Thinking of skipping the mile-long lines this shopping season? You can get just as many deals online, without ever leaving your couch. Last year’s Black Friday saw shopping increase by 35% over the year before. And the following Monday, dubbed “Cyber Monday,” saw nearly $900 million internet sales.
Consulting firm Deloitte says a whopping 70 percent of us will shop online this holiday season, and 20 percent of us will use our mobile phones to buy. 12% said they would use social media sites such as Facebook to aid them in their purchasing decisions.
If you use geologation apps like Gowalla or Foursquare you’ll notice retailers vying for your dollars. Elsewhere online Facebook is hoping retailers buy ads on its 500 million member site. Starbucks, McDonalds, Starbucks, Gap and others are creating ads, and Gap has already given away 10,000 pair of jeans in stores across the nation thanks to Facebook.
Here’s what top retailers are doing this Black Friday to woo shoppers:
- Lowes is hosting a “Lowe’s Black Friday Sneak Peek Party on Facebook,” where fans get access to tremendous deals like 90% off products on their website.
- JC Penney is offering a shopping spree contest, plus launching an Angel Tree giving campaign through Salvation Army to help seniors in need.
- Kmart is promoting a Christmas trip sweepstakes in Twitter and Facebook.
- Social sites like LivingSocial and Groupon are offering visitors holiday shopping coupons.