About 122 million Americans will shop online on Cyber Monday, according to Shop.org. That’s only slightly less than the 147 million who shop in brick-and-mortar stores over Black Friday weekend. Here are some tips:
Is it weird that I don’t understand what Cyber Monday is?
No, it’s pretty new. Shop.org, a branch of the National Retail Federation, coined the term in 2005 after reports that more than 70 percent of retailers experienced surges in online sales on the Monday after Black Friday.
When should I start looking for these sales?
Some stores will announce Cyber Monday deals before Monday, so if you’re planning on shopping at 12:01 a.m., you’ll want to know what’s on sale. Stores also will announce different sales throughout the day. Go to TheBlackFriday.com for a list of all Cyber Monday-related sales.
I did my big-box shopping on Black Friday. Why should I shop on Cyber Monday?
Big-box stores offer both in-store sales and Web-only sales, and the products they’re selling online on Cyber Monday will be different than the ones that lured your into the store over Black Friday weekend.
What’s the best way to learn about the deals?
Sign up for email alerts from your favorite retailers. You also should make use of social media, visiting the Facebook pages and Twitter feeds of your favorite stores.
Is there a best time to shop?
Lab42, an online market-research firm, says almost a quarter of shoppers will begin shopping on Cyber Monday before 3 a.m. A case of early bird gets the worm? Perhaps. But there are also promotions throughout the day that last only an hour. Shop.org will have “Deals of the Hour,” with 24 retailers offering deals that include free shipping, free gift with purchase or dollars off already-reduced goods. Retailers including Kohl’s, Sony, Toys R Us and DSW will participate. Go to shop.org/ blackfridaydeals for times.
Should I pay for shipping?
Many major retailers are offering free shipping Monday. If your retailer does not, it may offer it during Free Shipping Day on Dec. 17. More than 1,000 retailers are taking part that day on products guaranteed to arrive before Christmas.
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