It looks like Black Friday isn’t the only shopping day expanding its reach earlier this year. Cyber Monday, generally the largest shopping day for Web retailers, with sales targeting those who don’t wish to brave the crowds and lines following Thanksgiving, is spanning several days this year for many merchants. According to the National Retail Federation, more than 97 percent of online retailers will begin holiday discounts during Thanksgiving weekend, compared to 90 percent who started before Cyber Monday last year. About half of those starting Cyber Monday early will be offering online specials on Thanksgiving Day.
“Consumers are increasingly shopping and buying both online and in-store this holiday season,” Vicki Cantrell, executive director of Shop.org, said. “Savvy retailers are getting the word out to customers about in-store offers and events using online vehicles such as Facebook, email, Twitter and mobile alerts.
“Now, more than ever retailers are integrating their digital and in-store promotion, working to create that seamless shopping experience that they know customers demand and expect.”
Wal-Mart is promoting online specials under its Cyber Monday sales as early as Saturday, Nov. 24. The deals will update daily on the retail giant’s Web site through Dec. 2. The biggest specials will still be reserved for Cyber Monday itself, Nov. 26. Wal-Mart is advertising major sales on electronics and toys, including $1,000 off a Samsung 55-inch 3D television, as well as $400 off a 40-inch television and an Xbox 360 Skylanders Family Fun Bundle for just $159.
“We’re making this a holiday to remember with our biggest savings ever for Cyber Monday, expanded free shipping to home on more electronics and toys than ever before, and the option to pay cash for online gifts,” Wal-Mart president and CEO Joel Anderson said. “Plus, we’re adding new online, mobile and social options that give Wal-Mart customer who ‘get connected’ early exclusive access to the best deals.”
Likewise, Amazon announced it will be offering deals on its site every day until Black Friday as the company tries to attract shoppers to its site who might otherwise spend money at brick and mortar retailers on Black Friday itself. Amazon is offering specials on items such as GPS systems, golf equipment, clothes, cameras and watches. Each day Amazon will offer new deals beginning at midnight.
Business Insider cautions customers to be wary of Cyber Monday scammers, looking to take advantage of shoppers who are looking for deals online. Consumers should look for the “http” at the beginning of any URL, which signifies the site is secure and financial information is relatively safe.
