What are Black Friday and Cyber Monday and how long do they last?

With Thanksgiving upon us, the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are expected to dominate the headlines in the coming days. Shopaholics have likely had the dates circled in their calendars for some time now, as the chance to pick up a bargain rolls around once again. In recent years, internet shopping has led to a boom in pre-Christmas spending. Watch more on Independent TV: Click here to subscribe to The Independent: About The Independent: Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Connect with The Independent: Check out our full video catalog: Videos, daily editorial and more: Click here to get the best of The Independent daily: Like The Independent on Facebook: Follow The Independent on Twitter: Follow The Independent on Instagram: Download the iOS & Android app: Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust - Subscribe to Independent Premium for exclusive content & live events: