Black Friday and Cyber Monday have merged into one continuous weekend of sales.
Now that consumers have access to high-speed Internet in more places—and through more devices—they don’t want to wait until Monday to start shopping online.
In response to this demand to shop sooner, the likes of Walmart and Target will offer a full weekend of record-high sales, starting on Thanksgiving Day and lasting through Cyber Monday and beyond.
This year, Walmart will kick off Black Friday a day ahead, opening its doors at 6 p.m. ET on Thanksgiving. On Saturday, Nov. 28, some merchandise will be available for free in-store pick up. Then, the retailer said it will give shoppers a head start by making Cyber Monday sales available beginning at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 29.
Fernando Madeira, president and CEO of Walmart.com, said the reason behind the move is to accommodate those who have to work on Monday.
“It can be exhausting for working parents and Millenials to stay up past midnight to shop online, only to wake up early the next day to get ready for work,” he said. “By starting Cyber Monday hours earlier on Sunday evening and quadrupling the number of Cyber Monday specials, we’re making it easier for customers to get ahead of the busiest online shopping day of the year and save on the best gifts.”
For those unable to do any kind of shopping Sunday and Monday, Walmart is bringing back its “Evening Edition,” which will allow a last chance at big deals after work on Monday.
Walmart stocked up on merchandise and said it will roll out some of its biggest deals to date.
Not one to be outdone by its competition, Target will offer whopping Cyber Week sales, too. For the first time ever, everything on Target.com will be discounted 15 percent on Cyber Monday. In addition, the site will boast 75 e-doorbusters.
Target said it’s topping itself this year, with major sales like 50 percent off licensed kids’ cameras and 30 percent off apparel, shoes and accessories for women, men and children.
“We’re making Target.com a not-to-be-missed destination for deal-seekers on Cyber Monday and throughout Cyber Week,” said Jason Goldberger, president of Target.com and mobile. “We’re confident holiday shoppers who are looking to quickly and conveniently check items off their lists won’t want to miss Target’s deep discounts as well as free shipping and returns on Target.com.”