Black Friday has started -- online
Before the lights actually go up, retailers are working the holiday spending glow online. (Dec. 8, 2009) Credit: Doug Young
Black Friday isn't just on Black Friday anymore. Retailers are trying to build up momentum to the traditional holiday shopping kickoff by holding sales earlier, rolling out smart-phone applications and harnessing social media such as Facebook. And on websites that aggregate coupons and offer information on free shipping and other deals, bargain hunters are sharing previews of Black Friday ads.
Here's what experts expect this year for online shoppers:
An extended season
Amazon.com, for instance, has announced a week of Black Friday deals beginning Nov. 22. Sears began offering Black Friday Now discounts even before Halloween - on Oct. 29.
Mobile technology
At DealTaker.com, shoppers can download a Black Friday iPhone app so they can look up sales fliers at stores on their smart phone. And retailers such as 1-800-Flowers.com and JC Penney have their own iPhone apps, said Kevin Strawbridge, DealTaker's chief executive.
Social marketing
For some retailers, Daniel De Grandpre, head of dealnews.com, said, "Facebook has become a primary way to control the leaks of their Black Friday ad."
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 15: LI's top basketball players On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra and Matt Lindsay take a look top boys and girls basketball players on Long Island.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 15: LI's top basketball players On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra and Matt Lindsay take a look top boys and girls basketball players on Long Island.
