Split screen illustrating how work and weather affect online shopping habits.

Unlock Savings: How Weather and Work Impact Your Online Shopping

Reese Marlowe in Business & Economy August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how cyberslacking and bad weather can influence your online price search behavior, leading to smarter shopping decisions."

Online shopping has transformed how we make purchases, but have you ever stopped to consider what influences your online shopping behavior? It's more than just needing a new gadget or a trendy outfit. External factors play a significant role, subtly guiding our decisions and actions. Researchers are diving deep into these influences, and the findings might surprise you.

A fascinating study delves into the impact of two seemingly unrelated factors: the day of the week and the weather. Using data from a popular Italian shopbot (a search engine specifically for shopping), the study uncovers intriguing patterns in online price search activity. It turns out that whether you're battling the Monday blues or stuck inside on a rainy day, these conditions can significantly affect your inclination to hunt for the best deals online.

This article breaks down the key findings of this research, offering insights into how cyberslacking at work and dreary weather conditions can drive your online shopping habits. Get ready to understand your own shopping behavior on a deeper level and potentially unlock new strategies for saving money.

The Monday Effect: Cyberslacking and Desktop Domination

Split screen illustrating how work and weather affect online shopping habits.

One of the most compelling findings centers around the "Monday effect." The study reveals that online price searches are significantly higher on weekdays, particularly on Mondays. Why? The researchers suggest a connection to cyberslacking – the act of using company internet for personal activities during work hours.

When faced with the return to work after a relaxing weekend, many individuals engage in procrastination to ease the transition back into the work week. Shopping online during work hours provides a form of entertainment or distraction from work responsibilities. Desktop computers may become the preferred device for consumers to find new items to purchase.

The reasons for this preference include:
Ease of Use: Desktop computers offer a larger screen and a more comfortable browsing experience compared to smartphones, making it easier to compare products and prices.
Appearance of Productivity: Using a desktop computer to search for deals can be disguised as work-related research, allowing employees to cyberslack without raising suspicion.
Escapism: Online shopping provides a mental escape from the demands of the job, helping to alleviate boredom and stress.

This doesn't necessarily mean everyone's buying big-ticket items. The study focused on price searches. People are window shopping, comparing options, and generally engaging with e-commerce more actively. This information is especially valuable for retailers.

What This Means for You

By understanding the external forces that shape our shopping habits, we can make more informed decisions and avoid impulse buys. Whether it's recognizing the urge to cyberslack on a Monday or embracing a cozy night in with some online browsing during a rainstorm, awareness is the first step towards mindful consumption.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.jretconser.2018.10.010, Alternate LINK

Title: Online Price Search Across Desktop And Mobile Devices: Evidence On Cyberslacking And Weather Effects

Subject: Marketing

Journal: Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Luciano Canova, Marcella Nicolini

Published: 2019-03-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the "Monday effect," and how does it relate to online shopping behavior?

The "Monday effect" refers to the observed increase in online price searches on weekdays, particularly on Mondays. This is largely attributed to "cyberslacking," where employees use company internet for personal activities like online shopping to alleviate boredom or stress associated with returning to work after the weekend. People procrastinate at work and shop at their desktop.

How does "cyberslacking" at work specifically influence online price searches, according to recent studies?

Cyberslacking influences online price searches because employees seek distractions from work responsibilities. Using desktop computers to search for deals offers a mental escape and can be disguised as work-related research, leading to more frequent online shopping during work hours. The desktop offers a larger screen, ease of use and comparison. People are more productive and enjoy the ease of use of the large screen.

What research methods were employed to come to the results and what are "shopbots"?

The research uses data from an Italian "shopbot," which is a specialized search engine for shopping. The "shopbot" collects and analyzes price search data, offering insights into online shopping behavior. The "shopbot" can help consumers to compare products and prices from a variety of online retailers. It is useful for people who cyberslack or shop on Mondays.

What are the personal implications of understanding the "Monday effect" and the influence of "cyberslacking" on shopping habits?

Understanding the "Monday effect" and the influence of "cyberslacking" allows consumers to recognize the external factors driving their online shopping habits. By being aware of these influences, individuals can make more informed decisions, avoid impulse buys, and practice mindful consumption. This awareness is valuable for retailers, enabling them to optimize their strategies.

Beyond individual shopping habits, what are the broader implications of the "Monday effect" and "cyberslacking" for retailers and e-commerce strategies?

The implications of the "Monday effect" and "cyberslacking" extend beyond individual consumer behavior. Retailers can leverage this information to optimize their marketing strategies, target consumers during peak cyberslacking hours, and tailor promotions to capitalize on the increased online price search activity on Mondays and weekdays. Retailers can improve their campaigns and increase revenue.