The History of Cyber Monday

A Day Born from Necessity

Cyber Monday’s origins date back to 2005, when online retailers noticed a significant spike in sales on the Monday following Thanksgiving. The phenomenon was attributed to employees returning to work after the long weekend and using their office computers to shop online during work hours. This trend was further fueled by the increasing popularity of e-commerce and the growing number of consumers who preferred shopping from home.

In its early days, Cyber Monday was more of a marketing term than an official holiday. Retailers would offer special deals and discounts on this day to capitalize on the increased traffic and encourage online shopping. Over time, Cyber Monday evolved into a major shopping event, with many retailers extending their sales through the week or even offering pre-Cyber Monday deals. Today, Cyber Monday is considered one of the busiest online shopping days of the year, with millions of consumers participating worldwide.

Preparations for Cyber Monday

Before diving into the Cyber Monday sales, it’s essential to prepare yourself for the big day. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your online shopping experience:

  • Create a Shopping List: Take some time to think about what you want to buy and make a list of the items you’re interested in. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases.
  • Check Prices: Research prices for the items on your list to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible. Websites like PriceGrabber, Nextag, or Google Shopping can help you compare prices across different retailers.
  • Set Up Accounts with Retailers: If you don’t already have accounts with your favorite retailers, now is the time to create them. This will save you time and make it easier to check out during Cyber Monday.
  • Read Reviews and Ratings: Take some time to read reviews and ratings from other customers who have purchased similar products. This can help you avoid low-quality items or ones that don’t meet your needs.
  • Keep Your Browser Updated: Make sure your browser is updated with the latest security patches and add-ons. This will help protect your personal information and prevent any potential malware infections.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to take advantage of the Cyber Monday deals and make the most out of your online shopping experience.

Top Deals from Major Retailers

Amazon’s Cyber Monday Deals

Amazon has rolled out a plethora of deals on popular products, including:

  • Echo Devices: Get the Echo Dot (3rd Generation) for $22.99, a 34% discount from its regular price.
  • Fire TV Stick: Enjoy the Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote for $29.99, a 45% reduction from its usual price.
  • Instant Pot: The Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Multi-Cooker is available for $79.95, a 30% discount.
  • Toys and Games: Popular toys like the Barbie Dreamhouse, Hot Wheels Track Builder System, and Monopoly Game are all on sale.

Walmart’s Cyber Monday Deals

Walmart has an impressive lineup of deals, including:

  • 4K TVs: Get a Vizio 55" 4K Smart TV for $248, a 37% discount.
  • Laptops: The HP Envy x360 Laptop is available for $399.99, a 44% reduction from its regular price.
  • Kitchen Appliances: The KitchenAid Stand Mixer is on sale for $129.99, a 25% discount.
  • Toys and Games: Toys like the Nerf Blaster, Barbie Dolls, and board games are all discounted.

Best Buy’s Cyber Monday Deals

Best Buy has an array of deals on electronics, including:

  • Smartphones: Get the Samsung Galaxy S21 for $699.99, a 16% discount.
  • Laptops: The Apple MacBook Air is available for $899.99, a 14% reduction from its regular price.
  • Gaming Consoles: The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are both on sale, with prices starting at $399.99.

Target’s Cyber Monday Deals

Target has an impressive selection of deals, including:

  • Home Appliances: Get the KitchenAid Stand Mixer for $129.99, a 25% discount.
  • Toys and Games: Toys like the Barbie Dolls, Hot Wheels Track Builder System, and board games are all discounted.
  • Electronics: The Beats Solo Pro Wireless Headphones are available for $179.95, a 15% reduction from their regular price.

Target’s Exclusive Deals

Target has also partnered with popular brands to offer exclusive deals, including:

  • Columbia Sportswear: Get 30% off Columbia jackets and pants.
  • Burt’s Bees: Enjoy 20% off all Burt’s Bees products.
  • Calvin Klein: Get 25% off Calvin Klein underwear and socks.

These are just a few examples of the many deals available from major retailers this Cyber Monday. Make sure to check prices and availability before making your purchases.

Tips for Avoiding Scams

Verify Websites

When shopping online during Cyber Monday, it’s crucial to verify the website you’re using is legitimate and trustworthy. Here are some tips to help you do so:

  • Check for the “https” in the URL address bar. This indicates that the site uses secure encryption to protect your personal information.
  • Look for a padlock icon next to the URL or in the status bar of your browser. This symbolizes that the connection is encrypted and trustworthy.
  • Research the website’s reputation by reading reviews from other customers and checking their ratings on review platforms like Trustpilot or Sitejabber.
  • Be cautious of websites with misspelled URLs or those that use generic domain names like “bestbuy.com” instead of a legitimate URL like “www.bestbuy.com”.
  • Use a reputable antivirus software to scan your computer for malware before making any online purchases.

Use Strong Passwords

Protecting your personal information requires more than just verifying websites. Here’s how you can safeguard your passwords:

  • Avoid using easily guessable passwords like birthdays, names, or common words.
  • Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to create strong passwords.
  • Consider using a password manager to generate and store unique, complex passwords for each website.
  • Change your passwords regularly to maintain maximum security.

Be Cautious of Fake Deals

Fake deals are everywhere during Cyber Monday. Here’s how you can avoid falling prey:

  • Be wary of extremely low prices on high-demand products. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Research the product and retailer before making a purchase to ensure it’s legitimate and not a scam.
  • Read reviews from other customers who have purchased the same product to gauge its quality and authenticity.
  • Avoid clicking on suspicious links or pop-ups that promise “limited-time offers” or “exclusive deals”.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Now that you’ve armed yourself with tips on avoiding scams and protecting your personal information, it’s time to get ready for the best deals of the season! As Cyber Monday approaches, many retailers are offering incredible discounts on popular items. From smart home devices to gaming consoles, and from fashion to beauty products, there’s something for everyone.

To recap, here are some of the top deals we’ve discovered so far:

  • 50% off select TVs at Best Buy
  • Up to 60% off coats and jackets at The North Face
  • Free shipping on all orders over $100 at Amazon
  • Buy one, get one free on toys and games at Toys “R” Us Remember to stay vigilant while shopping online, using the tips we discussed in our previous chapter. Verify websites, use strong passwords, and be cautious of fake deals.

So, what are you waiting for? Start shopping now and take advantage of these amazing deals! With Cyber Monday just around the corner, you won’t want to miss out on these incredible savings opportunities. Happy shopping!

In conclusion, Cyber Monday is a shopper’s paradise, offering unbeatable deals and discounts on popular products from leading retailers. By following our guide, you can snag the best deals and save big this holiday season. Remember to check out our recommended retailers for exclusive offers and promotions.