Black Friday 2011: Amazon Launches Deals Early, Hourly Sales
With less than a month before Black Friday, online-retailer Amazon is getting a jump on the competition with the launch of its Black Friday Deals store.
The online retailer is hoping to cash in on the busiest shopping day of the year by offering deals every day leading up to the Nov. 25 shopping holiday.
Amazon is offering deals on electronics, books, music and apparel. A new deal is offered each hour on the website and older deals expire after being offered for a certain amount of time.
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It is a move that could determine how profitable Black Friday will be for retailers and which products customers want at a discount.
Deals range from 40 percent to 60 percent off the listed price, according to Amazon.
According to Buyers Review Source, Deals were recently offered on a Total Gym XLS Trainer, sold for $549.99; a luggage set from Tommy Bahama, sold for $69.99; and, a Comedy Central five-CD Set, sold for $29.99.
The venture to capture revenue from sales comes nearly one month before stores plan to open their doors early.
Kohl’s, Macy’s and Target have all announced they will open at 12 a.m. on Black Friday in an effort to attract even more shoppers on the busiest shopping days of the year, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Launching the Black Friday deals early is a move that could prove to be valuable to both Amazon and online shoppers.
"When it comes to holiday gift shopping there are three things customers want: low prices, items to be in-stock and ready to ship, and a convenient shopping experience," said Sally Fouts, spokesperson for Amazon.
Shoppers can expect to see deals on digital cameras, GPS units, digital photo frames, electronics accessories and clothing, according to Amazon.
The online retailer also plans to offer free shipping on items over $25.
