Staples plans to tweet its holiday deals this year

November 9, 2009 08:09 AM E-mail| |Comments ()| Text size – +

Staples Inc., the Framingham-based retailer of office supplies, is turning to multiple media channels to get the word out this year on items that are part of its holiday sales program.

"Starting today, customers can get a first-hand look at Staples’ new Holiday Center at www.staples.com/holidaysavings, featuring an expanded assortment of products and deals including gifts for the office, technology for kids, stocking stuffers, and party supplies," Staples said in a press release. "In addition, Staples Facebook fans and Twitter followers will be the first to learn about some Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals."

Black Friday is, as retail buffs know, the name that merchants have given to the day after Thanksgiving, which for many years was seen as the traditional start of the winter holidays selling season. In the retail palette, red is the color for losses, and black is the color for profits. Hence Black Friday, a day that retailers always hope is awash in profits. Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving. When the Internet first went mainstream and most folks still had clunky dial-up modems in their homes, one shopping strategy was to go window-shopping on Black Friday, then return to the office on Monday to use the boss's speedy Internet connection to buy a bunch of stuff online during Monday lunch hour.

In any case, some of that thinking is so last decade, and Staples now wants to be cutting-edge in the latest technologies in engaging consumers about its holiday sales program - so says Jevin Eagle, Staples executive vice president of merchandising and marketing, in today's press release.

“At Staples, we are committed to offering customers great deals during the holiday shopping season through everyday low prices on a wide assortment of gifts, from the latest technology products and hot brand-name gadgets to Staples-exclusive items,” Eagle said in a statement. “No matter where our customers choose to shop – in our stores or on Staples.com – they will find easy ways to save this holiday season.” (Globe Staff)