Is Cyber Sunday The New Cyber Monday?

In the retail horse race that is the holiday shopping season, merchants who can get word of their deals out faster and further than their competitors stand to gain when the doors open on Black Friday and the computers boot up on Cyber Monday.

Walmart and Target are making sure they’re not caught behind the retail eight ball when it happens.

Both retailers released information on the Cyber Monday deals they plan on offering to consumers, with detailed, to-the-minute updates on when shoppers can log on for massive savings. Walmart will be the earlier of the two, as the company announced that online shoppers can begin snapping up discounts Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. EST. A scant four hours later, Target explained that a site-wide 15 percent discount will kick in for all of its digital customers, though the retailer will also offer about 75 “e-doorbusters,” including game consoles, high-tech gadgets and electronics that will be discounted by up to 50 percent throughout Cyber Monday.

“We’re making Target.com a not-to-be-missed destination for deal-seekers on Cyber Monday and throughout Cyber Week,” Jason Goldberger, president of Target.com and Mobile, said in a statement. “We’re confident holiday shoppers who are looking to quickly and conveniently check items off their lists won’t want to miss Target’s deep discounts as well as free shipping and returns on Target.com.”

Not to be outdone, Fernando Madeira, president and CEO of Walmart.com, noted in a statement of his own that while his company offers many of the same amenities of its competitors (free shipping, targeted discounts, etc.), the simple act of starting Cyber Monday a few hours early will make for a more convenient shopping experience.

“By starting ‘Cyber Monday’ hours earlier on Sunday evening and quadrupling the number of Cyber Monday specials, we’re making it easier for customers to get ahead of the busiest online shopping day of the year and save on the best gifts,” Madeira said.

Thanks to Walmart and Target, shoppers can purchase a discounted alarm clock from the former to wake up in time for the sales from the latter.