Walmart has changed the way it runs Cyber Monday. This year the big sales will start on Sunday night, not Monday morning. Below we explain what this means for shoppers.
What is Cyber Monday?
Cyber Monday began more than ten years ago. It is the day after Thanksgiving when people shop online. Back then many workers used the fast internet at their offices to buy items they missed on the weekend. The day is now the biggest online shopping day in the United States.
Walmart moves Cyber Monday to Sunday
Walmart announced that it will launch its Cyber Monday offers on Sunday, Nov. 29, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. That is 01:00 GMT on Monday, Nov. 30. The company will release about 2,000 online‑only deals at that time. Last year Walmart only had 500 deals on Sunday as a “teaser.” This is the first time the retailer is putting most of the deals on the day before.
Fernando Madeira, the CEO of Walmart.com, said the change is because shoppers now have internet everywhere. He told Reuters, “The customers have changed but Cyber Monday hasn’t changed with them. Now everybody has internet.”
Why is Walmart doing this?
Retailers want to stretch a single‑day event into a longer period. By starting early, they hope to catch more demand. Other stores are also moving deals forward. They call the day after Thanksgiving “the shopping extravaganza after Thanksgiving.”
Walmart also wants to compete with Amazon. Amazon is larger in e‑commerce and is growing faster. Starting deals early gives Walmart a chance to attract shoppers before Amazon’s big sales kick in.
How big are the sales expected to be?
Adobe predicts that total Cyber Monday sales in the U.S. will reach $3 billion in 2015. That is a 12 % increase from the previous year. Black Friday sales are expected to be about $2.7 billion, up 15 %.
These numbers show that online shoppers are spending more each year. Walmart’s early start is a way to claim a share of that growing market.
What kinds of deals can shoppers expect?
Walmart’s Cyber Monday deals cover many categories. Recent headlines show that the retailer offers:
- More than 59 extended deals that last beyond the official day.
- Top tech bargains, such as laptops, tablets and headphones.
- Home goods, toys and clothing at deep discounts.
- Special “Cyber Week” offers that continue after the Sunday launch.
Because the deals start at 8 p.m. ET, shoppers should be ready with a device and a Wi‑Fi connection. It helps to make a list of items you want before the sale begins.
Tips for getting the best Walmart Cyber Monday deals
- Plan ahead. Write down the products you need and set a budget.
- Check the time. The deals start at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Convert to your local time if you are not on the East Coast.
- Use the Walmart website or app. Both show the live list of 2,000 deals.
- Act quickly. Popular items may sell out fast, especially tech gadgets.
- Compare prices. Look at other sites like Amazon to see if the discount is truly good.
FAQ
When do Walmart’s Cyber Monday deals start?
The main sale begins at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, Nov. 29. That is 01:00 GMT on Monday, Nov. 30.
How many deals will Walmart offer?
Walmart will launch about 2,000 online‑only deals at the start time. This is four times more than the 500 teaser deals it offered last year.
Why did Walmart move Cyber Monday to Sunday?
Walmart says shoppers now have internet everywhere, so the old Monday‑only schedule no longer fits. Starting early helps capture more online traffic and compete with Amazon.
Can I still shop after Sunday night?
Yes. Walmart often extends deals throughout “Cyber Week.” Some offers stay on sale for several days after the Sunday launch.
Conclusion
Walmart’s decision to start Cyber Monday on Sunday night shows how the retail world is changing. More internet access and fierce competition push stores to begin sales earlier. With 2,000 deals at 8 p.m. ET on Nov. 29, shoppers have a big chance to save on many items. Follow the simple tips above, and you can make the most of Walmart’s early Cyber Monday launch.