By: Nick Gambino
Prime Day has become somewhat of an institution for online shoppers (read: everybody). The “day” has been stretched out to more of a “couple of days” thing in recent years and includes a wealth of discounts across all number of categories.
Amazon’s big day usually falls somewhere in mid-July but because 2020 is nothing like years prior, that won’t be the case this year. Amazon officially delayed Prime Day but did not cancel it.
“Prime Day has become a special celebration and time for Prime members to shop incredible deals for themselves and for friends and family – and it’s something we look forward to every year,” the retail giant said in a released statement. “This year we’ll be holding Prime Day later than usual, while ensuring the safety of our employees and supporting our customers and selling partners.”
While not explicitly stated, the delay seems to be related to the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been increasing pressure on Amazon to make a safe environment for their warehouse workers in the midst of the pandemic. The trick has been how to figure out how to keep them safe and healthy while also keeping up with the shopping demands of a world at home.
The Amazon statement was not accompanied by a new date. We do know that India is getting their own Prime Day on August 6th and that will run 48 hours.
The only clue as to a rescheduled timeframe comes from a CNBC report (and first reported by Business Insider) that Amazon e-mailed third-party sellers and told them that they should prepare for Prime Day to fall on October 5th. That’s more or less a placeholder date.
“A definitive date will be announced as we get closer to the event,” the e-mail says. “We are looking forward to seeing submissions that offer the most delight to customers during one of the biggest shopping days of the year, Prime Day!”
That report was from early July. Though, keep in mind that this unverified report has not been confirmed by Amazon. They even went as far as to tell CNBC that they “have not made any announcements regarding Prime Day.”
If it does fall in October, many will be able to roll it into their Christmas shopping as they do with Black Friday.
