black Friday: The day after Thanksgiving, focused on both in-store and online doorbuster deals. Historically one of the biggest retail sales days.
• Small Business Saturday: The Saturday after Black Friday, aimed at supporting local and independent retailers.
• Cyber Monday: The Monday following Thanksgiving, centered on online shopping. Cyber Monday and Green Monday are distinct dates but both emphasize e-commerce — Cyber Monday kicks off online holiday promotions earlier in the season, while Green Monday targets late shoppers in December.

When is Green Monday?

Green Monday occurs every year on the second Monday in December (for example, in 2024 it fell on December 9). Because its timing is tied to the calendar, the exact date changes annually.

Key takeaways

• Green Monday is the second Monday in December and a peak day for last-minute holiday online shopping.
• The term originated with eBay in 2007.
• It complements other major retail events (Black Friday, Cyber Monday) by capturing late-season buyers and helping retailers hit year-end targets.

Bottom line: Green Monday is an important holiday shopping date for both consumers looking for last-minute deals and retailers trying to maximize year-end sales.