Cyber Monday 2024: Your Ultimate Guide to Scoring the Best Deals

Cyber Monday 2024: Your Ultimate Guide to Scoring the Best Deals

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Cyber Monday, one of the largest shopping events of the year, has officially arrived. With over 72.3 million Americans planning to make a purchase on this day, according to a National Retail Federation (NRF) survey cited by a report in USA Today, it has become second only to Black Friday in terms of consumer spending. For shoppers looking to snag incredible deals on tech, toys, kitchen gadgets, beauty products, and more, this year’s Cyber Monday is shaping up to be a must-participate event.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of Cyber Monday 2024.

When Is Cyber Monday 2024?

Cyber Monday always falls on the first Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, it takes place on Monday, December 2. However, as the USA Today report points out, many retailers kick off their Cyber Monday sales the weekend prior, giving consumers a head start on their holiday shopping.

What Is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday began as a digital counterpart to Black Friday and has since grown into a retail phenomenon. The term was officially coined by the National Retail Federation in 2005, as reported by USA Today. Back then, consumers returning to work after Thanksgiving used their faster office internet connections to jump-start their holiday shopping online. Recognizing this trend, retailers capitalized on the opportunity, transforming it into an annual sales event.

While Cyber Monday was initially focused on online shopping, USA Today noted that the lines between it and Black Friday have blurred over the years. Today, both shopping holidays offer deals online and in stores, making them equally appealing to a wide range of consumers.

Where and When to Shop Cyber Monday Deals

Cyber Monday sales are no longer confined to a single day. Much like Black Friday’s evolution into “Black November,” Cyber Monday has extended its reach into a multi-day event, often called “Cyber Week.” As the USA Today report highlighted, major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart are known for offering their most enticing deals on Cyber Monday itself, but shoppers can also expect discounts to last at least a couple of days.

For those looking to maximize their savings, the report on USA Today recommends prioritizing early shopping on Cyber Monday morning when the best deals and limited-time offers are most likely to appear. Additionally, signing up for retailer newsletters and checking deal-specific websites can provide insider access to discounts.

What Deals Can Shoppers Expect?

Cyber Monday has something for everyone, from tech enthusiasts to holiday gift hunters. USA Today reports that deals at major retailers often include deep discounts on:

Technology: Expect significant markdowns on laptops, smartphones, headphones, and smart home devices.

Toys and Games: Parents and gift-givers will find popular toys and video games at reduced prices.

Kitchen Gadgets: Cyber Monday is an excellent opportunity to invest in high-end cookware, small appliances, and other kitchen essentials.

Beauty and Fashion: Discounts on beauty products, skincare, and trendy apparel are staples of the Cyber Monday shopping experience.

Tips for Cyber Monday Success

USA Today offers the following tips to help shoppers make the most of this retail extravaganza:

Plan Ahead: Create a shopping list to stay focused and avoid impulse purchases. Research prices ahead of time to identify genuine discounts.

Sign Up for Notifications: Many retailers offer exclusive deals to email subscribers and app users. Signing up can give you a competitive edge.

Compare Prices: Use price comparison tools to ensure you’re getting the best deal available.

Check Return Policies: Cyber Monday purchases often have specific return and exchange rules. Be sure to review these policies before buying.

Shop Early: Popular items tend to sell out quickly. Starting your shopping early in the day increases your chances of snagging high-demand products.

Retail Giants

Retail giants such as Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart are rolling out significant savings, offering shoppers a chance to snag top items across tech, home goods, beauty, and more. The USA Today report indicated that Cyber Monday’s appeal lies in its breadth of offerings and the convenience of shopping online, with many retailers starting sales early to maximize consumer access.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect from major retailers this Cyber Monday.

Amazon: Early Access to Cyber Monday Deals

Amazon’s Cyber Monday event begins early this year, kicking off on Saturday, November 30, and running through Monday, December 2. As usual, the e-commerce giant delivers deals across a wide range of categories. USA Today highlighted some of Amazon’s top discounts, including:

Tech: Up to 50% off JBL headphones and Eufy security cameras.

Home Essentials: 55% off Zinus mattresses.

Cleaning Solutions: 40% off select Bissell and Tineco vacuums.

Drinkware: 20% off Stanley products.

With Amazon’s expansive inventory and fast shipping options, including exclusive perks for Prime members, shoppers can expect high-demand items to sell out quickly. According to USA Today, early access to these deals allows consumers to avoid missing out on must-have products.

Best Buy: Tech-Centric Cyber Monday Savings

Best Buy is leaning into its reputation as a tech hub, offering steep discounts on Cyber Monday itself, December 2. However, savvy shoppers can start accessing deals a day earlier, on Sunday, December 1, with some sales extending into the retailer’s “Cyber Week” promotions. Best Buy’s discounts span a variety of tech categories, making it a destination for anyone looking to upgrade their gadgets.

Popular items expected to be heavily discounted include laptops, smart TVs, and home appliances. With doorbuster deals often announced on Cyber Monday morning, the report on USA Today advises checking Best Buy’s website frequently to ensure you don’t miss out.

Target: A Mix of Tech, Beauty, and Fashion

Target’s Cyber Monday event also begins early, starting the Sunday after Thanksgiving and extending through Monday, December 2. Known for its wide-ranging inventory, Target offers deals across numerous categories, as USA Today details:

Tech and Gaming: Up to 50% off select electronics and video games.

Beauty and Wellness: 25% off items from brands like e.l.f., CeraVe, and Olly.

Footwear: 50% off shoes and slippers.

Apparel: Up to 40% off select clothing.

For shoppers looking for holiday gifts or personal indulgences, Target’s diverse deals make it a one-stop shop. Target’s online and in-store availability offers flexibility, catering to a broad range of consumer preferences.

Walmart: Big Discounts on Big-Ticket Items

Walmart’s Cyber Monday sales kick off on Sunday, December 1, offering shoppers early access to some of the steepest discounts of the season. Walmart’s deals are particularly attractive for those shopping for tech items:

RCA 32″ Smart TV: $88.

TCL 55″ Class 4K Roku TV: $188.

HP Stream 14″ Laptop: $129.

Beyond tech, Walmart is also offering 50% off its Walmart+ annual membership ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This membership includes benefits like early access to deals, free shipping and delivery, discounts on fuel, Paramount+ streaming, and more. According to the information provided in the USA Today report, these perks make Walmart+ a valuable option for frequent Walmart shoppers.

Cyber Monday vs. Black Friday: Which is Better?

The lines between Black Friday and Cyber Monday have increasingly blurred. The report on USA Today explained that while Cyber Monday was originally an online-focused event, it now includes both in-store and digital deals, making it comparable to Black Friday in terms of scale and quality. Retailers often reserve their most significant discounts on tech for Cyber Monday, but both shopping holidays now offer extended sales that last several days or even weeks.

For consumers deciding between the two events, the USA Today report advises considering the type of items you’re shopping for. Black Friday may be better for general items like toys and home goods, while Cyber Monday tends to shine in the tech and electronics categories.

Maximizing Your Cyber Monday Shopping

To make the most of Cyber Monday deals, here are the following tips:

Start Early: Many sales begin the weekend before Cyber Monday, so getting a head start can help you secure popular items before they sell out.

Compare Prices: Use price comparison tools to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Leverage Memberships: Programs suchas Amazon Prime and Walmart+ often offer early access to sales and additional perks.

Check Return Policies: Familiarize yourself with retailers’ return and exchange policies, as some Cyber Monday deals may have restrictions.

Cyber Monday’s Dominance in Holiday Shopping

As the USA Today report indicated, Cyber Monday has evolved into a cornerstone of the holiday shopping season, rivaling Black Friday in both significance and sales volume. With major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart offering a mix of early deals, exclusive discounts, and extended sales, shoppers have ample opportunities to check off their holiday lists while saving big. Whether you’re hunting for tech gadgets, fashion finds, or home essentials, Cyber Monday 2024 promises something for everyone.