Manic Monday: retailers offer new deals and discounts

You've made it through Black Friday and Cyber Monday: but guess what, that wasn't your only chance for a bargain. Today is Manic Monday, and many retailers are offering a new round of discounts.

The term 'Manic Monday' was coined a couple of years ago to mark the day when we all suddenly realise just how far we're behind with our Christmas shopping and splurge as a result.

According to data firm Experian and online retailing trade association IMRG, we're set to spend a whopping £733 million today, as shoppers try to make sure that they're ordering in time for their presents to arrive before Christmas.

And while today's discounts may not be as great as those for Black Friday, there's still plenty of opportunity to snap up a bargain or two.

Debenhams is making the biggest deal out of Manic Monday, offering half-price deals on products across the store. It's guaranteeing delivery in time for the big day.

Other retailers are also promising that products ordered today will turn up before Christmas, with some offering free delivery to boot.

To find the best deals, a good starting point is to take a look at voucher sites such as Vouchercodes.co.uk or HotUKDeals - or check out our own list of Manic Monday deals here.
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If you don't find what you're looking for, it's worth Googling the name of the product you're after, plus the words 'voucher code' - you never know, something may well pop up.

Don't feel you have to rush into anything, as many of these deals are available for a week or more. And do make sure that the 'discounts' you're being offered really are bargains, by checking prices on comparison websites such as Pricerunner or Pricegrabber. You can even set up deal alerts via smartphone apps such as HotUKDeals's for items you're struggling to find.

Meanwhile, the AA warns that today could be particularly chaotic on the roads, as van-loads of deliveries take to the streets.

"Monday is often the worst day for attempted deliveries as more people are at work so on top of the extra traffic there will be added congestion due to multiple delivery attempts," AA president Edmund King tells ITV.

"Don't think you will be safe at work as increasingly on-line shoppers are giving work addresses for deliveries - some receptionists could be in for a very manic Monday."