Cyber Monday still relevant despite barrage of online sales
Nov 28, 2016, 7:16 AM | Updated: 9:38 am
Black Friday may play less of a role in holiday shopping, but Cyber Monday is still relevant. (AP)
(AP)
Black Friday is quickly losing its title thanks to online retailers, and Cyber Monday could be headed in the same direction.
Retailers are not only releasing deals earlier but for longer periods of time. That means the Monday after Thanksgiving could become just another Monday.
Cyber Monday: A look inside Amazon
The Associated Press reports Target began offering holiday deals on Nov. 1. Amazon started its 35 days of Black Friday deals on Nov. 16. Walmart went live with its Cyber Monday deals at 12:01 a.m. on Friday.
The reason retailers have changed their strategy has to do with our buying habits, CBS Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger told Seattle’s Morning News. Because of our constant connection to the digital world, there’s a need for a stream of deals.
Though shoppers will have the urge to add everything to their digital shopping cart this season, Schlesinger says it’s important to refrain from doing so.
“Think if it’s something that’s actually on your list,” she suggested.
Schlesinger says one important thing to keep an eye on while shopping online is shipping. The opportunities for free shipping can be a considerable advantage to during specific periods of time during the holidays.
Though retailers are stretching out their deals throughout the holiday shopping season, research shows Cyber Monday is still an appropriate title. Forbes reports that Cyber Monday is expected to see $3.36 billion in sales this year.
The National Retail Federation forecasts holiday sales for November and December could rise as much as 3.6 percent to $655.8 billion, according to the Associated Press. That is more than 3 percent growth seen a year ago.
When shopping online, Schlesinger suggests buyers keep their security in mind. Watch out for cyber criminals, she says.
“Understand that everyone is out shopping, including fraudsters,” she said.
A few quick tips:
• Don’t use free public Wi-Fi while shopping.
• Only use secure sites (HTTPS)
• Be aware of the sites and organizations you give your card information to
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