Holiday Sales: What to Buy on Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday
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With holidays drawing near, it is time to delve headlong into two of the biggest sales events which take place annually: Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Though these sales are generally considered alike, each has its own pros. To guide you in planning your shopping on these days, here is a list of some things to look for during these times.
What Is Black Friday?
Black Friday or the day after Thanksgiving has traditionally heralded the beginning of the holiday shopping season. It has evolved from being a single day long event into something bigger with discounts starting as early as November. The sale now spans both in-store and online platforms, creating many opportunities for saving money. Last year 155 million Americans participated in this event with 88 million making their purchases online.
What is Cyber Monday?
Coined by the National Retail Federation in 2005 to promote online shopping, this day has become the largest online retailing day worldwide. Many retailers now extend the deals into what they call “Cyber Week” following that Sunday night’s hype over “Blackout.” At the same time, there are reasons why one should shop on cyber Monday instead of black Friday.
What to Buy on Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday
Electronics and Appliances: Black Friday
Major electronics and appliances always have their best deals on this day called black Friday. For example, large retailers normally offer huge discounts on big-ticket items like TVs as well as gaming consoles such as Xboxes and Playstations.Variation of TVs will see an average discount rate at 19% up from last years’ figures of 11%. Refrigerators and dryers among other appliances also experience considerable savings. Therefore, make most use out of doorbuster deals plus rebates offered alongside such kitchen gadgets like coffee makers apart from blenders.
Toys: Black Friday
If toys are on your list, there’s probably no better day for shopping than Black Friday. This does not mean that there are no toy sales on cyber Monday but rather it is the best time to buy them because stocks of the hot popular toys run out in most stores before the end of this day. Pay attention to stores from early November as they will start pushing their toy deals in advance so that you don’t miss them when they go.
Clothing and Beauty Products: Cyber Monday
Cyber Monday is ideal for fashion and beauty products. Retailers such as J.Crew, Gap and Old Navy normally offer 30% – 60% off site-wide. Significant discounts on beauty items can also be found at a number of places like Ulta or Sephora, accompanied by free gifts depending on what has been purchased. At such times, one should stock up on clothes as well as beauty products.
Tech Gadgets: Cyber Monday
Although black Friday provides technology deals, smaller tech gadgets such as laptops and tablets are mostly preferred during this another day called cyber Monday. According to eBay, Newegg and Amazon offers frequently excellent prices for gadgets and tech accessories. If you think about headphones or other technology add-ons, then consider making your purchase on cyber Monday.
Post-Christmas Deals
Some things are better purchased after all the holiday rush is gone. Unsold holiday merchandise like Christmas lights or artificial trees usually attract heavy discounts. Stores offering exercise equipment will often mark down prices in a bid to try grab post-New Year’s business while gym membership rates will also come down during this period.
Small Business Saturday
Do not ignore Small Business Saturday wedged between Black Friday and Cyber Sunday until it fades away quietly.The aforementioned retailers may have limited price deductions unlike big-box chains; however they might have special promotions and giveaways for clients.Additionally if you shop locally there are some chances of getting cash rewards through credit card transactions mostly American Express ones especially
So, this is the bottom line
During these major sales events, taking a strategic shopping approach can help you save on costs. When it comes to electronics and appliances and toys we can use black Friday and let cyber Monday be about clothes or beauty products or tech gadgets. In order for you to benefit from both Black Friday and Cyber Monday make sure you anticipate in advance and shop wisely.
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