Cyber Monday 2018 presented a diverse array of freebies and promotional opportunities for U.S. consumers, extending beyond discounted electronics to include in-store activities, food samples, health screenings, and digital content. While many retail deals focused on purchase requirements to unlock savings, several offers were available without any financial commitment. The landscape included both online exclusives and in-store events, with participation from major retailers, restaurant chains, and specialty brands. Sources indicate that these offers spanned categories such as food and beverage, outdoor recreation, health and wellness, and digital entertainment. It is important to note that many of these promotions were time-sensitive, specifically tied to the Cyber Monday period of November 26, 2018, or the surrounding Black Friday weekend.
Food and Beverage Freebies
Several food and beverage brands offered free samples and treats on Cyber Monday 2018. These offers were often tied to specific time windows or in-store events, providing consumers with immediate gratification without the need for online purchases.
Baskin Robbins offered a specific free sample promotion on Cyber Monday, November 26, 2018. Consumers could visit participating locations to receive free samples of the Red Velvet Roll Cake. This giveaway was scheduled for a specific time frame, taking place from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm local time on that day.
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, which are owned by the same parent company, provided a variety of family-oriented free activities during the Black Friday to Cyber Monday period. These were not limited to Cyber Monday but extended through the holiday season. Offerings included free crafts, games, and activities for children. Additionally, families could take advantage of free photo opportunities with Santa Claus. This promotion was available through December 24, 2018.
Barnes & Noble participated in the Black Friday freebie landscape with a specific morning offer. On Black Friday, November 23, 2018, the retailer offered a Buy One Get One Free deal on Starbucks coffee. This promotion was valid only until 10:00 am EST at participating locations, targeting early morning shoppers.
Retail and In-Store Promotions
Retailers utilized freebies as incentives to drive foot traffic and online engagement during the Cyber Monday period. These ranged from free gifts with purchase to sweepstakes and scavenger hunts.
Old Navy provided a dual incentive for Cyber Monday shoppers. While the primary offer was a site-wide discount of 50% off, the retailer also included a free gift of cozy socks with purchases made during the promotional period.
Kohl’s Cyber Monday strategy included several value-adds. While not strictly free samples, they offered free shipping on online orders of $50 or more and free store pickup on all orders. Additionally, they provided an extra 20% discount using a specific promo code, "YOURFAMILY."
World Market ran a "Golden Bell Scavenger Hunt" during the holiday season. Shoppers who found a golden bell in-store could receive a reward ranging from $10 to $50. This event ran through December 9, 2018.
Belk offered a chance to win gift cards during the Black Friday weekend. The retailer gave away $1 million in gift cards, ranging from $5 to $500. Giveaways occurred daily starting at 4:00 pm on Thanksgiving and 6:00 am on Friday, with one $500 winner per store each day.
Newegg offered a free item via a mail-in rebate. The "Krazilla Green 3600 mAh LED Light Power Bank" was priced at $19.99, with a $9.99 promo code and a $10 Mail-In Rebate (MIR), making it free after rebate. However, this deal was reported as sold out.
Health and Wellness Freebies
Healthcare providers and pharmacies also participated in the freebie trend, offering valuable screenings and services.
CVS Pharmacy provided free biometric screenings during the promotional period. These screenings included measurements for BMI, blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol. Participants who took part in the screening received a $5 coupon valid for CVS brands, adding an extra incentive to utilize the free health service.
Digital and Online Freebies
The digital realm offered a variety of free downloads, apps, and content during Cyber Monday 2018. These offers allowed consumers to access entertainment and utility software at no cost.
Movies Anywhere offered a promotion where consumers could get three free movies. This was achieved by syncing two new accounts, allowing users to build a digital movie library without cost.
Office Depot/Office Max provided a fun, free digital experience with their "Elf Yourself" tool, which allowed users to create personalized videos of themselves and friends as elves.
Omni Remover was listed as a free download for Mac users, described as an app to remove stubborn Mac applications. It is noted that this specific download was not tested by the source providing the information.
Marvel Insider members could access a free digital copy of "Venom #1." Non-members could join Marvel Insider for free and use a provided coupon code to redeem the comic.
Star Wars Pinball 7 was available as a free download for both iPhone and Android users during this period.
Additionally, Stan Lee Comics offered a collection of 10 free comics, likely to celebrate the legacy of the famed comic book writer.
Sweepstakes and No-Purchase-Necessary Contests
Several promotions offered the chance to win prizes without requiring a purchase, adhering to sweepstakes regulations.
Houston Texans fans could enter online promotions for a chance to win prizes with no purchase necessary.
New York & Company held a "Cyber Sunday and Cyber Monday Sweepstakes." As a sweepstakes, entry was available without a purchase.
Pixie Faire, a pattern and sewing supply site, ran a "Comment Contest" starting on Tuesday, November 20, 2018. To enter, participants were asked to leave a comment on a blog post completing the sentence "I'm Thankful for __." The prize was a $100 Pixie Faire gift card, and no purchase was necessary to enter.
Half Price Books offered a daily chance to win, though the specific prize or mechanism was not detailed in the available text.
Conclusion
The Cyber Monday 2018 period offered a wide range of freebies and promotional offers across various sectors. Consumers could access free food samples from brands like Baskin Robbins, engage in free family activities at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, and receive free health screenings at CVS. Digital freebies were plentiful, including free movies from Movies Anywhere and free comics from Marvel. Retailers such as Old Navy and Kohl’s incentivized purchases with free gifts and discounts, while sweepstakes from brands like New York & Company and Pixie Faire provided chances to win without spending money. While many of these specific offers have expired, the variety demonstrates a recurring trend of using freebies to attract consumers during major shopping holidays.