Cyber Monday Gains Ground
A record $7.5 billion in sales expected this year
By Bobby Kunz
Chieftain Staff
Cyber Monday to Black Friday
is like the Mercedes to the Benz.
Originating in 2005, Cyber Mon-
day started as a witty marketing
headline for an online retailer,
Shop.org, to try and encourage
sales. Now, Cyber Monday is a
worldwide holiday that features
huge sales online on the Monday
after Black Friday.
Cyber Monday has rapidly grown over
the years, and last year there was a record
$6.59 billion in sales. This year, the trend
is supposed to continue, as experts pre-
dict the total to be north of $7.5 billion.
Just because the overall spending on
this day may increase doesn’t mean you
need to increase your spending. Don’t
get trapped into buying everything just
because there’s a big sale tag on it. Al-
most every website will have huge sales,
so if there’s a certain product you want,
make sure to check multiple sites to get
the best deal. While many deals are still
unknown, there are always certain stores
that feature great sales and categories to
snap deals on.
One of the biggest markets for Cyber
Monday is gaming. Xbox, PS4 and virtu-
ally any other console should be at least
$100 off. This is always an easy steal to
save some money.
Another category that people love is
clothing. Many big retailers offer sales
of 30-50 percent, and who doesn’t need
another piece of clothing? Whether you
need a new winter coat or some PJs, this
is a prime time to stock up your
shelves.
While many of these deals may
be available on Black Friday, as
well, it’s much easier to get them
from your couch or desk than
to trek all the way down to the
stores and brave the tough condi-
tions of the public.
One big area where you won’t
fi nd deals on Black Friday, how-
ever, is travel. Airlines, resorts,
hotels, cruises and more will all offer
some type of discounts on Cyber Mon-
day.
Yes, you have to plan your trip in ad-
vance and you have to be fl exible, but if
you can swing it, you can save boat loads
of money (pun intended), especially if
you are planning a family vacay.
Overall, millennials haven’t done much
for society, but the creation of Cyber
Monday may be their greatest work. Take
advantage of this day, because it only
comes once a year.
‘Ballin’ on a Budget’
Best deals for Black Friday revolve around tech and apparel
By Mike Singleton
off on Black Friday. The Nike Air
Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills.
Chieftain Staff
Huaraches are $89.97, and high school
My fi rst stop there will be Footlocker to
Thanksgiving, one of the most festive
students get 10 percent off. Adidas has
try and get the new Jordan 12s, as well
holidays and a precursor to Christmas,
UltraBoosts for $126 and the ID Sta-
as the 11s Neutral Olive that are releas-
is just around the corner. Some
dium Hoodie for $40.
of the best parts of Thanksgiving
With winter upon us, I have
are the food, time with family and
to get some boots so I’m hitting
parades, but what goes overlooked
up Timberland. After snagging
are the amazing deals on Black
some heat for my feet, I have to
Friday.
get the fresh fi t, so I’m heading
The fi rst place I’m going Thurs-
to PacSun, where all merchan-
day night is Best Buy, and the fi rst
dise is 40 percent off and denim
thing I’m getting is the Xbox One
is buy-one-get-one-free. After
S. Next, I’ll get the Beats Solo 2
that, I’ll hit up Zumiez, probably
Wireless headphones.
the best place for street wear.
Seniors who are looking for a
Men’s hoodies and tees are $15,
new laptop for college also should
and shoes are up to 65 percent
go to Best Buy. The MacBook Air is
off. Finally, North Face will have
The MacBook Air will be a hot item this holiday season
$200 off and, if you’re not an Apple
men’s clothing at 50 percent off.
guy, then go with the Dell Inspiron
Black Friday is a great time for shop-
ing on Black Friday.
touchscreen laptop, which is $170 off.
ping, especially for a student who is
You might also consider Nike and
On Black Friday, I am heading out
balling on a budget and needs to make
Adidas for shoes in stock, because most
to probably the best mall in Michigan:
his dollar stretch.
clothes and shoes will be 50 percent
B ROTHE R R I C E H I G H S C HO O L C H I E F TA I N
P AGE 4
N O V E M B E R 2018