Also known as the Global 11:11 Shopping Festival, the online frenzy began in 2009 with only 27 merchants. Now, 10 years later, there are over 200,000 brands participating, according to the company. Merchants look to target both consumers and business through Alibaba and Taobao Mall (T-Mall), with the former offering wholesale stock at low prices.
The reason it is held on November 11, is because there are four ones in the date, representing single people. It makes more money than Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined.
According to the company, in the first hour the Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) settled through Alipay, the group’s payment platform, reached $12 billion. At the time of writing, the company had taken $32.5 billion.
To help Americans make the most of Singles’ Day, Newsweek has pulled together some of the best deals available.
Alibaba Singles Day Deals
Electronics
YG300 Mini LED Projector: Available in black and white or yellow and white, buyers can get between 10 and 99 units for $26.80 each.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 / 9 Instant Film Camera: The instant camera, suitable for selfies, can be bought for $59.00 per unit.
Wallet Powerbank: Compatible with the majority of iPhones and all Android devices, customers can buy this charging unit for $3.99. Minimum order of 10 pieces.
Xiaomi MITU RC Drone: Minimum order of five pieces at $51.00 each, this gadget has a built-in 720P camera and gives FPV transmission in real-time.
Xiaomi Roborock S50 S55: Minimum order of one means that housework need not be time-consuming again. It will set you back $310.
Elderly Big Button Mobile Phone: Bring grandma into the 21st century with this folding mobile phone. Minimum order of one means you can get this bargain for $37.99.
Home and Kitchen
Blossom Tree Branches: Bring Japanese flair into your home with these decorative artificial cherry trees. Minimum order of two meters for $200.00.
LED Dancing Water Bubble Wall: This striking piece of wall decor will set you back $208 for two units.
Custom Travel Stainless Steel Coffee Mug: Minimum order of 15, these coffee mugs would be perfect for small businesses looking to promote their brand, or as a stocking filler for big families. Each unit is $4.85.
Macrame Hanging Planter Pots: Made from 100 percent cotton, these trendy plant pots are $3.99 per unit. Minimum order of 10.
Lightsaber LED Umbrella: Do you need an excuse to buy this? Bring the force into your home and stay dry for $7.00 apiece. Minimum order of 10.
Portable Coffee Maker: With this, you never need to worry about where you’re getting your next coffee fix. Minimum order of two with a unit price of $15.
With these products, when you spend over $100 you get a further 10 percent off. Anything that is marked with “11:11” is also included with this deal.
