Amazon kicks off Prime Day with early deals

Prime Day doesn’t officially begin for two weeks, but Amazon isn’t waiting to begin offering early-release deals.

As previously announced, the 2021 edition of Amazon Prime Day takes place June 21-22. However, starting Monday, June 7, members of the Amazon Prime paid subscription program (including those with a 30-day free trial membership) can shop hundreds of thousands of early-release deals, including exclusive offers that drop every day leading up to Prime Day. 

Amazon is offering early deals across fashion, home, and beauty products, as well as toys, sporting goods, pet supplies, electronics, and Amazon brands and devices. Starting Monday, June 13, Prime members can save up to 70% on Amazon Echo devices, including special two-for-one deals. 

And from June 7-20, Amazon will offer a $10 credit to use on Prime Day to members who spend $10 on products from select U.S.-based small business brands and products in Amazon’s store, including products from Amazon Handmade and Amazon Launchpad. 

In addition, from June 7-22, U.S. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card and Amazon Prime Store Card holders with an eligible Prime membership will earn 10% in rewards on select purchases from small businesses. Small business promotions will also run in the U.K., Spain, Germany, Italy, France, and Spain. 

Amazon is also teaming up with quick-service restaurant chain Panera Bread to provide Prime members who sign up for the MyPanera rewards program a $3 shopping credit and 40% off an online Panera order during Prime Day. 

Amazon typically does not release specific overall sales figures for Prime Day, but data from multiple sources indicates that between half and three-quarters of U.S. consumers plan to participate, with average spend per Amazon shopper during the promotion reaching $326.