Cyber Monday outlook: big deals, record sales

By Laurie Segall @CNNMoneyTech November 26, 2011: 7:23 PM ET

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Did you skip the lines on Black Friday? There's still Cyber Monday -- and analysts are expecting an abundance of deals to bring in record online sales this year.
Andrew Lipsman, an industry analyst at data tracking firm ComScore, said sales for the one-day shopping event are projected to hit a record $1.2 billion this year.

Almost every major retailer plans on taking advantage of the hottest day to shop online. According to the Shop.org's eHoliday survey, eight out of 10 online retailers will offer promotions on Cyber Monday.
But the deals aren't just limited to Monday. Ahead of the big day, more than 90% of online merchants will be offering promotions over Thanksgiving weekend.
A survey by comparison shopping site PriceGrabber found that 39% of consumers who plan to shop over the four-day Thanksgiving weekend said they intended to do so on Cyber Monday. That's up 2 percentage points from last year.
It's a trend analysts are calling "couch commerce" -- more people want to spend money online from the comfort of their homes rather than head out to the shops.

I braved Black Friday!

Lelah Manz, chief strategist of commerce at Akamai (AKAM), cited the rise of tablet computers in the last year as a major game-changer in e-commerce.
"If you think about when the concept of Cyber Monday was first born, it was a time when people had dial-up access at home -- it was the office place or the workplace where they could access sites," Manz said. "Now everyone has broadband access. People have tablets, they're able to get online earlier and at home, and retailers are trying to capture that mind share."
According to an IBM (IBM, Fortune 500) Coremetrics report, 15% of web traffic in the U.S. in November will stem from smart phones and tablets rather than PC's. In order to tap into that traffic, retailers are rolling out the deals early this year, said Manz.
As valuable ad space is snatched up by major retailers on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, mid-sized retailers are leaking deals ahead of Cyber Monday to get their place in the spotlight too, said Graham Jones, General Manager of PriceGrabber.

7 must-have Black Friday apps

"What we saw last year -- a lot of the medium size retailers, they didn't get in front of the consumers, so they are the ones leaking the deals earlier," Jones said. "The earlier these deals are coming out is a function of the retailers not wanting to be squeezed out of the limelight."
But don't expect the online deals ahead of Cyber Monday to impact the big day. According to a Shop.org survey, nearly 60% of workers will go online to shop for holiday gifts at work, and many of the retailers are waiting for Monday to push out some of the best promotions.
"Consumers have come to expect the absolute best online holiday deals on Cyber Monday," Pam Goodfellow, BIGresearch Consumer Insights Director, said in a release. BIGresearch is a marketing research firm that conducts surveys for the industry trade group National Retail Federation.
Online companies are still placing big bets on Cyber Monday and taking steps to prep for a day when online traffic is expected to spike. OpenSky, an online shopping platform that offers products curated by various celebrities and influential people -- from chef Tom Colicchio to fashion designer Cynthia Rowley -- has been ramping up efforts to make sure the site runs smoothly.
"We're expecting our biggest day ever - we have 10,000 new people joining OpenSky every day and we expect sales to be five times our largest day," said OpenSky Founder John Caplan. "We've made improvements to the site to make it run faster. We've added additional shipping options, gift wrapping, customer service staff and have all hands on deck from now through the holiday."
The company also plans to announce lifestyle guru Martha Stewart as a curator on the site - a move the six-month-old company hopes will boost interest in the biggest online shopping day of the year.

Toshiba 16GB Thrive 10.1" Tablet $300!

Day #24 of 60 Days of Exclusive Deals! Drop the price of the Toshiba 16 GB Thrive 10.1 Inch Tablet from $369.95 to $299.95 via code BDEALS70. With $7.95 shipping, that's the lowest total price for this tablet by $62, and it's also a new all-time low. This WiFi and Bluetooth ready tablet is well reviewed with 4.6 out of 5 stars from 93 buyers, and features a 10.1" multi touch screen, a 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front-facing webcam and more. There's no sales tax (except NJ).

Xbox 360 250GB Bundle $200 Shipped

Get this Xbox 360 250 GB Holiday Bundle for $199.99. With free shipping, this equals the best deal we have found, although many other sites have sold out. This bundle includes the Xbox 360 system with 250GB of storage space, a wireless controller, and the games Halo Reach and Fable III. Sales tax is charged in most states.

Chase Freedom $300 Bonus Cash Back

Through 12/6 only, get $300 cash back when you sign up for a Chase Freedom Card and spend $500 in the first three months. You'll earn 30,000 bonus points, redeemable for a $300 check, the largest amount by $50 we've ever seen from Chase. Use it to make a big purchase (an iPad or HDTV) and essentially get $300 off the price. Or use it as an additional layer of savings - on top of coupons and other offers - for holiday gifts. You'll also earn 5% cash back on select purchases including gas, flights, car rentals, hotels, and 1% back on everything else. Also, there is no annual fee, and the cash rewards never expire.

Extra 25% off North Face + Free Shipping!

This has been extended! Take an extra 25% off all North Face sale items at Moosejaw via code BRAD25. Plus, shipping is free if you spend $49 or more. That's the best percent off coupon we've ever seen for use on North Face. The Men's TKA Texture Lone Pine 1/4 Zip in Graphite Grey / Black drops from $50 to $39.99 to $29.99. The Women's Carmel Vest in Louie Blue, originally $129, falls from $99.99 to $74.99, and the Women's Carmel Jacket in Shiny Weimaraner Brown lowers from $199 to $149.99 to $112.49. There is no sales tax (except IL, MI).

$25 Restaurant Certificates from $2

Restaurant.com is now taking 80% off dining certificates via code SAVE through 11/27. This drops the price of a $25 gift certificate, normally $10, to $2. They have a large selection of participating restaurants nationwide (more than 18,000), and you can search by zip code or neighborhood. Be sure to read the fine print for each restaurant, because they all set their own spend thresholds and exclusions such as alcoholic beverages, weekends, or holidays.

ING Direct: $107 Cash Back

Get a $107 account credit for free at ING Direct when you open a new Electric Orange Checking Account through this weekend only and make five card purchases or Person2Person payments within the first 45 days. (Click the ING logo on the top left to view this promotion via their Black Friday Sale, then click on the middle "gift box" on the top row.) That's double the cash back sign-on bonus they typically offer, and the best deal we've ever seen from ING. This checking account features no overdraft fees, no ATM surcharge, no monthly fee and more.

2 NCAA Hoodies for $50 Shipped!

These NCAA football Fleece Hoodies or Sweatpants for Men & Women, normally $50 each, are now just 2 for $40 at Finishline.com! These hoodies feature large front pockets, lined hoods, and contrast colors on the hood interior. They are available from hundreds of schools, and many schools have multiple styles and colors. Shipping is $9.98 for two items, or free with $50; sales tax is charged in most states. Note: we bought some and the quality is great! Also of note: spend $60 total (just $20 more) and take $10 off via code BRADSDEALS613.

Movado Men's Museum Watch $229 Shipped

This Movado Men's Museum Watch drops from $395 to $229 via exclusive code BRAD229 at Ashford.com. With free shipping, this is the best deal we could find on this watch by $93! This watch is Swiss made. It features a black leather strap, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and Movado's signature silver-toned dot. There is no sales tax (except NY).

KitchenAid 4.5Qt Stand Mixer $170

Through 11/26, Macys.com drops the price of this KitchenAid KSM75W 4.5-Qt. Stand Mixer in white from $299.99 to $199.99 to $189.99 with free shipping when you use code XJW562A992. Plus, send in the mail-in rebate to get $20 back. This is the lowest current price we found, though this deal at Kohl's is better if you will use the Kohl's Bucks that come with it. The attachments include a flat beater, a dough hook and a wire whip. Other buyers have given this mixer rave reviews and a 4.9 out of 5 star average rating. Sales tax is charged in most states

One Year of Everyday with Rachael Ray $4

Through this weekend, a one year subscription (10 issues) to Everyday with Rachael Ray Magazine drops from $23.99 to $3.99 at Discount Mags. Each issues features 30-minute meals, small party gathering ideas, the Every Day Menu Planner, and more. You may purchase up to a 3 year subscription at this per year discounted price. Please note that this deal won't last, so act fast!

One Year of Family Handyman Magazine $5

Through 11/27, a one year subscription (11 issues) to Family Handyman Magazine drops from $19.97 to $4.99 at Discount Mags. This home improvement magazine focuses on repair, remodeling, yard and garden care, and more. You may purchase up to a four year subscription at this discounted per year price. Please note that Discount Mag's deals hit their maximum very quickly, so act fast!

Flip MinoHD Camcorder $40!

While supplies last, get this Flip MinoHD M3160SEU Pocket Digital Camcorder for $39.99 with $2.29 for economy shipping. That is the lowest price we've ever seen on a Flip MinoHD and a current low by $20. This camcorder offers 720p HD resolution, built-in stabilization, and 4GB of built in memory that can hold up to an hour of HD video. It has a 2" anti-glare display and a flip-out USB arm to connect to a Mac or PC. There is no sales tax (except FL, IL, NC, TX, GA, SD and ID).

Turtle Pearl Pendant $5 Shipped

This Turtle Shaped Freshwater Pearl Pendant drops from $79.99 to $5 with free shipping, making this the best price we could find, and the best price we've ever seen. This pendant features a pearl set in a cute turtle-shaped setting. Sales tax is not charged in most states.

Penguin Pearl Pendant $5 Shipped

This Penguin Shaped Freshwater Pearl Pendant drops from $79.99 to $5 with free shipping, making this the best price we could find, and the best price we've ever seen by $5! This pendant features a pearl set in a cute penguin-shaped setting. Sales tax is not charged in most states.

Turtle Pearl Earrings $5 Shipped

These Turtle Shaped Freshwater Pearl Earrings drop from $49.99 to $5 with free shipping, making them the best price we could find, and equaling the lowest price we've ever seen. These earrings feature sea turtles with 8mm pearl "shells." Sales tax is not charged in most states.

Penguin Pearl Earrings $5 Shipped

These Penguin Shaped Freshwater Pearl Earrings drop from $49.99 to $5 with free shipping, making this the best deal we could find. These earrings feature two 8mm freshwater pearls set in little penguin shapes. Sales tax is not charged in most states.

One Year of ESPN Magazine $4

Through 11/27, a one year subscription (26 issues) to ESPN Magazine drops from $13.97 to $3.99 at Discount Mags. This magazine features interviews with stars, game stats, as well as quality color photos. You may purchase up to a three year subscription at this per year discounted price. A subscription also includes access to the ESPN Insider online content. Please note that Discount Mag's deals hit their maximum very quickly, so act fast!

Throw and Bootie Set $15 Shipped

For a limited time, this Premier Comfort Knitted Microtec Throw and Bootie Set drops from $39.99 to $14.99 at Designer Living. Plus, it ships for free. This set is available in chili (pictured), turquoise, fuchsia, chocolate, and cream. Shipping is $7.95 or free over $30. There is no sales tax (except CA, NY).

Perfumania: BOGO for $10 + Free Shipping

Perfumania.com is running a Buy 1 Get 1 for $9.99 special on a selection of over 400 fragrances. Even better, shipping is free on all orders with no minimum purchase. Get the Incanto Bliss for Women 3.4 oz EDT/S by Salvatore Ferragamo (MSRP $81.51) for $55.99, and the pictured HUGO by Hugo Boss 5 oz EDT Spray (MSRP $70) drops to $9.99. Sales tax is charged in most states.

One Year of Better Home and Gardens $4

Through 11/27, a one year subscription (12 issues) to Better Homes and Gardens Magazine drops from $13.97 to $3.99 at Discount Mags. This magazine focuses on the interior and exterior of the home, and includes contemporary decorating and meal ideas. You may purchase up to a four year subscription at this discounted per year price. Please note that Discount Mag's deals hit their maximum very quickly, so act fast!

Cyber Monday History and Importance

Cyber Monday is the largest online shopping day of the year. This year Cyber Monday falls on November 28, 2011 and will be observed by many countries across the globe including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and Portugal. Cyber Monday Deals will be plastered across all media streams trying to lure customers in on the best deals for 2011. This is a great opportunity for individuals who missed out on Black Friday Deals to get the best holiday gifts this 2011 holiday season. This is also a great opportunity for retail stores to make up for many losses in a down economy.
Cyber Monday was first established in 2005 by Shop.org when they published a press release expressing that the Monday after Black Friday was quickly becoming the biggest online shopping day of the year. Since 2005, Cyber Monday has grown exponentially and will continue to grow in 2011 and beyond. The deals get better every year and this year surely will be no different. This is important for both the retailer and the consumer. Customers can save money on great deals and retailers can make huge profits. Cyber Monday is surely here to stay for good. If you have any questions about Cyber Monday please feel free to contact us or check out the Wikipedia page dedicated to this newly formed holiday. You can do so by clicking the following link: Cyber Monday Wikipedia.

About Cyber Monday Deals 2011

Cyber Monday Deals 2011 was created as a way to help customers looking for great deals actually find the great deals they want to find. Why should online shoppers have to search website to website to find what they want when we can supply them all the deals in one place? We know that shopping is stressful, but why should it be? That is why taking advantage of the best deals for Cyber Monday in 2011 is a must! We have created this about section as a way to let you know about our goals and promises with creating this site. We are dedicated to helping you, the customer, find what you want. We promise to always be as truthful and honest as possible about every deal that is out there. Trust us, we do not want you to miss out on any of these great deals. If you have any questions we promise to respond within one to two business days year round or within one to two hours on Cyber Monda

Sphere: Related Content