Cyber Monday, Fact or Fiction

Perhaps concerned that the weekend would be slow, the media got itself wrapped up into a "Cyber Monday" frenzy, claiming that people would go wild on the Internets after maybe not going so wild at the mall. Gothamist loves us some online shopping, but what about when it's December 24 and you realize you're headed to a party where you need to offer up a gift with a value not exceeding $10? Then it's off to the "Previously Viewed" DVD bin at the Virgin Megastore! Or ten crisp singles. We didn't end up online shopping today, but we did think about updating our wishlist.

Did you online shop today? Or are you braving the crowds to do it the old-fashioned brick and mortar way? We have been liking Shopzilla to comparison-shop but we're also making sure the return policies are kosher.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in Arts & Entertainment on November 28, 2005 5:31 PM

Comments [rss]

Gabe

Not the bussiest but definitely the highest rush at 5AM to any store. Stupid media making people believe that the only day they can shop is the day after Thanksgiving, and nobody would put off any internet shopping until this monday, most places sell out of many things or simply don't have enough time to ship.

joe

Another myth to bust (from snopes.com):

Claim: The day after Thanksgiving is the biggest shopping day of the year in the U.S.

Status: False.

Dave H.

The New York Sun reported today that according to the National Retail Federation, although Friday sales (retail and Internet) were down less than 1% from a year ago, total weekend spending was up 22% from 2004. They didn't break this data down on a brick-and-mortar vs. Internet basis, but the article gave the impression that business at stores were up, especially among high-ticket items like tvs and electronics. That seems like the sort of shopping people would more likely do in person as the high cost of shipping could alleviate any online savings.

Adam

A good $10 or less gift is a card stuffed with $10 worth of lotto scratchers. Everyone seems to love that gift. And if they don't or they have a gambling addiction, tough luck.