BLACK FRIDAY IS only just behind us, and Minister Denis Naughten is urging online retailers to take advantage of the opportunities presented by Cyber Monday.
While Black Friday has now become an annual event featuring sales in shops across the country, Cyber Monday is its online equivalent. Online retailers – big and small – attempt to attract business on the day.
Research from Core Media suggests that today is set to the busiest ever for online shopping in Ireland, with spending expected to be around €53 million.
The Minister for Communications wants Irish businesses to seize the opportunity for international sales this Cyber Monday.
Naughten said: “Around the world, people are getting ready for Christmas by getting online. Irish companies offer world-class products and services, found nowhere else.
“Cyber Monday is the perfect day for them to capture the interest of new customers around the world, and I encourage all our small businesses to take full advantage of this.”
He added that the government’s recent budget provision for the ‘Trading Online Voucher Scheme’ can see businesses avail of grants of up to €2,500 to help them sell products online.
He added that Cyber Monday is a “significant opportunity” for Irish companies with an online presence to “expand their market and create more jobs”.
Core Media’s research suggests that one in eight adults will purchase something online today, while internet traffic is expected to surge 20%.
According to their research, consumers are becoming “more familiar” with the concept, and this is leading to a surge in interest on the day.
While Black Friday is associated with a surge of consumer spending, retailers in Ireland have been shown not to benefit hugely from the sales phenomenon.
Commenting on last year’s sales, the head of Retail Excellence Ireland, Lynn Drumgoole, said: “Black Friday led to a quieter October as consumers postpone spending, and a weaker post Christmas sales period.”
So, what are you thoughts? Will you be buying online this Cyber Monday?
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