While Thanksgiving has been a major tradition for many, it generally is summed up into three categories: Eating, Family, and Football.
With the digital revolution upon us, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are quickly becoming that 4th category. Cyber Monday sales nationwide hit a record $1.5 billion last year, driven by the growing number of consumers embracing a digital "borderless lifestyle," enabled by Internet-connected devices that allow customers to connect and accomplish what they want or need to do, whenever they wish, wherever they are, using the device they prefer.
While there are many who are brave enough to venture out into the stores on Black Friday, it’s becoming more and more convenient to get amazing deals on Cyber Monday from the comfort of your couch and the click of a button. Here are some tips & tricks to make the most of your Black Friday & Cyber Monday.
In-Store Shopping
Whether you’re going out for the thrill of it or you have a set shopping agenda you plan to accomplish, it’s always best to have a plan before you hop in your car and head to the stores.
1. Lists! Write down or have an idea of what items you need and what items you want. It may be best to put it in a note on your phone so that you don’t forget your list on the counter.
2. Next, do some research online to check what stores have these items. Most stores will be able to tell you if the item is in stock at that location.
3. Find the store that is offering the best deal and match each item to the location you plan to go to purchase. It’s easiest to go to the stores that have multiple items you’re looking for first or the stores that are closest for you to get to.
Online Shopping
While I’ve had success shopping on Black Friday for certain items, with the launches of Xbox One, and PS4, we know people are split on which system to purchase with 47% leaning towards Xbox and 50% leaning towards PS4 according to our recent FiOS Innovation Gaming Survey. Black Friday has been notorious for electronics sales, making it one of the toughest categories to find the item you want in. This is where mobile apps, and the Internet come in on Cyber Monday. Check out this CNET video on how to plan for Cyber Monday and get that TV or gaming console without having to run through the store, supermarket sweep style:
