Is Singles’ Day highlighted in your e-commerce calendar? It should be – although it originated in China, it’s become one of biggest online shopping events in Morocco and in the world. Here’s everything you need to know about Singles’ Day on November 11 – and how to cash in.
What is Singles’ Day?
Move over Valentine’s Day, the singles want some fun, too! Singles’ Day on 11 November (11/11 – all the singles!) originated in China, conceived by a group of college bachelors who wanted a dedicated holiday to celebrate their singledom. Then in 2009, spotting an opportunity, China’s leading e-commerce marketplace Alibaba began marketing Singles’ Day as a special sales event. Since then, it's become an annual shopping bonanza where it’s not unusual for sales to reach ten times that of an average shopping day in China.
Meanwhile, interest is growing in the West, too. More consumers across Europe and North America are beginning to recognize Singles’ Day as a key date in the shopping calendar, especially as global e-commerce platforms continue to promote it with eye-catching discounts. Even in Morocco, its fashion and beauty SMEs on platforms like Jumia and local online stores now run 11.11 Singles’ Day sales targeting younger shoppers in cities like Casablanca and Rabat, using flash discounts on skincare, fashion, and electronics to boost year-end sales.
All of which means, there are plentiful opportunities for businesses not just in Morocco but also all around the world to make some big sales – providing they ship internationally, of course.
Singles’ Day: what you need to know
It’s the world’s biggest shopping day
Globally, Singles’ Day 2025 generated around US$238 billion in total transactions, growing 14.2% year-on-year, making it bigger than Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday combined.
It’s not just restricted to China
What started in China is now a full-blown global shopping frenzy. Shoppers everywhere are hunting for Singles’ Day deals, and international brands are racing to meet the demand. In Morocco, Singles’ Day has gained momentum as more online shoppers actively wait for 11.11 discounts, with local brands and platforms like Jumia using the event to drive major spikes in fashion, beauty, and electronics sales. For SMEs, it’s a golden ticket to go global and sell big!
Marketplaces like Jumia is your gateway to the Moroccan market
As the largest e-commerce platform in China, you’ve probably heard of Alibaba3, a B2B business connecting wholesale exporters in China with countries around the world. The bit you should know about is Tmall Global4, Alibaba’s dedicated B2C platform specifically set up for foreign businesses. It allows cross-border sellers to build virtual storefronts and ship products to Chinese customers without the need for a physical entity in the country or a Chinese business license. You can also accept payments in your local currency. In Morocco, the closest equivalent ecosystem is Jumia, which functions as a leading B2C marketplace where Moroccan SMEs and international brands can create online storefronts and sell directly to customers across cities like Casablanca and Rabat without needing a physical retail presence in every location.
It's more than just one day
The warmup period to Singles’ Day begins in late October. Many of the leading e-commerce marketplaces run presales to boost revenue and to allow consumers to pay deposits to secure popular items before the big day.
There’s room for everyone
Singles’ Day isn’t just for the big players – it’s a playground for SMEs too. Whether you’re niche or a newbie, there’s space to stand out and grab attention. With the right strategy, your business can shine on the world’s biggest shopping stage.
Shoppers like to buy from overseas brands
Quality is a huge driver, be it for Chinese, Moroccan or other shoppers worldwide; when choosing international brands, they’re looking for products that stand out for their craftsmanship and reliability. Make sure your marketing highlights these qualities to truly connect with buyers.
Livestreaming is BIG business
Though relatively new in the West, livestreaming has been hugely popular in China for years. Customers enjoy being able to learn about a product in-depth, whilst for businesses, this engagement leads to greater conversions.
The challenge for overseas brands is to find a video hosting platform with the relevant clearance in China. Instead, they should focus on ensuring their product listings feature plenty of high-res photos, video tutorials and how-to guides.
Sustainability is entering the conversation
Three-quarters of Chinese consumers have embraced sustainable consumption. In Morocco too, sustainability is becoming a key buying factor, with many shoppers, especially in cities like Casablanca and Rabat, increasingly preferring eco-friendly brands that use recyclable packaging and locally sourced materials. So highlighting your brand’s eco-friendly practices can help you stand out this Singles’ Day. It’s a win-win for the planet and your business.
How to sell to Morocco this Singles’ Day?
- Do your research
To appeal to Moroccan or Chinese consumers, you need to know their buying behaviors and preferences. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you: dive into our dedicated China country guide for all the local insights you’ll need.
- Optimize your e-commerce website for mobile
Mobile commerce dominates Singles’ Day, so ensure your customers have an easy, fast and intuitive experience, otherwise they’ll abandon their carts.
- Translate your content
Ensure your website copy and marketing messaging are converted into the local language for foreign browsers.
- Offer payment in local currency
Provide payment options and gateways where transactions can be done in the local currency.
- Use the number 11 as a hook
Offering a 11% discount on sale items, for example, will show your brand is joining in the fun!
- Offer fast shipping
Consumers may be deterred from buying from overseas brands as they think their orders will be delayed. By partnering with DHL, you can offer customers Express international delivery. Just be sure to highlight it on your homepage to incentivize shoppers.
- Monitor your inventory closely
An inventory management system can help you track your stock levels in real time. If something sells out, you need to be ready to quickly pivot to promote another item instead.
Ship to Singles' Day customers across the world effortlessly with a DHL Express Business Account.
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