Black Friday came and went quietly for me–I successfully hid under my bedcovers for a good part of the day and happily avoided long lines, crowds of crabby shoppers and equally crabby salespeople, and parking lot trauma.  But apparently it’s not over.  Today is Cyber Monday?–who knew!

I contacted a few of the larger home stores this morning via the old fashioned telephone to find out just what all the hoopla is all about.  I wanted to find out if these massive sales, including Black Friday, were more about getting a head start on finding the perfect Christmas gifts, or if folks are really trying to finish major home projects in time to host family gatherings for Christmas.  Either way, there seem to be plenty of bargains to be had.

One store manager seems to feel the two are non related, however.  “It’s been all about Black Friday,” she says of her store’s sales trends this weekend.  In other words, no one is walking out with plans to build an entire home in time for Santa to fall down the chimney.  Another store manager across town concurs: “It’s really the smaller items [that are most popular], like the power tools and smaller appliances.”

Still, at least one major chain is highlighting a special on carpet installation, even as part of its Cyber Monday extravaganza, and one store manager did mention that a lot of lumber has gone out the door this weekend, indicating that there is still a good deal of home improvement scheduled for the season.

On yet another level, many of the sale items seem to be focused on holiday decor, and preparing the home for parties and guests, featuring such items as indoor and outdoor lighting packages, and folding party furniture.

One major chain was reluctant to speak with me, without a proper escort from the corporate office–it seems they are keeping a tight reign on reporting their sales trends from this weekend.  But whether it’s a new washer and dryer for your son and daughter-in-law’s new apartment, or a new set of power tools and some lumber so you can get that new guest room added on before the cousins arrive for the holidays, there’s definitely something for everyone to indulge in, only this time without the crowds and the parking hassles.  Happy Cyber Shopping!

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Author: Kelly Thacher

Kelly has been a writer since she was in grade school where she received early recognition for her Young Author's project. Magazines like Home Entertainment, Luxury Consumer Electronics, Vertical Living, Luxury Home and the Robb Report were happy to have Kelly's editing talents on various projects. A series of career twists and turns has offered her invaluable experience in journalism, magazine and book publishing, and fiction writing.

Kelly Thacher has written 30 articles for us.