Black Friday has come and gone -- and for 2022, it was massive. While in-person shoppers showed up in big numbers this year, online sales broke a record, topping $9 billion for the first time ever.
And on Cyber Monday, retail experts are predicting shoppers will spend even more.
"We see Cyber Monday to be the best time to buy for consumers across major categories," Patrick Brown, Adobe Growth Marketing and Insights Vice President told NBC News. "It has surpassed Black Friday as the biggest shopping day of the season and of the year a couple of years ago, and it shows no signs of slowing down."
However, south suburban workers at one major retailer are demanding changes to working conditions, pay and more.
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For the second time in two months, some workers at an Amazon warehouse in Joliet -- the only cross-dock facility in Illinois -- staged a brief walkout that began at 3 a.m. Monday. During the first walkout, in October, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that hundreds of workers signed a petition demanding better health and safety polices, as well as a base pay of $25 per hour.
According to the workers, management at Amazon is aware of what they're asking for. However, as of Monday morning, they have yet to hear back about their demands.
“After our October walkout, there can be no doubt that Amazon management knows exactly what we’re demanding,” said Montrell Oliver, a worker at the MDW2 facility in Joliet. “Despite that, they haven’t done anything to show us they’re serious about paying us a fair wage, improving workplace safety, or changing policies to make sure we’re all respected at work. Until they do, they can bet they’ll continue to hear from us rank and file workers who are demanding better.”
In response to a request from NBC 5 Chicago for comment, Amazon said “Despite a small demonstration initiated by outside groups, the overwhelming majority of our team members at our facility in Joliet, IL continued to do what they do every day, deliver for our customers. While we’re always listening and looking at ways to improve, we remain proud of the competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and safe work experience we provide.”
According to reporting from NBC News, Amazon on Cyber Monday will be offering dozens of deals, including 30% off some toys including iconic American Girl dolls and certain Legos. Across several retailers including Walmart, Best Buy and Target, prices of big ticket electronics, like AirPods, and TVs, will be cut.
For those looking to fill their closets, The Gap is advertising 50% off most purchases.
If you are planning to shop on Cyber Monday, the Better Business Bureau notes that "scammers will be out in full force with all kinds of devious ways to get your attention and get your money."
“Be alert for misleading advertisements, lookalike websites, and untrustworthy sellers,” said BBB president and CEO Steve J. Bernas, president.
According to the BBB, the best ways to protect yourself when online shopping during Cyber Monday is to read the fine print, use a credit card, and price check before you buy.
"It’s always best to make online purchases with your credit card," the BBB says. "If any shady charges turn up later, you will be able to contest them through your credit card company. Debit cards don’t offer this same protection. Never make purchases with online sellers by giving them prepaid debit cards or wiring them money."
