Overview
- The observance takes place on November 11, chosen for the 11/11 sequence in which each “1” represents an individual person.
- It began at Nanjing University in 1993 as male‑focused meetups and blind dates before evolving into an inclusive celebration of independence and self‑love.
- Alibaba transformed the date in 2009 into a major online shopping festival often likened to an Asian Black Friday, driving large online discounts and sales.
- Brands across markets now tie promotions to Singles Day, with Mexico also recognizing a separate singles observance on February 13 as a counterpoint to Valentine’s Day.
- Consumer studies note high digital engagement among single people—heavy WhatsApp use per Kantar TNS—and research from the University of Auckland indicating well‑being comparable to or higher than married peers.