Cyber Monday 2015: Big Sales On Electronics From Target And Best Buy, But It May Be Best To Wait On Other Deals
Cyber Monday 2015 is on track to be the biggest ever, but experts are warning online shoppers that it might be best to show a bit of patience for other deals.
The shopping holiday has emerged in recent years as an online alternative to Black Friday, and is a day in which retailers try to entice shoppers to buy online with some huge price cuts. Although shoppers will be able to find deals on everything from electronics to travel, there’s a good chance they may find the same deals — or even better ones — if they’re willing to wait.
Black Friday itself has become a huge shopping event, with a Harris Poll finding that 3 out of 4 Americans plan to shop on the day after Thanksgiving. Cyber Monday isn’t far behind with the National Retail Federation predicting about $105 billion in online sales for the entire season.
First there was Black Friday. Then there was Cyber Monday. Now there’s Cyber Friday https://t.co/eVjIbTtZvF pic.twitter.com/vileKRxJZ4
— Bloomberg Business (@business) November 27, 2015
Shopping tips for Cyber Monday — and Cyber Everyday #movingtips #nycmovers #moversnyc https://t.co/yCK0hiQHw0
— 5 STAR MOVERS LLC (@5_STAR_MOVERS) November 27, 2015
The 2015 Digital Index Online Shopping Prediction, released by Adobe, had a more conservative sales prediction. The index predicted that total online sales for the 2015 holiday season will reach $83 billion, including what would be a record $3 billion on Cyber Monday 2015.
The report also noted that Cyber Monday 2015 may not be the best day for online sales. It found that the Saturday before Thanksgiving (November 21) actually offered the largest, single-day price drop for toys. The best deals for electronics were on Cyber Monday, as they are often the centerpiece of online sales to draw in shoppers. Apparel items were consistently on sale throughout November and December.
As the Christian Science Monitor noted, many retail outlets are now trying to spread out their sales throughout the holiday season, enticing shoppers with deals beyond Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Some, like Walmart, aren’t promoting Cyber Monday at all. Instead, the leading big box retailer is spreading out online deals throughout the holiday season, keeping shoppers coming back every day to see what’s on sale. Target is doing the same, offering a Cyber Week with deals spread across each day.
The Christian Science Monitor also published a guide (available here) that breaks down the best items to hunt for on Cyber Monday 2015, including toys, travel, appliance, clothing, shoes, and beauty products.
As USA Today noted, several drawbacks to Cyber Monday exist beyond the difficulty in finding sales.
“Cyber Monday lacks many of the doorbuster deals that Black Friday is famous for, and it’s unlikely you’ll receive extra prizes for being first in line. You also miss out on possible in-store-only offers and the excitement and of the day…
“Plus, you always run the risk of being disappointed when it arrives. Things tend to look different online, and something might be slightly off in color or a different texture than you anticipated. And then you have to deal with an inconvenient return that might involve shipping costs. A serious bummer.”
But, there are still plenty of great Cyber Monday 2015 deals, especially on technology and gaming gifts. Walmart is offering one of the best deals, an Xbox One console bundle with Gears of War along with an additional wired controller for $299.96 (down from $350).
Target has a deal on a 48-inch Samsung 4K Ultra HD TV for $599.99, down from $899.99. It also comes with a $100 gift card after purchase. Shoppers at Best Buy will also be able to save between $500 and $900 on select 4K televisions.
A full guide to some of the best Cyber Monday 2015 deals can be found here.
[Picture by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]
