Prime Day begins today: Here’s what you need to know to find deals

The countdown has started for Amazon’s annual Prime Day.

The online giant’s deals begin at 3 p.m. today and last 36 hours, but Amazon is offering early access on the company’s devices this morning. Customers will find an Echo Dot for $29.99, an Echo for $69.99 and a Fire TV Stick for $19.99.

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With more than one million deals worldwide, Amazon’s Prime Day has grown rapidly, up from 100,000 deals during the shopping holiday two years ago. Customers will find more than 140 Spotlight Deals, but there will also be rotating Lightning Deals throughout the 36-hour sale. These Lightning Deals are available for a limited time.

In addition to Amazon device deals, Amazon brands will be discounted 30 to 50 percent. Select items from brands like Champion, Puma, New Balance, Levi’s and Adidas will come at a price tag reading 40 to 50 percent less as well.

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Amazon has stretched into traditional brick-and-mortar stores this year with deals at Whole Foods Market. Those deals, which started July 11, will last through Tuesday.

The deals for Prime members aren’t without competition though. Brick-and-mortar stores with an online presence, such as Target, in addition to online retailers like Newegg and eBay, have released deals coinciding with Amazon’s Prime Day.

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Retailers like Target and eBay don’t require memberships to take part in the sales, but Amazon requires a Prime membership costing $119 for a regular membership and $59 for a Prime Student membership. Those looking to take advantage of Amazon’s deals can participate in a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime.

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