In 2005, retailers decided that black friday wasn’t enough for America.
And just like that, in 2005 they coined the Monday immediately following Black Friday to be Cyber Monday.
The ploy takes advantage of those workers that do their Holiday shopping online while at the office, or those who couldn’t find what they were looking for at the brick and mortar shops.
Although its only been around for a short while, Cyber Monday has evolved into a huge marketing event and is even sponsored by the National Retail Federation.
It’s interesting that the number of consumers shopping during work has fallen (perhaps due to the economic downturn) but the number of retailers offering specials has risen from 83% last year to 87% this year.
In late November 2005, the New York Times reported that “The name Cyber Monday grew out of the observation that millions of otherwise productive working Americans, fresh off a Thanksgiving weekend of window shopping, were returning to high-speed Internet connections at work Monday and buying what they liked.“
An example of retail specials includes American Eagle Outfitters featuring a “deal of the hour” with free shipping, free gifts included with purchase, and some hefty discounts.
The official Cyber Monday website will host over 650 retailer deals in 2009.
I did buy a new MacBook on Black Friday but I don’t think I will be partaking in Cyber Monday. Will you?
