Is Cyber ​​Monday an online-only event? How to find the offers

For shopaholics, Black Friday is the most wonderful day of the year – but you shouldn’t put your wallet away just yet, because there are still plenty of bargains to be found on Cyber ​​Monday.

Although it is usually an online-only event, there will also be some in-store deals as retail bosses try to make the most of the surge in customers.

Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) traditionally marks the start of the shopping season and, for many people, begins the countdown to Christmas. Retailers offered a range of deals this year to lure shoppers into their stores to make the most of bargains during the cost of living crisis affecting many Americans. The tactic appears to have paid off, with several major retailers having a good trading day on Friday.

But store managers hope to continue that momentum this week, as Cyber ​​Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving) will drive even more sales.

What is Cyber ​​Monday?

Cyber ​​Monday’s roots lie in the concept of its better-known sister event, Black Friday.

The term “Black Friday” originated in Pennsylvania in the 1950s when Philadelphia police coined the term to describe the chaos they faced after Thanksgiving, when the streets were packed before an annual Army-Navy football game Consumers and tourists were. But retailers soon decided to take advantage of the rush and started offering special offers. Black Friday later came to mean the day when stores went from being in the red (losses) to being in the black (profits).

However, with the advent of the Internet, shopping habits have changed forever.

Savvy retailers found another way to continue making money with an event aimed at extending Black Friday and catering to the growing number of online consumers.

Cyber ​​Monday began in 2005 and took off almost immediately. Just 10 years later, in 2015, a previously quiet sales day saw around $2.98 billion in sales.

These days, Cyber ​​Monday is as much a fixture on the shopping calendar as Black Friday.

How is Cyber ​​Monday different from Black Friday?

There are differences between the two sales events.

Black Friday has historically focused on in-person sales at clothing stores and technology retailers, often purchasing expensive items such as televisions, gaming consoles and home appliances.

On Cyber ​​Monday, online shopping platforms across the board are offering big savings on various items, with consumers able to avoid the crowds and browse the deals in their pajamas. It’s also easy to compare prices by searching other brands online, and there’s no need to lug home heavy shopping bags as products are delivered straight to the consumer’s doorstep.

“While Black Friday brings the rush on expensive electronics, Cyber ​​Monday focuses on everything,” said Michael Ryan, financial expert and founder of michaelryanmoney.com Newsweek. “It is also an ideal place for fashion, gadgets, smart home devices and smaller electronics such as headphones or tablets. Plus, you can compare prices so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal.”

Are there Cyber ​​Monday deals in store?

Just as Black Friday deals are typically offered both online and in-store, many brick-and-mortar stores also have Cyber ​​Monday deals.

How should buyers find the best deals?

Consumers should pay attention to special offers when visiting stores in person and check their favorite stores’ websites to see what’s available.

However, it is important for buyers to do their research. You should check other brands’ offers to make sure you’re really getting the best price. Buyers can also use comparison portals to see various special offers at a glance.

“Research shows that many of the ‘deals’ are inflated to begin with,” Ryan warned. “So shop wisely. Compare prices. Stick to your budget. And don’t fall for the marketing hype.”