How many marketing emails have you deleted without opening? Well, there could have been a coupon code for big savings that ended up in the trash—especially if it was sent on a Friday.
In today's digital age, online shopping has become an integral part of our lives. With the convenience of browsing and purchasing from the comfort of our homes, it's no wonder that e-commerce sales continue to soar. However, as the cost of living rises and inflation impacts our wallets, many of us are looking for ways to stretch our dollars further with 62% of shoppers actively looking for coupon codes when shopping.
Questions that often comes to mind are "When is the best day to shop online for savings?" or “When do coupons come out?”
To answer these questions and help you maximize your online shopping savings, we've dived deep into the data and uncovered some surprising insights about when retailers release new coupons and offer the best deals. Let's explore the fascinating world of online shopping trends and discover how you can use this knowledge to your advantage.
The science behind online deals: When do new coupons come out?
To understand when the best deals are available, we need to look at when retailers are most active in releasing new coupon codes. At SimplyCodes, we've analyzed data by looking at more than 30,000 merchants marketing emails to uncover patterns in coupon releases and when do things go on sale. This research has given us valuable insights into the cheapest days to shop online and the best times for online discounts. Here's what we found:
TGIF: Friday sees the highest number of new coupon adds, with 19% of new coupons released on this day.
The midweek peak: There's a noticeable surge in coupon activity during the middle of the week. In fact, 52% of coupon codes are released between Wednesday and Friday.
Weekend lull: Saturday and Sunday show a decrease in coupon activity, with Sunday having the lowest number of new coupon adds.
Understanding these patterns is crucial for creating your optimal online shopping calendar and taking advantage of the best online shopping deals.
Why do retailers choose these days for online sale days?
Understanding why retailers release coupons and offer deals on specific days can help us make sense of these e-commerce sales trends and take advantage of them. Here are some insights into the digital shopping discounts we've observed:
Friday frenzy: Retailers often release new deals on Fridays to capitalize on the weekend shopping rush. With many people receiving their paychecks on Fridays, stores aim to capture that fresh spending power.
Midweek momentum: The surge in coupon activity from Wednesday to Thursday could be retailers' attempt to boost sales during typically slower midweek periods. It's also a strategic move to catch early weekend shoppers who are planning their purchases.
Weekend wind-down: The decrease in coupon adds over the weekend might seem counterintuitive, but it makes sense when you consider that many shoppers are already browsing and buying during this time. Retailers may feel less pressure to offer new incentives when traffic is naturally higher.
Monday reset: As the new week begins, we see a gradual increase in coupon activity. This could be retailers' way of kickstarting the week's sales and capturing the attention of shoppers planning their purchases for the days ahead.
Interestingly, our data also revealed that certain categories see more activity on specific days. For example, Women's Clothing, Skin Care, and Alcoholic Beverage Stores tend to release more coupons on Fridays. This could be tied to social activities and weekend plans, where people are more likely to shop for new outfits, beauty products, or party supplies.
Navigating the email marketing deluge
Retailers are increasingly relying on email marketing to release their best discounts and savings opportunities. While this means more chances to save, it also presents a new challenge for consumers: managing an overwhelming flood of marketing emails. The average shopper's inbox is inundated with promotional messages, making it difficult to separate the truly valuable offers from the noise.
Here's how our data can help you navigate this sea of emails and ensure you're not accidentally throwing savings in the trash:
Focus on Fridays: With Friday being the peak day for new coupon releases, pay extra attention to marketing emails that arrive in your inbox towards the end of the work week. But don't ignore those Wednesday and Thursday emails. Our data shows a significant uptick in deal activity during these days, so these emails might contain valuable offers.
Weekend wind-down: While you shouldn't completely ignore weekend emails, know that fewer new deals tend to be released on Saturdays and Sundays. Use this time to review and act on the offers you've received earlier in the week.
Set up filters: Create email filters or folders for your favorite retailers or shopping categories. This can help you quickly identify and access the most relevant deals when you're ready to shop.
Use tools to your advantage: Consider using email management tools or services that can aggregate deals from multiple retailers, making it easier to spot the best offers without scrolling through hundreds of individual emails.
Unsubscribe strategically: If you find yourself never opening emails from certain retailers, don't hesitate to unsubscribe. This can help reduce clutter and ensure you're focusing on the deals that matter most to you.
By understanding these email marketing trends and using them in conjunction with the coupon release patterns we've identified, you can create a more effective strategy for capturing the best online shopping deals without feeling overwhelmed by your inbox.
How to leverage this information for online shopping savings
Now that we understand when new coupons come out, why retailers choose specific online sale days, and how email marketing plays into these strategies, let's explore how you can use this knowledge to maximize your savings. Here are some online shopping hacks and savings tips to help you make the most of weekly online deals:
Plan your big purchases for Thursdays and Fridays: With the highest number of new coupons being released on these days, you're more likely to find fresh deals for your planned purchases.
Do your research early in the week: Use Monday and Tuesday to browse and compare prices, then be ready to pounce on deals as they start rolling out midweek.
Don't ignore the weekend: While fewer new coupons are added on weekends, existing deals are still valid. Sunday can be a great day to shop if you've already found a coupon earlier in the week.
Category-specific shopping: If you're shopping for women's clothing, skin care products, or alcoholic beverages, Friday might be your best bet for finding new deals in these categories.
Combine strategies: Look for opportunities to stack coupons with ongoing sales or cashback offers to maximize your savings.
Utilize digital shopping discount tools: Use browser extensions like SimplyCodes to automatically find and apply the best available coupons when you shop online.
Manage your email subscriptions: Be strategic about which retailer email lists you join. Prioritize your favorite stores and those that consistently offer good deals. This can help you stay informed without overwhelming your inbox.
Schedule 'email shopping' time: Set aside specific times during the week (perhaps Wednesday evening and Friday afternoon to review marketing emails and plan your purchases. This structured approach can help you catch the best deals without constantly checking your inbox.
Conclusion: Mastering the art of online shopping deals
In the quest for the best day to shop online for savings, we've uncovered that while Friday takes the crown for new coupon releases, significant opportunities for savings exist throughout the week. The key to maximizing your online shopping savings lies in understanding these patterns and planning your purchases accordingly.
Remember, the world of online shopping is dynamic, and retailers are always looking for new ways to attract customers. Be knowledgable on how to find promo codes, be flexible, and use tools like SimplyCodes to keep track of the latest deals and coupons. By combining this knowledge with smart shopping strategies, you'll be well on your way to becoming a master of digital shopping discounts.
Happy shopping, and may your cart always be full of savings!
