National Singles Day 2024: History, Celebration, and Events

November 11 is Singles’ Day, a time when people celebrate single life through shopping, self-care and socializing. It originally started at Nanjing University in 1993 and has grown from a small campus tradition into a large commercial festival. Today it has a global reach, with retailers offering discounts and promotions.

“Singles’ Day” is China’s most important cultural and commercial festival. It originated from Singles’ Day, which falls on Monday this year.

The history of Double Eleven

It originated at Nanjing University in 1993, when four single students chose this date because the number “1” looked like a bare branch, symbolizing singleness. The day 11/11 represents four singles players standing together.

Double Eleven pays tribute to singles, promotes the pride of being single, and allows everyone to love themselves. This is the day when people indulge in things they would never splurge on.

How to observe?

Shopping Feast: Singles’ Day has now become the largest online shopping holiday. In some years, its sales are higher than Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday. Retail giant Alibaba is constantly launching special discounts and deals to tempt everyone this festive season.

Social activities: During Singles’ Day, singles in some cities will hold parties, social gatherings or theme parties, providing singles with opportunities to socialize and build connections with others.

Self-care activities: During Singles’ Day, people tend to indulge in self-care, such as spa days, dining out, and buying items that they wouldn’t normally spend money on.

Commercialization and events

  • Retail Engagement: Inspired by the commercial success of China’s Double 11, driven by Alibaba’s marketing strategies, Singles’ Day became a massive shopping event and there was an increase in Singles’ Day retail promotions across the country. Businesses are now offering discounts and special events for singles, further integrating the day into consumer culture.
  • Social Events: Various organizations and communities have begun hosting singles-specific events, such as meetups, get-togethers, and self-care workshops, to foster a sense of community and celebration around singlehood.

international influence

Originating in China, this concept is a unique phenomenon that has spread around the world and its international influence is undeniable. Even foreign retailers have noticed the possibility of reaching single consumers who want to celebrate themselves in the form of shopping and indulgence.

Singles’ Day on November 11 is significant as a celebration of singlehood, building on cultural values ​​but also providing opportunities for commercial gain; something special both for personal satisfaction and retail engagement of.

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