Why is 11 November Celebrated As Singles Day? Know Its Origin, Expansion, and Influence On Retail Space

Singles Day 2024: Every year, 11 November is celebrated as Singles Day to recognize the self-love, worth, and individuality of people. While many occasions mark the celebration of the togetherness of couples, Singles Day laid emphasis on the celebration of singledom. The origin of the day goes back to 1993 in China which started in a dormitory as the legend goes, it has today emerged as a massive cultural and commercial occasion. 

Origin of Singles Day

The legends of the origin of Singles Day dates are several with a few finding credible footing in the media. The origin goes to Nanjing University in 1993 where four single men in their dorm decided to celebrate their singledom, honor individuality, and turn the monotony of single life into a joyous event.

The date 11/11 represents the four singles or sticks which is a Chinese slang for unmarried men who add no “branches” to the family tree. 

Global Expansion

What began as a reform in a dorm, soon traveled to neighboring universities, and then across regions and states. Today, the concept has transcended international borders, as the day is celebrated internationally across the globe. 

China however still witnesses the intensity of the occasion the most. It is a commercial and cultural holiday in the country. 

Courtesy of the internet and digitization of culture, the once-Chinese tradition has taken the form of an international event that is marked by indulging in capitalistic lures like gifting to one’s own self, social events to find a community of singles, and splurging in self-care activities from a solo trip to a spa day. 

Influence on Retail Space 

The commercialization of the day led to a boost in the retail space with many shopping sprees, offers, and discounts advertised for a targeted audience of singles who got to indulge in their celebration. 

It began in 2009 with Alibaba offering online shopping discounts and offline entertainment for the 24 hours of the event, and experiencing an increase in sales thanks to the increase in retail promotion. 

The span of Singles Day has expanded culturally and commercially, posing it as an alternative to Valentine’s Day or Couple Day as well.