Major U.S. retailer Target is upping the ante for Cyber Monday in a number of significant ways. Target is extending its annual Cyber Monday sale of 15 percent off almost everything on its website to include previously excluded items including all Apple devices, offering the same discount both online and in stores, and increasing the length of the sale to two days, starting Sunday, Nov. 27.
Target Cyber Monday 2015: Site Almost Crashes
With Black Friday now behind us, Target is doubling down on its huge Cyber Monday promotion this year. Last year, the retailer broke traffic records when it offered 15 percent off of most items on its website on Cyber Monday. The promotion was not without its hiccups, however, as customer traffic on the site was so overwhelming that it almost crashed, and many customers who signed on to do their bargain shopping were greeted with a message asking them to hold on and wait in what amounted to a virtual queue. While the sale was still successful, Target no doubt lost some impatient customers to competitors like Amazon, and it was widely reported that the Target site had crashed, creating a public relations nightmare for the retailer.
Target Cyber Monday 2016 Sale Period Doubles
In order to avoid another repeat of that debacle, Target has widened the scope of the sale considerably this year. For one thing, the length of the sale has now doubled, meaning that this year at Target, Cyber Monday actually starts on Sunday. In addition, all bargains available online will also be accessible at all of Target's retail locations as well, meaning in store shoppers will receive a 15 percent register discount off of almost everything in their carts.
Target Cyber Monday Sale 2016: New Product Inclusions
Another big change this year is the inclusion of many items which were specifically excluded from the sale last year. That means all Apple products including iPads, iPhones, MacBooks and additional accessories will all be eligible for the discount. All gaming consoles, iRobot vacuums, and KitchenAid appliances will also be included. Target also has a number of special Cyber Week deals which will be made available on its website from Nov. 27 through Dec. 3.
For example, customers can save 15 percent percent on the Apple iPad Pro 12.9 inch Wi-Fi in any of its three storage configurations, 32 GB 128 GB or 256 GB. The iPhone SE unlocked is an additional 15 percent off the already 10 percent discounted sale price, as are all other iPhones. The Apple Watch 42mm Gold Aluminum Case is also 15% off as are all other Apple watches.
"Target is building on last year's record-breaking Cyber Monday event with a truly spectacular two-day offer," said Mike McNamara, chief information and digital officer of Target. "We're giving guests a compelling opportunity to save 15 percent across Target's broad assortment, plus the flexibility to shop the offer for two days in a way that's most convenient to them — whether they want to shop online or in a store."
