By Ashlyn Grace Brothers
People across the United States spent the day with their laptops open and their eyes peeled for the best digital deals. Black Friday took place the day after Thanksgiving, followed by Small Business Saturday. Shoppers had Sunday off but had their online shopping bags ready to score the best deals.
The Monday after Thanksgiving was first dubbed Cyber Monday by Shop.org in 2005. Since then, millions of people have bought into the nationally celebrated online shopping day. The online sales tracker Adobe Analytics predicts a 19% increase from last year’s sales.
Caleigh Ramsey, junior business major, said she looks forward to the occasion every year.
“Ever since I’ve had my own computer I’ve participated in cyber Monday,” said Ramsey. “It’s usually the only time I actually purchase things rather than letting my items sit in my online shopping cart!”
Authorities recommend you search for reliable shopping sites, be skeptical of advertising deals found in your email inbox, and ensure your online passwords are strong to protect against hackers.
Some of the big businesses that participate in Cyber Monday include Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and Target.
Ramsey said the deals definitely depend on the store.
“I work retail and see the prices we buy our clothes for so I think any discount is better than none. When some places are having 40% you can save quite a bit of money,” Ramsey said.
One local business set out to offer sales to prevent shoppers from breaking their banks. Riffraff participates in Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.
On Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Riffraff offers up to half off of its entire inventory for limited amounts of time. On Small Business Saturday, the store promotes shopping local with a receipt trade discount to its sister store—20% off at Riffraff with a City Supply receipt and vice versa.
Alex Bodishbaugh, creative and marketing director for Riffraff, said these sales play an important part in promotions.
“The exclusive promotions we run for all three are a way of thanking our customers and encouraging them to shop with us during gifting season,” Bodishbaugh said.
She tells UATV that sales increase during the holiday season.
“Riffraff definitely has increased foot traffic as well as online visitors during BF, SBS, CM,” said Bodishbaugh. “Big promotions are great for reaching new customers and introducing them to our brand.”
Bodishbaugh said the company would be doing itself a disservice if it didn’t participate.
“It’s also important to reward customers for choosing small businesses and to stay competitive with big-box retail options,” Bodishbaugh said.