Cyber Monday: The Final Episode?

Let's start with a brief history of Cyber Monday. Back in the days of modems and dial-up internet, company computers were the fastest way to browse online deals. These company computers, for the most part, were only available to employees during the traditional business week. Employees would spend the first Monday after Thanksgiving scouring the internet for the best deals money could buy. Cyber Monday was born -- the first in a long line of online distractions and workforce dawdling. Since the birth of this illustrious shopping holiday many innovations have occurred, however. High speed internet, smartphones and tablets are now standard for online purchases. Companies such as newegg.com are even offering Black November deals. Gone are the days when we need to wait until Monday to make a purchase. Heck, we can be standing in Target and make an online purchase at Wal-Mart if we find a better deal. In fact, many shoppers did exactly that on Black Friday. While waiting in long lines to check out and pay they hit their smartphones and double checked their deals.

But many shoppers didn't even brave the long lines and crowds. From the comfort of their couches and a swipe of their finger they purchased their treasures with ease. In fact, many great deals were available before Black Friday and have continued through the month. As I have followed the online deals I have found that the prices have changed very little. What are the odds this pseudo shopping holiday will continue? Brand analysts believe Cyber Monday will be a thing of the past -- a ten year fad that has come to an end. Entering into the picture is Small Business Saturday and Giving Tuesday. My guess is that Black November is likely to take over online shopping. With tougher economic times, retailers are trying to squeeze every penny out of shoppers. And even though Black Friday 2012 was a huge success, online bargains for digital cameras continue to be abundant.