About Nick
Nick was born and raised in California, but has been working the dot com scene in Seattle for many years. He co-founded ZippyCart back in 2009, and now works here full-time. Nick wears many hats at ZippyCart, including producing content for our Ecommerce News blog. Nick loves photography and the outdoors, so when not working on ZippyCart you can find him out and about in Seattle.
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Nick has written 305 articles so far, you can find them below.
Filed under Online Shopping by Nick Grant on December 1, 2010 at 9:25 am
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December 1, 2010
By the ZippyCart Shopping Cart Reviews Content Team
Not all online shoppers are savvy enough to hunt down coupons every time they plan to make a purchase, while others just do not want to waste the time searching, and would rather just pay a few extra dollars to save some time. However there are various technologies out there that consumers can try to make using online coupons even easier. This is where a new start-up called Drop Down Deals looks to jump in, as they have a free downloadable plug-in that can recognize when a consumer is on a website that has valid online coupons. Therefore eliminating the need for consumers to spend more time and energy tracking down coupons for every site they want to shop on, because the plug-in will take care of it for them.
Usage of online coupons has continued to increase over the past few years, and advances in technology like Drop Down Deals are simplifying the process so that consumers can focus more on online shopping, and less on coupon hunting. Recently ZippyCart chatted with Aaron Mendes, who is the president of Drop Down Deals, LLC, which is privately funded by the incubation company Sambreel Holdings, LLC. Mendes noted that they have around 5,000 different online stores which they carry coupons for including Best Buy, Kohls, and Neiman Marcus. Drop Down Deals adds new coupons daily, if not hourly, via coupon aggregators and other various networks they work with. Drop Down Deals came out of an open beta during October, and now is marketed nationally to online shoppers.
In general, Drop Down Deals skews more towards an older female demographic, but as more people find out about their coupon finding technology, the demographics are shifting. The free plug-in is easy to download, and currently works with Internet Explorer (IE), Firefox, and soon Google Chrome. Right now about 2/3 of people that use Drop Down Deals have IE, with the other 1/3 using Firefox. Mendes feels that Drop Down Deals is superior to other coupon finding methods because their technology is not a full time tool bar, as the consumer only sees a coupon if there is one to display.
As for the business model of Drop Down Deals, the company focuses on making money from people (via affiliate relationships) using the coupons that they recommend. However Drop Down Deals does have a standard coupon deals website in the works, that will compliment the downloadable plug-in, and build more awareness about their technology.
Right now an average day for the Drop Down Deals team is jam packed, as the crew is working simultaneously on marketing, product development, analyzing data, improving the user experience, and most importantly finding better coupons for their users. It will be interesting to see what changes are in store for Drop Down Deals, and the online coupon niche in 2011.
Filed under Online Shopping by Nick Grant on November 30, 2010 at 12:01 pm
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November 30, 2010
By the ZippyCart Shopping Cart Reviews Content Team
Online shoppers spent a massive amount of time yesterday scouring the Internet to hunt for the best Cyber Monday deals for 2010, and now that the popular shopping day is over, consumers want to know if there are still great deals online for the holiday season. Luckily Internet retailers are not stopping the deals just because Cyber Monday is over, as Amazon and Walmart are still going strong with Cyber Week Deals. This means that online shoppers can still continue to check out both of these ecommerce sites today, and the next few days to see the awesome deals still available. Amazon has been a very popular destination for online shopping since last Monday when they started Black Friday week, and the Internet retail giant looks like it wants to continue to be the go to source for online deals for the entire holiday season. This is because their are a number of promotions Amazon has going on that will allow online shoppers to take advantage of awesome deals for the next few weeks. One of the promotions that is a favorite among gamers is the 17 Days of Deals in the video game section at Amazon, with today being dedicated to Disney, so a variety of video games like Toy Story 3 and Alice and Wonderland are on sale.
Walmart has also been a favorite online shopping site for consumers since Thanksgiving when they started their Black Friday a day early, and now two days into Cyber Week 2010 there are a variety of excellent online only deals to check out. There are already a number of reports out that online holiday spending is trending up, and with a few weeks left before Christmas, it is almost certain that there are still a large amount of online sales yet to come. Below are a mix of Cyber Week deals from Amazon and Walmart that are exciting online shoppers today, and if there is not something that interests you, then you should further review all of the other sales.
Amazon Cyber Week Deals Today
Battlestar Galactica: Complete Series [Blu-ray & DVD]
Even though the Battlestar Galactica series ended in 2009, it still has a popular following among sci-fi fans, and today as part of Cyber Week, Amazon is featuring the complete series on sale. Online shoppers can choose from either the Blu-ray version for $119.99 or the DVD version for $80.99. The set includes Seasons 1, 2.0, 2.5, 3, 4.0, 4.5, and The Plan.
Creative Labs Zen X-Fi 2 32 GB MP3 and Video Player with Touchscreen and Built-In Speaker (Black)
Another promotion that Amazon is running is called 25 Days of Deals, and it is something that they offer in a number of their product categories each day. In the MP3 section today the deal is for a Creative Labs MP3 Video Player. Yes, this means that there are other MP3 players on the market outside of the Apple iPod, and this model from Creative Labs is on sale today for only $149.99.
Ken Onion by Shun DM0500 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
Ken Onion knives are a favorite among home chefs, and this 8-Inch Chef’s Knife is on sale today for only $149.95 as part of Cyber Week at Amazon. There are many other knives in this Ken Onion line, but this model is a good all-purpose knife for the kitchen that almost any chef would enjoy using this holiday season.
Walmart Cyber Week Deals Today
Nintendo Wii Console w/ Mario Kart Value Bundle
The XBOX Kinect and PlayStation Move may be getting some big attention this year because of their debut, but the Nintendo Wii has been leading motion gaming for years, and continues to be a favorite among gamers. Walmart has this cool Nintendo Wii bundle with Mario Kart and a Wii racing wheel for only $259. A must see deal for anyone thinking about buying a Nintendo Wii for someone this holiday season.
Kodak EasyShare Z981 Black 14MP Digital Camera, w/ 26x Optical Zoom, 3″ LCD Display
Digital cameras have made the process of taking and “developing” photographs so easy that almost everyone has one these days. This Kodak 14MP digital camera is an affordable option that is on sale today at Walmart for only $199, as part of their Cyber Week. It is a great gift that will allow you or your loved one to capture great memories throughout the holiday season.
Comfort Products 10-Motor Massage and Heat Leisure Recliner Chair, Black
Massages can be expensive, but this cool massage and heat chair from Walmart is not, as it is only $99 right now as part of Cyber Week. If you want to give a gift to someone who needs to relax, then this massage chair is a great option to consider today.
Filed under Online Shopping by Nick Grant on November 29, 2010 at 10:46 am
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November 29, 2010
By the ZippyCart Shopping Cart Reviews Content Team
Many online shoppers have been waiting for today for many months, and now the best Cyber Monday deals for 2010 are here and many of the top online retailers have great sales today for consumers. Amazon has been a favorite destination for online shoppers for many years, and Cyber Monday 2010 is set to be one of the busiest days ever for ecommerce activity. Online shoppers are out in full force today, getting up early to catch the best Cyber Monday deals for 2010, while others are just starting to browse deals now at work (yes this means you). Consumers view Cyber Monday as their own shopping holiday, when they can take some time to take advantage of great online deals for a variety of product areas like video games, kitchen goods, toys, electronics, and more.

Today at Amazon there are a variety of amazing Cyber Monday deals, but unfortunately it does not look like there are any special promotions running for the Kindle ereader, as this is one of the most talked about holiday gifts of the year. Luckily Amazon still has hundreds of Cyber Monday deals on their other products, and consumers are almost sure to find something that they want to purchase today. Since we cannot cover everything that is on sale today at Amazon, we wanted to call out some of the top Cyber Monday deals on the site. However this is just a small sample, and does not include all the lightning deals to come throughout the day. Be sure to frequently check back to Amazon if you plan to take advantage of a lightning deal for Cyber Monday 2010, as these products are selling out extremely fast and leaving many consumers on the wait list. Now stop wasting time, and review the deals below to start shopping online for Cyber Monday.
TomTom XXL 540M 5-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Maps Edition)
The magic of GPS is something that we have embraced in the U.S., but most cars do not come pre-equipped with it built in, especially older cars. However today at Amazon for Cyber Monday you can pick up this TomTom GPS Navigator as part of the deal of the day for only $89.99. If you get lost easily when driving, or know someone who does, then this is a great gift to pick up today on sale.
V Tech Movie Magic Digicam
Does your kid want to be the next Steven Spielberg or Martin Scorsese? If so then you might want to start them off early with this V Tech Movie Magic Digicam which will allow them to make their own home movies. At only $39.99 for Cyber Monday, this is a holiday gift that is sure to entertain kids for hours on end, and give parents some fun too when they get to watch the home movies that their kids created.
Makita MAC2400 Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor
Most men who like tools are always looking for the next great piece of equipment to add to their personal collection, so that they can have an awesome garage full of gear. However this Makita Big Bore 2.5 HP Air Compressor is not just for men, as this is a very useful tool to have around the house that can come in handy in a variety of situations. At only $267.14 for Cyber Monday, the air compressor from Makita is heavily discounted off the normal retail price on Amazon.
Roku XD Streaming Player 1080p
If you love to watch movies, then you should definitely check out the Roku XD which is on sale today for $67.99 thanks to Cyber Monday at Amazon. You can use your high-speed Internet connection to instantly stream movies and TV shows from places like Nextflix and Amazon VOD. This also has built-in wireless, so that is one less cable you have to worry about buying when you purchase the Roku XD.
M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Powered Speakers
Anyone looking for a great set of speakers for the home or office for Cyber Monday should consider the M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Powered Speakers which are on sale for only $119.99. M-Audio is a favorite speaker among those who make music, or those audiophiles who enjoy amazing sound quality.
Dewalt DCK435C 18-Volt Compact Cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit
This is a serious 4-Tool Combo Kit from Dewalt, that comes with a great selection of tools like a 18V 1/2-inch compact hammerdrill, impact driver, cordless reciprocating saw with keyless blade clamp, and pivoting head flashlight. At only $379.00, the Dewalt kit is heavily discounted for Cyber Monday, and would be an excellent addition to any garage.
Spy Gear Spy Video TRAKR
If you have a kid in your life who loves to spy, then this Spy Gear Spy Video TRAKR for only $79.99 is a great gift idea. Amazon has this stealth remote-controlled robot on sale for Cyber Monday, which lets you record video “spy style.” There are a number of things that kids will think of doing with a cool tech toy like this, and it is sure to be an item on many wish lists this holiday season.
Filed under Online Shopping by Nick Grant on November 29, 2010 at 3:00 am
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November 29, 2010
By the ZippyCart Shopping Cart Reviews Content Team
Cyber Monday is finally here, and there are deals going on at many of the top online retailers that consumers are jumping on early this morning to make sure they can take advantage of any exclusive offers. Online holiday shopping started a bit early this year with consumers first getting excited about items that were mentioned on Oprah’s Favorite Things List 2010, then Amazon started Black Friday last Monday, and Walmart and Best Buy launched deals on Thanksgiving. However today is the day that many savvy online shoppers have been waiting for, as Cyber Monday has become an amazing day for getting great deals. There are a number of product areas consumers will be hunting for Cyber Monday Deals in, like HDTV’s, toys, video games, kitchen, and jewelry.

Shopping Cyber Monday Deals is much easier and less stressful than getting up super early for Black Friday, and those consumers who focused on spending time with the family during the holiday weekend are now ready to shop. There are a number of top online retailers that have Cyber Monday Deals today like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. However there are also a number of other online retailers that have great deals for Cyber Monday, and are worth looking into to find something unique that may not be offered elsewhere. Below are a mix of Cyber Monday deals from a number of top online retailers, and almost any consumer shopping online today should be able to find something of interest at one of these sites.
Amazon – Cyber Monday is sure to be one of the biggest days of 2010 for Amazon, based upon how things have been going for the last week since they started Black Friday. On Black Friday Amazon sold their Kindle 2nd generation for $89, with the sale starting at 9AM Pacific Time making it the deal of the day. However the deal sold out so quick that many online shoppers thought it never existed. Today for Cyber Monday, Amazon is going all out featuring a number of great lightning deals across a variety of product categories. Be sure to monitor Amazon throughout the day, so you do not miss any of the Cyber Monday deals that could sell out extremely quick.
Walmart – Online shoppers have been warming up to Walmart Cyber Monday deals over the last couple years, as they can get great prices without having to trek to a brick and mortar location and battle the masses to save some money. Consumers have been very tight with their money over the past few years, and Walmart is known for being a go to source for low prices, which is one of the biggest reasons it continues to do well amidst rough economic conditions. Walmart has a variety of LCD and HDTV’s on sale for Cyber Monday that online shoppers should definitely check out, plus a number of great deals on toys that will be great gifts for kids this holiday season.
Overstock – Today for Cyber Monday Overstock has a showcase of what they call their “Screamin Product Deals,” and online shoppers are finding a lot of great prices on products. Overstock is known for having a mix of products that flucate throughout the year, but consumers know that they always get solid deals. Online shoppers just got into the Cyber Monday page at midnight Eastern Time, and will continue to shop throughout the day. With some consumers choosing to shop online at work, and others opting to wait until after work to see if they can still get some great Cyber Monday deals.
Altrec – Today you can get an extra 10% off (including sale prices) when you use coupon code cybermonday10 at Altrec. If you are still in need of some outdoor gear for the fall and winter, then Altrec is an awesome site to shop for things like jackets, boots, and gloves. They have Cyber Monday deals on brands like North Face, Columbia, Patagonia, Keen, and many more.
ThinkGeek – If you have not been to ThinkGeek before, then you should definitely head over to their site and see all the cool products that have which would make great gift ideas for the holiday season. Today online shoppers can use coupon code CYBERMONDAY to get free shipping on all orders of $25 or more. Check out cool products like the Electronic Rock Guitar Shirt, Star Trek Enterprise Pizza Cutter, or the Magic Wand – Programmable TV Remote.
Kmart – Today at Kmart for Cyber Monday, online shoppers can receive free shipping on orders of $29 or more with code KMGIFTS. They have a variety of deals on video games, electronics, toys, and jewelry. It is also a great time to pick up some holiday home products on sale to help decorate the house. Consumers on a budget should be sure to see what Kmart has to offer for Cyber Monday.
PacSun – They promote their products as SoCal inspired guys and girls clothing and accessories, and for Cyber Monday consumers can get 20% off sitewide on all orders of $50 or more – plus free standard shipping! Any consumers shopping for clothes for their kids should be sure to give PacSun a look, as there is a lot of cool gear to peruse.
Best Buy – Cyber Monday is the perfect time to shop online at Best Buy for great deals on electronics and video games. The holiday season is a common time of the year to upgrade to a new Blu-ray player, or a bigger and better HDTV or 3D HDTV. There are also a number of deals of select digital SLR cameras, which could capture all the memories this holiday season.
Filed under Online Shopping by Nick Grant on November 26, 2010 at 3:01 am
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November 26, 2010
By the ZippyCart Shopping Cart Reviews Content Team
Consumers all over the country are waking up today and hopping on their computer to browse great Black Friday deals online, instead of heading out into the freezing cold to battle other shoppers at brick and mortar retail stores. Black Friday is an excellent time for consumers to shop online and take advantage of all the amazing deals at a variety of Internet retailers. Almost every product category you can think of has a Black Friday deal somewhere online, but the more popular categories that consumers flock to are electronics, toys, video games, kitchen, and home. For instance, many consumers choose to use Black Friday as a time to upgrade their television for a newer and bigger HDTV, which is often accompanied by a Blu-ray player these days. Luckily there are a number of Internet retailers this year like Amazon.com, Walmart, and Adorama who have Black Friday deals on HDTV’s and Blu-ray players.
Some ecommerce sites will require the use of a coupon code for Black Friday to get the best deal possible, but in many cases there is no coupon code required to take advantage of the deals today. There are hundreds of unique Black Friday deals online today making it almost impossible to pack them into one article. However there are certain Internet retailers that online shoppers seem to be more excited about checking out today to see what deals they want to purchase:
Amazon has been doing a great job of offering a new Deal of the Day all week for Black Friday, as well as amazing Lightning Deals throughout each day that online shoppers are snatching up extremely fast. Today all the buzz is about the Kindle 2 for $89, which has been a hot topic online for the last couple of days since the news first leaked. Be sure to check out Amazon all day as the Lightning Deals are sure to be some of the best thus far this week.
Walmart kicked things off yesterday with Thanksgiving day deals that generated buzz among online shoppers who rushed to the site to see all the deals. But today, Black Friday, the deals are even better at Walmart online, with low prices on video games, toys, and home products. There are also a variety of HDTV’s, Blu-ray players, laptops, and cameras. Anyone shopping online for Black Friday must check out Walmart online to see the great prices.
Best Buy followed the same path as Walmart by starting their deals on Thanksgiving, and now, on Black Friday, online shoppers are back to see what all the new deals are for the day. PayPal is now being accepted by Best Buy online, which is helpful for some consumers who prefer to pay that way. Head over to Best Buy online today and see if there is a Black Friday deal that is right for you.
Overstock – There are a lot of Black Friday deals at Overstock on jewelry, home, electronics, and kitchen products. Their Black Friday deal of the day is $73 off a 14k White Gold 1/6ct TDW Diamond Ring. If you do not see anything at Overstock today that you like, then check back all this weekend and Cyber Monday to see if you like any of the new deals.
Adorama – If you want to see Black Friday deals on digital SLR cameras from Canon, Samsung, and Sony, then you can head over to Adorama online. There are also great deals on LG HDTV’s and Blu-ray players, as well as Flip Video Mino and Samsung camcorders.
Borders - On Black Friday one of the best deals at Borders online is 40% off any 1 item with coupon code BUG8901L, but deals will continue through the weekend and on Cyber Monday. Another deal that Borders is running is that online shoppers can buy a $50 gift card, and get a free bonus $5 gift card.
With all of these great deals online today, consumers will be able to find perfect gifts for loved ones and even themselves, at Black Friday prices, without having to leave their house.
Filed under Online Shopping by Nick Grant on November 25, 2010 at 12:08 pm
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November 25, 2010
By the ZippyCart Shopping Cart Reviews Content Team
Right now many people are cooking away preparing to eat a massive Thanksgiving meal soon, but others are shopping online at sites like Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy. Amazon has been going strong with Black Friday deals each day this week, and it continues today on Thanksgiving with more great deals. Each day Amazon has highlighted a variety of new deals, while other Black Friday week deals have been offered since Monday. The area causing the most buzz on Amazon for Black Friday week has been their Deal of the Day and Lightning Deals section. This is where the biggest discounts are showcased, and the Lightning Deals are only good for a few hours or until Amazon sells out of the product. The limited availability has caused many of the Lightning Deals to become sold out quite quickly throughout Black Friday week. Therefore some online shoppers are checking back on Amazon all day to try and take advantage of new Lightning Deals as they come up.

There are hundreds of amazing Black Friday deals today on Amazon for Thanksgiving that online shoppers are excited about, so we wanted to call out some of these deals below to provide a sample of what Amazon has to offer. However Amazon has Black Friday deals in almost all of their product categories, so if there is not something below that excites you, then you can browse around the site and see what else is on sale.
Sony BDV-E370 Sony 5.1 Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System [3D Compatible]
This is the Amazon Deal of the Day and it is an excellent deal for anyone looking for a complete home theater system with Blu-ray. Today this Sony Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System is only $239.00, and anyone with an HDTV who still watches DVD’s should check out this deal and consider upgrading to Blu-ray.
True Blood: The Complete First Season (HBO Series) [Blu-ray]
Not only does Amazon have an awesome deal today on the Sony Blu-ray Disc Home Theater System, but they also have dozens of Blu-ray movies and TV shows on sale. True Blood on HBO slowly became an extremely popular TV show, and for only $22.99 online shoppers can buy season one on Blu-ray.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid [Blu-ray]
The Diary of a Wimpy Kid started out as a book which became popular among kids, then it was turned into a movie and became a bigger hit with kids and even their parents. Amazon has this Blu-ray on sale for only $12.99 as part of Black Friday week.
Casino [Blu-ray]
Casino is a favorite movie of almost everyone who is into mafia movies, and if you really want to enjoy watching the movie, then you should watch it on Blu-ray, which can be purchased for only $10.99 today on Amazon.
Columbia Badger Creek 10- Foot by 10.5- Foot 4 Person Sport Dome Tent
It may be a few more months before it warms up and people start to go camping more often, but in the meantime they can get their gear ready. Amazon has this Columbia 4 person dome tent on sale for only $70.00.
Cadillac Escalade Freestyle Bike (20-Inch Wheels)
A new bike is a gift that many young boys and girls wish to receive during the holidays, and this cool Cadillac Escalade Freestyle Bike is on sale at Amazon for only $168.17.
Filed under Online Shopping by Nick Grant on November 25, 2010 at 3:00 am
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November 25, 2010
By the ZippyCart Shopping Cart Reviews Content Team
Walmart and Best Buy have been a quiet for the first part of Black Friday week, but now that today is Thanksgiving things have changed, as both companies are currently offering a variety of great Black Friday deals in advance of the actual shopping holiday. Amazon started out this week with a big push of Black Friday week deals, as they look to gain traction as early as possible with consumers who are shopping online for deals. Both Best Buy and Walmart began as traditional brick and mortar retailers, but as consumers have shifting their spending online, these companies have also adjusted their marketing efforts to stay top of mind among deal hunting consumers. Not many people still get excited about leaving their house in the early morning hours of Black Friday to try and be first in line to save some money on their holiday shopping. This is because most consumers have found out that almost all of the great in-store deals that get talked about for Black Friday can be found online at the retailers ecommerce site.

Best Buy and Walmart may be starting a bigger marketing push today on Thanksgiving for Black Friday, but both companies look like that will continue to offer a wide array of online deals through Cyber Monday next week. Some consumers are excited to see what all the great deals are for Black Friday today on Walmart and Best Buy, but other consumers are holding out until Cyber Monday, as they feel that the close it gets to the holiday season, the better the deals become. The fourth quarter is a period when many retailers achieve profitability for the year and go into the black, hence the name Black Friday. This means that many consumers are aware of the fact that there are still many opportunities to take advantage of great deals during the next few weeks leading up to the holidays.
Those consumers interested in shopping online at Walmart today on Thanksgiving will have a number of early Black Friday deals that they can consider, coming from many different product categories. There are a number of deals today at Walmart on HDTV’s, video games, winter clothing, toys and games, plus a variety of product for the kitchen and home. However there are too many deals from Walmart today that are listed for Thanksgiving to list here, so the best way to browse all of the Black Friday deals is to head over to Walmart and see what all the buzz is about.

When most people think of Best Buy they typically think of consumer electronics, and this is the area where you will find Black Friday deals today for Thanksgiving. Consumers should review the HDTV’s and see how the prices stack up to other Black Friday deals going on today, as HDTV’s are a very popular item around this time of the year. Additionally consumers should review all of the deals on home audio and video equipment, including Blu-ray players which are the perfect compliment to a massive HDTV. As with Walmart, there are just too many great Black Friday deals to list here from Best Buy, so head over to their ecommerce site and see first hand the deals their are to choose from today.
Filed under Online Shopping by Nick Grant on November 24, 2010 at 12:11 pm
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November 24, 2010
By the ZippyCart Shopping Cart Reviews Content Team
Honestly there are hundreds of Black Friday deals today at Amazon, and one could literally spend hours upon hours looking at all of the products that are on sale. One of the areas on Amazon where consumers are getting amazing deals is the Gold Box and Lighting Deals section, where the best deals for Black Friday today are being showcased. Amazon started Black Friday week on Monday, and will continue through Saturday. Sunday Amazon will jump into Cyber Monday deals for two days, then start their Top Holiday Deals offerings which will run until December 23, 2010. The lightning deals on Amazon are what seem to be the favorite of consumers thus far, as many of the products are quickly selling out, forcing consumers to have to join a wait list to be notified when the item becomes available.

Consumers love shopping online, and the concept of waiting until the real Black Friday to rush to retail stores seems outdated, as the power of the Internet is turning late November through mid December into an online shopping extravaganza. Some aggressive deal hunters are scouring the Internet daily to look for the best deals of the day, so that they can save big money on all of their holiday shopping. In many cases products are being sold at 50% or more off the normal retail price, and smart online shoppers are taking advantage of all the great deals this week for Black Friday. One of the only other things in the online shopping scene getting as much attention as Black Friday is Oprah’s Favorite Things list, which she presented in two parts. Many of the products on Oprah’s Favorite Things list are hot sellers right now, and likely to show up as part of some Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales. Below are some of the stand out deals that Amazon is featuring today for Black Friday, and if you do not see something you want today, then check back tomorrow as new deals will be up in the morning.
Panasonic TC-L22X2 22-Inch 720p LCD HDTV with iPod Dock
This is the big deal of the day for Black Friday today on Amazon, as consumers can buy this Panasonic 22-Inch 720p HDTV with iPod Dock for only $199. This is a great option for a bedroom, kids room, or perhaps the kitchen. The addition of the iPod Dock allows you to play music as well, which makes this Panasonic HDTV twice as attractive for the price. And, if you want something a little bigger, the 32-inch is priced at only $368.
Samsung PN50C490 50-Inch 720p Plasma 3D HDTV
Another great deal today on Amazon for Black Friday is this Samsung 720p Plasma 3D HDTV for only $899.99. A 50-Inch plasma for under $1000, is bargain enough, but with it being 3D HDTV as well this is a solid deal. Now is a good time to pick up a big HDTV so you can be ready for the Super Bowl in 2011.
Samsung H200 Full HD Camcorder with 20x Optical Zoom (Black)
If you want to film the holiday season, then this affordable Samsung HD Camcorder for only $249.00 is an excellent option, as it is $150 off the list price on Amazon for Black Friday today.
The Blind Side
At $3.99, The Blind Side DVD is a great gift to pick up that could be used for a stocking stuffer, or perhaps a secret Santa gift exchange at work. Consumers are flocking to pick up this DVD on the cheap today for Black Friday on Amazon.
Slumdog Millionaire
This movie was heavily talked about for months after it debuted, and if you have not seen it yet, then for only $4.99 you can pick up this movie on DVD and watch it during the holidays.
Ghostbusters on Blu-ray
This movie is a classic, and the perfect movie to watch during the holiday season with the family. For only $11.49 you can purchase Ghostbusters on Blu-ray and enjoy it for years to come.
Filed under Online Shopping by Nick Grant on November 23, 2010 at 11:12 am
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November 23, 2010
By the ZippyCart Shopping Cart Reviews Content Team
Amazon has created a massive buzz online this week as they started Black Friday week yesterday with a variety of great deals, including some amazing deals on kitchen and home products. Today the Black Friday deals continue at Amazon, and there are a number of electronics and toys on sale today that are worth checking out. Toys are often a hot seller online around Cyber Monday and Black Friday, as many parents want to get an early start on their holiday shopping and secure those toys that could be hard to find later in December. Electronics are also a popular area where people are online hunting for deals around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, as this is typically a perfect time to buy products you want for well below the normal retail price.

Cyber Monday has been gaining in popularity over the past 5 years since the online shopping holiday was established, and this has resulted in Black Friday week turning into an all out battle for online sales. Many consumers are now aware that they no longer need to trek into retail stores early Black Friday morning to get a great deal, since online retailers like Amazon start their promotions so early. Walmart plans to have a big Thanksgiving day sale online, as do other online retailers who are looking to capture consumer dollars early in the holiday season. Until the other deals debut online, you can check out some of the awesome Black Friday deals today on electronics and toys at Amazon in the list below:
Panasonic TC-P58S2 58-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
Big HDTV’s are becoming increasingly popular, as consumers look to bring the experience of going out to the movies, into the home. Large HDTV’s are great for watching Blu-ray movies, like the Harry Potter Years 1-6 Giftset which is on sale today for $39.99 thanks to Black Friday week. Today Amazon has a phenomenal deal on a 58-Inch Plasma HDTV that you can buy for only $1099.99.
New Syma 3 Channel S107 Mini Indoor Co-Axial Metal Body Frame & Built-in Gyroscope RC Remote Controlled Helicopter (Colors may vary)
Anyone looking for an affordable toy to purchase as a holiday present should seriously consider this remote controlled helicopter, which is selling for only $26.20 on Amazon because of Black Friday Week.
Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth Earpiece (Black)
A quality bluetooth earpiece can be expensive, but Black Friday week on Amazon is the perfect time to pick up this Plantronics model which is on sale for only $52.99.
VTech Preschool Learning Tote and Go Laptop
If you want a cool gift for a young child, then you might want to look at this affordable VTech Go Laptop for $14.99, which is a fun way for kids to learn and get familiar with computers at a young age.
LEGO Bionicle Jetrax T6
Decade after decade kids continue to enjoy playing with LEGO’s, and it is not surprising that LEGO items show up on many holiday wish lists. This cool LEGO Bionicle Jetrax T6 is only $29.99 today for Black Friday week.
LeapFrog Learn & Groove Color Play Drum
Music is an effective tool to entertain gets and also educate them at the same time. This neat LeapFrog Play Drum is a very affordable toy at $12.99 for a young kid this holiday season who loves music.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Silver)
Digital cameras continue to become smaller and more advanced each year, and as a result the prices seem to get more reasonable as well. Black Friday deals at Amazon make digital cameras even more affordable, like this Panasonic Lumix for only $179.99.
Epson WorkForce 630 Color Inkjet All-in-One
Printer technology is constantly improving, and many people are interested in upgrading their existing printer this holiday season. This Epson model is on sale for only $99.99 as a result of Black Friday today on Amazon.
Filed under Online Shopping by Nick Grant on November 23, 2010 at 4:00 am
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November 23, 2010
By the ZippyCart Shopping Cart Reviews Content Team
Many consumers went shopping online over the weekend as they wanted to search out products from Oprah’s Favorite Things List. This is the final season of The Oprah Show, so this will be a Favorite Things List that consumers will remember. Word of mouth marketing can be very powerful, and when the product recommendation comes from Oprah, it is almost certain to cause a significant spike in sales. A few years ago Oprah added the Clarisonic sonic skin cleansing system on her Favorite Things List, and as a result sales increased “10-fold in just one week” because of her endorsement.
Some of the more popular items that consumers went to purchase from the first part of Oprah’s Favorite Things List 2010 were the Lafco House Candles, the Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera, and the Kyocera Cermic Knife. Now online sales are heating up again as yesterday Oprah debuted part two of her Favorite Things List, and there are lot of great products that are sure to be hot sellers for the holiday shopping season. Below is a list of all of the products from Oprah’s Favorite Things List part two.
Apple iPad with Scrabble App – The Apple iPad has been extremely popular since it debuted, as consumers have been using it to play games, read books, and hop on the Internet. Oprah seems to agree that the Apple iPad is an awesome device as it was one of the most talked about items on part two of her Favorite Things List. Additionally Oprah added Scrabble which appears to be her favorite app for the iPad.
Philosophy Hope in a Jar – This daily facial moisturizer is one of the more affordable picks on part two of Oprah’s Favorite Things List. It receives solid reviews from customers online, and is part of a bigger line of products from Philosophy.
Prepara Herb Savor – For less than $30 you can buy the Prepara Herb Savor and be able to save your fresh herbs for up to three weeks. The product allows the herb stems to sit submerged in water to prolong the life and freshness of the herbs.
Miraclebody Jeans – The name says it all, as these jeans seem to be cut and designed in a way that the company says will make you “look 10 lbs. lighter in 10 seconds!”
“The Book Of Awakening” by Mark Nepo – This book is a collection of essays that gets rave reviews from critics, and now is sure to be an even bigger hit with a place on part two of Oprah’s Favorite Things List.
Johnny Mathis, “Let it be Me” – Johnny Mathis has been in the music scene for over 50 years, and Oprah added his album “Let it be Me” to her list for her final season. Fans can buy this album on MP3 or CD.
Josh Groban, “Illuminations” – This album from Josh Groban was just released and it is starting off with a recommendation from Oprah, just that alone ensures that this album will be a popular gift this holiday season.
Talbott’s Tea Set – Oprah is definitely a fan of Talbott Teas, and the brand is a fan of Oprah as well as seen by the mention on their about us page. Consumers wanting to experience this tea can buy it in a wide array of flavors.
Custom Le Creuset Cookware – Le Creuset is a French cookware manufacturer that has been in the business for over 50 years and is popular among many chefs. Now Oprah wants to make sure the masses know about the brand by adding it to her Favorite Things List 2010.
UGG Classic Sparkle Boots – UGG Boots have been popular in places like California for almost 20 years, first starting out as a boot worn by surfers, they quickly penetrated their way into the masses. Now Oprah loves them too, but the ultra girlie sparkle version.
Coach Sophia Patent Satchel – Coach has been a very popular fashion brand for many years, and Oprah added a satchel from the company for her last Favorite Things List.
Dana Rebecca Diamond Earrings – Dana Rebecca only started her company in 2007 and the third generation designer is almost sure to have a big boost to her sales this holiday season as a result of her place on Oprah’s Favorite Things List.
Magaschoni Silk and Cashmere Tunic and Cashmere Leggings – Magaschoni was founded back in 1989, and is now at over 800 retailers across the nation. Oprah seems to agree with those retailers as she added some Magaschoni items to her list.
Garrett Popcorn – You may not think you know this brand, but you probably have had a taste of it before, as their traditional popcorn tins are a popular gift during the holidays. Another tasty addition to the Favorite Things List.
Pottery Barn Sophie Jewelry Box – A great gift idea for a young girl, teen, or adult women during the holiday season is a jewelry box. Oprah thinks it is a great gift as she added this jewelry box from Pottery Barn to her list.
Two $500 Gift Cards for Nordstrom’s Lingerie – Nordstrom is known for having excellent customer service, and Oprah decided to add their lingerie to her list with some big gift cards.
Williams-Sonoma Mini Croissants – Most people could by a croissant locally in their own city, but Oprah seems to think that there is something special about these mini croissants from Williams Sonoma.
$100 Donor’s Choose Gift Card – Donor’s Choose is a great organization as it allows those teachers who need the money to decide exactly what they want to do with the donation to help their classroom. They get to list projects online, which typically consist of the teacher needing a few things. Donors get to browse these projects and pick out which teacher and classroom they want to donate to.
Centerville Chicken Pie – Can chicken pie really be that amazing? Well if Oprah adds it to her list then you know it is almost certain that it is a delicious pie.
2012 VW Beetle – Sorry but you cannot order the 2012 VW Beetle online yet, but soon enough the car will be available to purchase. Until then you can spend $6.95 on a Classic VW Bug toy.
Filed under Online Shopping by Nick Grant on November 22, 2010 at 11:37 am
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November 22, 2010
By the ZippyCart Shopping Cart Reviews Content Team
It may only be the first day of Black Friday week, but this has not stopped consumers from hunting online for great deals this holiday shopping season. Amazon started their Black Friday deals today in a variety of categories, and the kitchen and home category is one of the areas where they have a lot of great sales going on today. There are a lot of great kitchen gift ideas for the 2010 holiday season, but what really gets consumers excited is that they can get awesome deals on these items all week because of Black Friday. Oprah also had a handful of kitchen and home items on her favorite things list for 2010, and this has resulted in people seeking out the items on the list so they can see what all the buzz is about. The kitchen and home are popular areas which people like to buy holiday presents for themselves, as they look to increase their comfort level around the house while having to stay inside more often during the cold Fall and Winter months.
If you are on the hunt for Black Friday deals today for your kitchen and home, then Amazon is the best place to look, as most of the other large Internet retailers have not yet started their Black Friday campaign for 2010. Amazon wants to dominate Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and all other online shopping in between and after these events. Below are some of the great deals being offered on Amazon today in the kitchen and home category, and tomorrow these deals will be gone to make way for the new Black Friday deals, so today is your only chance to take advantage of these offers from Amazon.

Victorinox 7-Piece Knife Block Set – Creating tasty food in the kitchen is tough without the proper tools, and a great knife set is one of those must have items that almost every kitchen needs. At only $96.88, this knife set is heavily discounted for Black Friday today.

Brother XL2600I Sew Advance Sew Affordable 25-Stitch Free-Arm Sewing Machine – Rough economic conditions have resulted in more people making their own clothes at home, and this affordable sewing machine for only $86.54, is an excellent tool for almost any sewing needs.
KitchenAid KP26M1XMR Professional 600 Series 6-Quart Stand Mixer (Meringue) – If you plan on cooking for a lot of people during the upcoming holiday season, then you might need a quality mixer, and this KitchenAid model is heavily discounted at only $299.99 today.
Andis All-In-One 16-Piece Groomer Kit and Power De-Shedder+ – Grooming a pet can be expensive, especially if you have multiple pets. So this affordable groomer, for only $33.99, is a smart way to groom your animals and save a lot of money in the process.
Breadman TR875 2-Pound Breadmaker, Stainless Steel – Warm baked bread not only makes a house smell fantastic, but it also is a tasty treat during the holiday season. This 2-Pound breadmaker is on sale today for only $99.99 thanks to Amazon Black Friday deals.
Evolution Robotics Mint Automatic Hard Floor Cleaner, 4200 – Cleaning a hardwood floor all year can be a tedious job, and that is why this automatic floor cleaner has become more popular as of late. Today it is only $199.99 as part of a Black Friday sale.
Furi Rachael Ray 7-Inch Sharp-and-Store Self-Sharpening Knife with Stand – Consumers cannot seem to get enough of Rachael Ray, and this self sharping knife with stand is a popular and affordable gift at $51.99 for any chef this holiday season.
Filed under Online Shopping by Nick Grant on November 22, 2010 at 4:00 am
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November 22, 2010
By the ZippyCart Shopping Cart Reviews Content Team
Black Friday seems to start earlier each year, and this year is no exception as there have already been a variety of deals and promotions offered online to consumers during the month of November. Consumers have been looking for hot toys, great gadgets, cool kitchen gifts, and most recently items from Oprah’s Favorite Things list for 2010. Amazon wants to be the go to source for 2010 online holiday shopping, and in order to capitalize on consumers’ early product searches, Amazon has decided to start Black Friday today. Not only is Amazon starting Black Friday 2010 today, but they have decided to have Black Friday for the entire week. This means that there will be hundreds of deals going on this week, and each day Amazon will be showcasing new products on sale.

Most people who are hunting for deals on Amazon today will want to make sure they visit the dedicated Black Friday Deals page which is the home for all of the amazing sales going on this week. Consumers were all over Amazon last week as the company was offering new video game deals every day in prelude to Black Friday. The easiest way to stay in the loop about all the top Black Friday deals at Amazon is to visit their site each day this week to find out about the newest promotions. Amazon will also be updating consumers on their Facebook and Twitter pages, so there will be lots of buzz online all this week as consumers will be talking about the daily deals on these and many other social media channels.
The Amazon Kindle ereader has been the most popular product on the site for many months, so it will be interesting to see if Amazon offers any Kindle related deals during their Black Friday week. As usual it looks like Amazon will also continue to run their normal deal of the day and lighting deal promotions each day during Black Friday week.
Amazon Black Friday Deals for Electronics
Flip MinoHD Video Camera in Brushed Metal – The deal of the day today on Amazon is in the electronics category and would make a great gift this holiday season for anyone who loves to record movies. At only $109.99, this portable HD video camera can record up to 8 hours of your favorite holiday memories.
TCL 40-Inch 1080p 60 Hz LCD HDTV – Here’s another great deal today for anyone looking to pick up their first LCD HDTV, or perhaps a second one for the home. Today this 40-Inch LCD HDTV is only $399.98, and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Seagate Expansion 2.0 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive – External hard drives are becoming more affordable each year, and today for a Black Friday deal Amazon has this 2 TB model on sale for only $109.99.
Amazon Black Friday Deals for DVD’s and Blu-rays
The Hangover or Hot Tub Time Machine on Blu-ray – Pick up either of these hilarious comedy movies today for Black Friday on Blu-ray for only $10.00.
Toy Story or Toy Story 2 on DVD – For only $12.99 each, you can pick up either of these animated movies that are a favorite of children, especially during the holidays.
Big Bang Theory Season 1 on DVD – This TV sitcom has slowly started to gain popularity and as a result people are going back to start watching the first season which is only $12.99 today for Black Friday.
Amazon Black Friday Deals for Toys and Games
MEGA Bloks iCoaster – This cool coaster set is over 50% off today for Black Friday week, with the current price at $39.99. This is a great gift for any kids who love to build or who love roller coasters.
Radio Flyers – 20 years ago there was not much variety for Radio Flyers, but now there are a wide array of options for kids and Amazon has them on sale today.
PlayStation 3 160GB Amazon Family Bundle w/ Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time and SingStar Dance Party Pack – This awesome PS3 Bundle is only $299.99, which is the normal price of a PS3 minus the extra game. Definitely a great deal today for Black Friday week on Amazon.
Filed under Celebrity Ecommerce News, Online Shopping by Nick Grant on November 20, 2010 at 6:03 am
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November 20, 2010
By the ZippyCart Shopping Cart Reviews Content Team
Each year there is tremendous buzz surrounding the Oprah’s Favorite Things special, and this year the chatter about the show was even bigger, as this is the farewell season of the long running talk show. Oprah will still be a force in the media world, as she plans to launch her own television channel called the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) at the start of 2011. The Oprah show is set to end in September of 2011, so fans of the show are excited, but also disappointed that this is the last Oprah’s Favorite Things special. Earlier in the year, Oprah gave a major boost to the Microsoft XBOX 360 Kinect when she talked about it on her show, and it is likely that this “Oprah effect” was a big factor in the Kinect selling out across the country and online.
Now that Oprah has announced her favorite things for 2010, a number of people are rushing to hop online and see if they can get their hands on some of these items. Some of the items that Oprah highlighted and gave away were unique, but most of them are things that any consumer could easily find online to purchase. One thing that is almost a definite is that sales of the products that are on Oprah’s Favorite Things list are sure to be hot sellers this holiday season. Below is a complete list of everything that was on Oprah’s Favorite Things special, and links to where you can purchase most of the items online.
Philip Stein Limited Edition Oprah 25th Anniversary Watch With 58 Handset Diamonds
Philip Stein is known for making amazing watches, and while it does not look like the Oprah 25th anniversary watch is available online, there are a number of other watches from Stein that one can purchase. Another thing to consider is that the watch given away on Oprah’s show cost over $2,000, whereas other Philip Stein watches are in the $300 to $800 price range.
Flannel Tory Tote and Reva Ballerina Flat by Tory Burch
Tory Burch has become popular over the last year because of their stylish bags and shoes, and it is no wonder that products from the company are on Oprah’s Favorite Things list. Consumers have lots of options when it comes to Tory Burch products, with prices ranging from about $100 to $300.
Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera
Anyone who is into digital SLR photography will most likely want a Canon or Nikon camera, and the Nikon D3100 Digital SLR camera that made Oprah’s Favorite Things list is a great product that photographers rave about. Consumers can buy the unit with an 18-55mm lens, which allows the photographer to get started right away taking pictures.
Cashmere Sweater by Ralph Lauren and Throw
Ralph Lauren has been a household name for at least a decade, with fashion creations worn by celebrities all over the world. Oprah is also a fan of Ralph Lauren products, specifically the cashmere sweaters, which made her Favorite Things List this year. If cashmere is a bit too expensive, there are always alternative sweaters from Ralph Lauren in other fabrics as well.
Lafco House Candles
Candles are typically not that expensive, but if you want to get very nice fragrant candles, then you might consider those from Lafco House. The Lafco House Candles look to be a favorite of Oprah, and now that the world is more aware of the company, their candle sales could see a spike during the upcoming holiday season.
Breville Panini Press
Most people only get to experience the taste of a panini when out at a restaurant, but Oprah recommends the Breville Panini Press for those of us who want to bring that experience in house. Breville has a variety of panini press grill options for consumers to choose from, and don’t be surprised if more of your friends extend a panini invite to you this holiday season.
Kyocera Ceramic Knife
If you ever wanted a knife that does not rust, then you might consider checking out a Kyocera ceramic knife which made it to Oprah’s Favorite Things list. The knife is super sharp and very light weight, which makes it a go to tool when cooking in the kitchen.
Baker’s Edge Brownie and Lasagna Pans/Ghirardelli Brownie Mix
This is a set of products that Oprah lumped together for her Favorite Things List, as she gave her audience members the Bakers Edge Brownie Pan, the Bakers Edge Lasagna Pan, and some Ghirardelli Brownie Mix. The Bakers Edge pans have a cool design, and best of all are non-stick… just add in some Ghirardelli brownie mix and you have the ingredients for a baking party.
A Course in Weight Loss (Book)
This is a new book by best seller author Marianne Williamson, and Oprah recommends this book on her Favorite Things List, as it is intended to help people fight and end their addictive behavior when it comes to food. Consumers can pick up the standard hardcover book, or get the Kindle ebook, or the Audible audio book.
Decoded – Jay-Z (Book)
It looks like Oprah is a fan of more than just Jay-Z’s music, as she added his book, Decoded, to her Favorite Things List. This book is sure to be a popular holiday gift for fans of hip-hop, and Jay-Z is almost sure to rack up solid online sales for Decoded in 2010.
52-inch 3D Bravia Sony Television
Go big or go home is a popular saying that translates well to the world of HDTV, and Oprah added this 52-inch 3D Bravia model from Sony to her Favorite Things List this year. 3D HDTV has been a hot product area all year, as more consumers take the leap to 3D. Now with an endorsement from Oprah, it is likely that more consumers will rush online to buy their own 3D HDTV.
Sony Blu-ray Player and Movie Collection
Oprah added a Sony Blu-ray player and a movie collection to her Favorite Things List for 2010, and these items are something that anyone can easily purchase and enjoy. People have been enjoying blu-ray for the last couple years, and now Oprah is elevating the blu-ray concept and driving consumers to think about upgrading their regular DVD player.
Kiva Gift Card Courtesy of Groupon
This is one of the more unique products on Oprah’s list, as the Kiva card (courtesy of Groupon) allowed consumers to contribute $15 to the microfinancing site and get an extra $10 added. However this offer is only good up to $500,000, but the buzz will still be a huge lift for Kiva, as more people now know about this popular microfinancing site.
Nike “Free run +” Shoes (four pairs)
Apparently Oprah loves to run, or at least she loves these comfortable Nike Free run + shoes which she gave away as part of her favorite things show. The shoe is intended to mimic the experience of running barefoot, which is ultimately better on your feet for the long term.
Beecher’s Handmade Mac and Cheese
Beecher’s only opened up in the Pike’s Place market area of Seattle back in 2003, but to those tourists who walk by, the cheese shop looks like it has been a staple in Seattle for decades. You can walk by the shop and see the cheese being made, and even stop in to get some amazing mac and cheese, tasty soups, awesome sandwiches, and even blocks of cheese. Beecher’s should do well this holiday season, now that they made the last ever Oprah’s Favorite Things list.
Judith Ripka Eclipse Earrings
Judith Ripka is popular for making amazing looking jewelry, and the eclipse earrings on Oprah’s Favorite Things list are a present that most women would love to have this holiday season.
Oprah Hair Stylist Andre Walker’s Shampoo and Hair Kit
Oprah has always been a bit of a style icon, and her hair styles have been something that some women aspire to recreate. Now women have a jump start on getting into the world of Oprah and hair, as she added her hair stylist Andre Walker’s shampoo and hair kit to her list.
Netflix (5 year membership)
Almost everyone is aware of Netflix, as they have created a monopoly of sorts when it comes to renting and steaming movies online. Oprah could not give away only a mere year of Netflix service, so she decided to give away a 5 year membership to her guests on her favorite things special.
Elfa Custom-Built Container Store Closet
A big goal for most people as we head into the new year is getting organized, and this Elfa custom-built container store closet is a perfect way to accomplish that goal.
“O” Store long-sleeve v-neck T-shirt
Oprah had to add one of her own items to her list, so she included one of her long-sleeve v-neck t-shirts to her favorite things list.
Lululemon drawstring pant
If you do Yoga, then you are most likely aware of the Lululemon brand, who supply those die hard yoga fans with quality gear to work out in. Now with an endorsement from Oprah, Lululemon is likely to become an even bigger name in the Yoga clothing industry.
7-day United/Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas cruise
An amazing 7-day cruise tops off Oprah’s Favorite Things list, and it is hard to argue with such a cool thing being a part of the list. The Allure of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships on the planet, and therefore it is something that is worthy of making Oprah’s list.
Filed under Ecommerce Software News, Online Shopping by Nick Grant on November 19, 2010 at 10:01 am
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November 19, 2010
By the ZippyCart Shopping Cart Reviews Content Team
Most people are now aware of the popular microblogging site Twitter, which lets users tweet their thoughts in 140 characters or less. However not as many people are familiar with Tumblr, which is also a microblogging site, but one that actually lets users easily create and update their own blog. Tumblr does not have many limitations, but one thing that has been absent from the microblogging site has been ecommerce. Now one company, Of a Kind, has figured out a way to create an ecommerce experience for their fashion company on Tumblr. Popular blogging platform, WordPress, has a variety of plug-ins to add a shopping cart or ecommerce functionality to a site (see WP e-Commerce), but there has not been anything like this for Tumblr. In fact Tumblr does not officially support any specific ecommerce offerings at the present, so in order for Of a Kind to achieve their goal of utilizing Tumblr they had to integrate an ecommerce software solution from Shopify.
Of a Kind has a unique twist regarding how they run their ecommerce business, as each week they highlight one designer who they love to blog about, and then sell a limited-edition piece that was designed exclusively for Of a Kind. Currently the site is featuring fashion designer Mandy Coon, who is offering “30 of a Kind” of an Ernie Bunny Bag. This limited edition Ernie Bunny Bag is selling for $295, and after the 30 pieces of the item are sold, there will be no more bags like this to buy. Of a Kind limits the offerings to 50 pieces, which means that followers of the ecommerce site will be able to continually pick up cool and unique fashion items. This ecommerce model is a great idea, and it would not be surprising to see more companies mimic this type of offering. People follow Tumblr sites much like they do Twitter users, which lends a viral element to the blogs. It will be interesting to see if more Tumblr sites follow suite and partner with an ecommerce software solution to bring online shopping to their sites.
Filed under Online Shopping by Nick Grant on November 18, 2010 at 9:38 am
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November 18, 2010
By the ZippyCart Shopping Cart Reviews Content Team
As the 2010 holiday shopping season approaches, consumers are on the hunt for great gift ideas that they may be able purchase on Cyber Monday or Black Friday. However not all products will go on sale for the holiday season, but many great gift ideas are already reasonably priced for those consumers who want to do their online shopping early. One of the areas of the home that often receives a lot of attention during the holidays is the kitchen. Not only it is the hub for all the amazing food we get to eat, it is also a popular focus for gift giving. Rough economic times have forced many families to do more cooking at home, and this means that some of our appliances can get worn out from excessive usage. Additionally the increase in cooking at home leads people to desire other cool kitchen gadgets that would make the cooking experience even better. Advances in technology allow for appliances in the kitchen to become more efficient and more affordable, therefore consumers cooking at home can have more tools in their arsenal to cook up some tasty dishes. Below is a list of kitchen gift ideas of popular products that consumers are already enjoying in their homes.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, this indoor electric turkey fryer is the perfect gift to get a bit early, as it could be a go to kitchen appliance for the upcoming holiday. Frying a turkey can be a tricky endeavor to undertake, but this professional fryer will make the process easy. This is a great kitchen gift idea comes in at just over $100, and if this model is not enough, then you can view some of the higher end models from Masterbuilt.
As the cold winter months near, many people are using dehydrators for fruits, veggies, and meats. This allows them to eat them for weeks if not months after, while they wait for the weather to warm up again. Some food dehydrators can be very expensive, but this model is just over $50, and is rated very well by consumers.
Ice cream making technology has come a long way, and now it is very easy for anyone to make their favorite flavors from the comfort of their own home. This Cuisinart model is just under $70, and will allow you to make up to 2 quarts of frozen dessert at a time. It is made of quality brushed stainless steel, and would be a great addition to the kitchen for anyone who loves ice cream.
It is hard for bread from the grocery store to match the taste and smell of freshly baked bread, and this Sunbeam unit is a perfect choice for anyone looking to make bread at home. Consumers have found it very easy to use, as long as they follow the simple recipes that allow them to create a variety of different types of bread. At just over $50, this is an affordable and useful kitchen gift idea for the holiday season.
Slow cookers seem to be making a come back, as more people are realizing the potential of this kitchen appliance. Not only do people use them to cook things like beans and stews, but they are also used to cook a variety of meats. This model is just over $40, and once you start cooking it will not take long to see the value.
This immersion hand blender from Cuisinart is a handy kitchen gadget to have around, as it can be used in a variety of cooking scenarios. Many people use it to quickly create tasty soups, while others enjoy using it for protein shakes or smoothies. At just under $30, this hand blender makes a great gift for the 2010 holiday season.
Do you know someone who just refuses to upgrade their coffee machine, or perhaps someone who doesn’t even own a coffee machine and only buys from Starbucks? If so then you might want to consider this cool Cuisinart coffeemaker, which is a great gift idea for under $70. Cuisinart is a very popular brand for coffeemakers, and most people who upgrade to this model have been quite pleased.
Not many people use a regular toaster anymore, because toaster ovens can toast bread and so much more. This very affordable model from Black & Decker is under $30, and would be a great gift for anyone without a toaster oven. College kids love toaster ovens, as they can cook almost anything they need with it and a microwave.
Anyone looking for an affordable kitchen gift that is under $20 should consider this Aroma water kettle, which is a great way to keep heated water at your ready. Tea drinkers love this kitchen appliance, so if you know someone who drinks a lot of tea, consider this affordable holiday gift.
Who doesn’t love the smell of Belgian waffles? Most of us only get to eat a Belgian waffle when out at a restaurant, but this Waring model will allow any consumer to make Belgian waffles from the convenience of their own home. At just under $60 this is a great gift for the kitchen, as it can be used to create warm goodness during those cold winter days.
Filed under Online Shopping by Nick Grant on November 17, 2010 at 5:20 am
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November 17, 2010
By the ZippyCart Shopping Cart Reviews Content Team
The increased popularity of online shopping has almost made Black Friday a non event, as it more so seems like Black November because of the deals being offered online all month. Many people are already making progress on their 2010 holiday shopping, but there are still a number of consumers who are waiting for the deals to get even better. Other consumers are focused on finding the right gift, and one area where this can be extremely difficult is when buying a gadget gift for someone. There are so many cool gadget gifts to choose from this year, which can make it even trickier to pick out the right gift. Therefore we wanted to compile a list of different gadget gift ideas for the 2010 holiday shopping season (with great online prices), so that the process of finding the perfect gift can go more smoothly this year. Below is a mix of gadget gift ideas, ranging from high end options like 3D HDTV’s to affordable tech toys.
3D HDTV’s
Samsung PN63C8000 63-Inch 1080p 3D Plasma HDTV, Black
If you have the space to house a massive 3D HDTV and a good sized budget, then this cool 63-Inch Samsung 3D Plasma HDTV may be a great choice. HDTV technology continues to improve each year, and 3D HD television has become increasingly popular over 2010, as more consumers want to bring the 3D experience into their homes.
Sony BRAVIA Z Series KDL-52Z5100 52-Inch 1080p 240Hz LCD HDTV
If you want a good size 3D HDTV, but do not want to spend too much money, then this 52-Inch Sony BRAVIA may be a perfect fit for what you’re looking for. Sony has been a trusted electronics brand for decades, and many consumers have already purchased this 3D HDTV model and been quite pleased with the product.
Samsung UN40C7000 40-Inch 1080p 240 Hz 3D LED HDTV
Consumers looking to get a smaller 3D HDTV should consider this 40-Inch model from Samsung, which is a great entry level choice for anyone wanting to experience 3D HDTV in their homes. Football fans wanting an affordable HDTV should also check out this model, as it could be used to watch the Super Bowl in 2011.
eReaders
Amazon Kindle
2010 has been the year of the ereader, and this battle looks like it will continue in 2011 with the Amazon Kindle leading the way. The Kindle ereader has become even more popular as of late, due to a drop in price and introduction of new models. Now consumers can get a Kindle with Wi-Fi for only $139, or the Kindle with Wi-Fi and 3G for only $189.
Barnes & Noble Nook
The Barnes & Noble Nook is one of the ereaders that is giving the Kindle some competition, as they recently debuted a new color Nook with Wi-Fi for only $249. Some avid readers enjoy the color Nook over the Kindle, but many others still feel that the Kindle is the premier ereader on the market.
Apple iPad
While the Apple iPad is not a direct competitor of the Kindle and Nook, it is an indirect competitor, as some consumers are debating if they can just buy an iPad to take care of their tablet and ereader needs. The main downside here is the cost, as the Apple iPad only recently debuted, and the most affordable model is $499. However the iPad can do much more than act as an ereader, but it may be too much computer for some consumers who really just want a solid ereader.
Smartphones
Apple iPhone
When most people think of a smart phone, the iPhone is one of the first products to come to mind, and this is because it is one of the most popular models among consumers. Anyone who loves technology, but is still holding onto an ancient mobile phone, should enjoy a gift like a new iPhone. The newest iPhone 4 comes with a number of great features, like video chat and a high quality camera which can also take HD videos. Of course, some consumers don’t want to make the move to AT&T, so consider sending a loved one an IOU since the Verizon iPhone is expected to come out in early 2011.
Android Phones
There are a number of popular models to consider, like the Samsung Vibrant Android Phone from T-Mobile, HTC DROID INCREDIBLE from Verizon Wireless, the HTC Aria from AT&T, or the HTC EVO 4G Android phone. All of the new Android models are solid competition for the iPhone, as more consumers are starting to pick Android above an iPhone.
Windows 7 Phones
The Windows 7 Phones are the new kid on the block, but anyone who is a die hard Microsoft fan would enjoy receiving a new mobile phone powered by Windows. There are a handful of models to choose from right now, like the Samsung Focus or HTC Surround.
Digital Cameras & Camcorders
Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
If you know someone who loves taking pictures, but is stuck in time using an older camera or basic point and click camera, then you should consider getting them a new Canon EOS Rebel T2i. This is a solid entry level digital SLR camera, than most amateur photographers would enjoy. This model even comes with an 18-55mm lens, so anyone who receives it can get started right away taking pictures (assuming they also have a charged battery and memory card).
Kodak PlaySport (Zx3) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera (Black) NEWEST MODEL
If you or someone you know loves to take videos, then this small and lightweight video camera is a great option for just a little over $100. It is easy to throw in a bag or even your pocket, so that you can always be ready to film wherever you may see. Plus it is waterproof, so you can still film in a rainy city like Seattle.
Canon PowerShot S95 10 MP Digital Camera with 3.8x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 3.0-Inch inch LCD
A digital SLR camera may be too much for some photographers, so this awesome Canon PowerShot S95 is a great affordable alternative, which is still capable of taking great photos. This Canon model goes for just under $400, and would make a great gift for a student who is new to college and looking to document their first year away at school.
Motion Gaming Systems
XBOX Kinect
The XBOX Kinect motion gaming system has been a hot ticket item as of late, as kids and adults are excited about getting their hands on the Kinect this year. Many places have sold out of the Kinect, but consumers can still find them if they search long enough, or have enough money to buy a XBOX system with Kinect bundle package, which is available online.
Playstation Move
While not as popular as the XBOX Kinect, the PlayStation Move is slowly gaining in popularity, as more consumers get a chance to experience what this motion gaming system is all about. Gamers burnt out on the Nintendo Wii are jumping to this system, as it is comparable in terms of game play.
Nintendo Wii
The Nintendo Wii has been dominating the motion gaming scene for many years, and the system still is popular moving into the 2010 holiday shopping season. Since the Wii has been around for many years, gamers will have a much bigger selection of games and accessories to choose from. One of the more popular Wii products right now is the Wii Fit Plus, which is a game and exercise tool all in one.
Tech Toys
Spy Net: Secret Mission Video Watch
Many kids love to pretend to be spies or secret agents, and video spy watch is a great tool for any kid who wants to be a super savvy spy. Kids can record and playback video, audio and photos. This is an affordable and fun gift, that might even make a great stocking stuffer.
Multi Voice Changer by Toysmith
Almost every kid loves to pretend, and it is even easier to pretend when you have a cool multi voice changer for $29.99. This can allow you to instantly become someone else, and is sure to keep a kid busy for hours. Just make sure you have extra batteries to power it up whenever the kid uses too much.
Fantasma Web Runner Remote Control Spider
A remote control spider is a gift that will keep kids enthralled, as they will find lots of fun ways to use the toy while they try and scare other people who are afraid of spiders. It can even run upside down on ceilings, which is a first for a remote control spider. At just under $40, this is a cool gadget gift that most kids would enjoy.
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