Black Friday has come early this year for consumers as Amazon, Target and Wal-Mart launched competing sales on Wednesday.
Amazon dubbed Wednesday "Prime Day" in honor of its 20th anniversary. The one-day sale offered deep discounts for members of its Prime service.
Marketing consultant Jack Mandel says "Prime Day" has nothing to do with the season, but is more about bringing in bottom-line revenue for the company.
Wal-Mart's sale is expected to last for 90 days.