Businesses slash online prices for eMonday
If the thought of getting up early, fighting the crowds and waiting in long lines for Black Friday deals wasn’t for you, we have good news — there are some great deals to be had online right now.Today is eMonday, Bermuda’s version of America’s ‘Cyber Monday’ when all the best online deals are on offer. And that means local online retailers, or etailers, are slashing their prices. From gift vouchers to high-tech gadgets, there are deals and discounts to be had from more than 25 different companies.The Ministry of Business Development and Tourism’s Department of E-Commerce sponsors eMonday, which is spearheaded by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation. The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce and Northrock are also partners in the effort.The Department of E-Commerce held a series of workshops over the last six months to provide information and guidance to those interested in making their products and services available online.Many of e-tailers use business models suited to the Bermuda environment, including same-day delivery and in-store pick-up. Here are some of the deals that caught our eye:G-Wiz — The technology store on Queen Street is offering ten percent off all products through its website, gwiz.bm.RedLaser — The electronics retailer is offering $100 Apple iTunes cards for $90 and $50 cards for $46.Brown & Company — The department store is offering ten percent off all web purchases from its store and The Bookmart.Coffeworks.bm — The online retailer will be offering a Keurig special edition B60 single cup coffee brewer for $146 ($50 off) Monday only.US Express — Mailboxes Unlimited is offering its members a 20 percent discount on all outbound DHL shipments anywhere in the world just in time to get those Christmas presents shipped off to family abroad.The Reefs — If you have family and friends who want to come visit, you might want to tell them about this deal. The hotel is offering special packages deals of 30 percent off daily rates from March 12 through April 14 and 20 percent off daily rates from April 15 through May 23 for a stay of four nights or more. The deal, which includes breakfast each day, starts Monday and runs through November 30.While some 37 percent of Americans were expected to shop on Black Friday, 71 percent feel the best deals are online and 41 percent said they would be shopping online today, according to SEO.com.ComScore is predicting a very merry holiday season for US web retailers this year. The web measurement firm predicts online sales will increase 15 to 18 percent this holiday shopping season compared with 2011.One factor helping web sales this year is that there are two extra shopping days between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas, comScore says.And you won’t just find deals on Christmas gifts this year. Those looking to book a vacation will be hard pressed to find a cheaper time to do so. Over the years, deals once reserved for big online retailers have crept their way into the travel industry with deep discounts on everything from hotels to cruises to airfare to total vacation packages.George Hobica, founder of Airfarewatchdog.com, said while he’s only seen Cathay Pacific announce airfare deals so far, he expects more will follow suit. “I am sure JetBlue and probably Virgin America will too judging from past years,” he said. “And yes, they are very good deals, although in limited supply.”British Airways is offering round-trip fares from Bermuda to London from $840, including all taxes and fees. The sale runs until December 5, 2012. Customers can travel outbound between November 28, 2012 and December 16, 2012 and from December 24, 2012 to March 24, 2013, giving them a great opportunity to visit London over the holiday period.Hotels.com is also running a Cyber Monday sale that runs through tomorrow offering deals of up to 50 percent off. Expedia is also offering up to 50 percent off through today.Orbitz if offering 15 percent off at participating hotels today for those who enter the code ‘CYBERORBITZ’ or ‘HOLIDAY15’. The deal is valid through January 5, 2013 including, apparently, New Year’s weekend.Starwood hotels will be offering customers special packages today at 35 different hotels and resorts when you enter the promotional code ‘CYBRLT’. And The Benjamin, a boutique hotel at 50th and Lexington Avenue in New York City is taking up to 60 percent off room rates in its one-day Cyber Monday sale. Non-refundable room rates start at $199 a night.If you’re looking for a deal on a cruise, you might just be in luck. Companies like Celebrity Cruises are offering up to $1,000 off — depending on where you book and what you book — as long as you do so by the end of today. You’ll even have to pay less up front, as they’re reducing required deposits by around 50 percent.Hundreds more hotels and resorts are offering Cyber Monday deals. Be sure to check their websites and social media pages for all the details.