Google plans to remain a hub for some of the countrys largest retailers by adding features to its Shopping page just in time for Black Friday. Google added shortlists to save items you like and 360-degree product views. When browsing for a product, you see a list of discounts available on products you view on the site.
Some stores last Black Friday used mobile coupons to get people to buy online while standing in line.
Target and Best Buy this year said they plan to offer online-only Black Friday deals. Signing up for the sites deals of the day delivers e-mails with discounts to your inbox.
Mobilizing consumers
Mobile purchases are expected to make up 21% of all online sales this holiday season, up 110% over last holiday season, according to Adobes online buying forecast for 2012. On Black Friday, tablets and phones will account for 24% of online traffic.
Traffic translates to sales. Brick-and-mortar stores have embraced mobile because consumers are purchasing gifts on their phones and tablets more than ever before. PayPal last year reported a 516% increase in mobile payments on Black Friday.
De Grandpre says anything that works this time around, from store map apps to smartphone coupons, will be replicated in 2013.
What you see this season will be next years normal, de Grandpre says.
