The days of chaotic in-store Black Friday rushes are fading. Today’s deals are online, immediate, and constantly shifting. This Cyber Monday, major retailers like Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, and Walmart are offering aggressive discounts on tech, appliances, and more. However, these sales are volatile – prices rise and fall rapidly, and popular items sell out quickly.
Key Trends: Discounts are aggressive but temporary. Many of the best deals seen on Black Friday are already disappearing, with prices reverting to normal or stock running dry. This creates a sense of urgency: if you see a price you like, act fast. Some retailers (like Best Buy) initially offer lower prices than Amazon, only for Amazon to match them hours later.
Top Deals as of December 1st
Here’s a snapshot of the best deals currently available, but note that availability is key:
- Apple AirTag: $17.97 (was $28.99)
- Amazon Kindle: $79.99 (was $109.99)
- AirPods Pro 2 (Woot!): $134.99 – Significantly lower than prices at other retailers, but likely to sell out fast.
- Lego Sets: Discounts vary, with some sets selling out within hours. Free Lego sets available with qualifying purchases.
- Nintendo Switch 2 Mario Kart Bundle (Walmart): $449 (requires Walmart account/Walmart+).
Volatility in Pricing
Many retailers are raising prices on items that were discounted on Black Friday. For example, Bose QuietComfort Headphones jumped from $159.99 to $179.99, and popular AirPods deals are disappearing. This volatility underscores the importance of immediate action.
Streaming and Subscription Deals
Beyond tech, streaming services are offering significant discounts. Starz is available for $11.99/year (usually $69.99), and Sling’s Day Pass is available for $1 through December 1st for live sports access. Apple TV+ is also discounted at $5.99/month for six months.
Notable Standouts
- The Frame TV (Samsung): Currently $100 cheaper on Amazon for Prime members.
- LG OLED TVs: The LG G5 OLED is discounted to $1,996.99 (a record-low price), but this deal was live before Black Friday.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: Selling out fast at $299, as the new Gen 2 model has been released.
The Bottom Line
Cyber Monday deals are real, but they’re also fleeting. If you find a price you want, don’t hesitate. Prices are already rising on many items, and popular products are selling out quickly. The era of sustained deep discounts is over; today’s sales are about speed and smart shopping.
