Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Singles Day 11/11 Drives Global Celebrations and Big Retail Promotions

Originating in 1993 at Nanjing University, the observance was later scaled by Alibaba into a vast e-commerce festival.

Overview

  • The date is being marked worldwide today with culture-meets-commerce campaigns, including AliExpress’ “Promo 11.11” running through November 19 with coupon-driven deals on phones, home goods and more.
  • Retailers highlighting timed offers include Converse (up to 30% off), Sephora (25% plus an extra 5% in-app with code SINGLES), Mediamarkt (22% on select items), Primor and Springfield (11% with codes), and Yves Rocher (free product on purchases over €25 with code SINGLES11).
  • Chosen for its four numeral ones, 11/11 symbolizes individual people, reflecting a celebration that began as student events intended to ease marriage pressure and elevate independence and self-care.
  • Alibaba formalized the shopping festival in 2009, and the Chinese Guanggun Jie has been reported to surpass Black Friday and Cyber Monday in sales volume.
  • Local adaptations continue, with Mexico also observing a Singles Day on February 13 and Italy’s Rocca Canterano marking the satirical Festa dei Cornuti on November 11.