« Is an HDTV on your holiday gift list? Tech Talk can help you make an informed decision. | Main | Tackle Your Taxes »

November 28, 2005

Shop (Wisely) Till You Drop

While the holiday shopping season traditionally kicks off the day after Thanksgiving with ”Black Friday,” the National Retail Federation (and countless news outlets) are touting the rise of “Cyber Monday,” so named because many online retailers see a sales spike on the Monday after Thanksgiving (a phenomenon fueled in part by consumers who take advantage of the high-speed Internet connections available at work to shop for gifts on the Web).

But whether you’re wired for Cyber Monday or waiting for post-Christmas clearance sales at the mall, there are steps you can take to be a savvy shopper. Try to avoid Internet fraud with holiday shopping tips from the Federal Trade Commission and the National Consumers League. Battling cyber thieves and looking for bargains? Check out CNNMoney’s article on how to get the best online deals and Consumer Reports’ evaluation of popular shopping-comparison Web sites. Meanwhile, both online shoppers and those sticking to bricks-and-mortar stores might benefit from MSNBC.com’s Tips to Keep You Sane During Shopping Season and Consumer Union.org’s 2005 Holiday Shopping Keys.

[ARM]

Posted by hinsdalereference at November 28, 2005 4:49 PM