Snagging sweet deals before 'Black Friday'
Tamika Thompson
Issue date: 11/26/08 Section: Tempo
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Retailers across the nation are experiencing third and fourth quarter losses that they have not seen in years. During the month of October, economists dubbed 2008 to be the worst holiday shopping season in two decades given the economic disaster that has struck almost every part of the world.
Given these facts, it is no wonder why various stores have begun "Black Friday," the day after Thanksgiving shopping pandemonium, considerably sooner this year.
Some stores began placing Christmas paraphernalia on the shelves before Halloween had passed.
Advertisements of sales such as the traditional "Buy one, get one free," and "Buy one, get one half off," have begun to hit the windows of vendors across the U.S to entice shoppers to release the tight grip on their wallets.
The increasing credit catastrophe and still current housing slump has many consumers tight fisted and attaching a padlock to their wallets.
Wal-Mart, with no surprise, was one of retailers to announce early "Black Friday," price cut deals. On Nov. 14, the billion dollar franchise held an early doorbuster from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Among the abundant markdowns were a 50-inch Samsung plasma HDTV for $798, an HP Pavilion desktop computer for $398, and a UniFlame Gas Grill for $175.
K-Mart, who beat Wal-Mart to the punch, had their "Black Friday," sales two days after Halloween, in hopes of battling the morose economy and declining consumer spending.
However, there are worms in this barrel of apples, and those would be the stores who choose to still keep tradition alive and wait until the day after Thanksgiving.
Among this bunch are retailers such as Target, Home Depot, IKEA and Old Navy. Sales demonstrated by the ones listed above, are provoking many consumers to begin their shopping early to catch these deals.
The toy industry, surprisingly enough, does not seem as though it will see a decline or any falter this year due the fact that parents strive to make their children happy during the holidays to promote the spirit.
But enough about the world, what about us? I'm sure the linings of all our wallets are stretched thin and the money we receive for compensation dissipates seemingly into thin air.
Since we are also affected by the government's irresponsibility, there is no doubt that many have shortened their Christmas list this year. It is a given fact that it is not against the law to dump your boyfriend to avoid gift exchange, or realize a so-called "friend" never paid you back those ten measly bucks and shun her of a present.
Here's a list of stores complete with sales on how to give, while broke, all the while making it seem the complete opposite.
Top 5 Early Black Friday Sales
Wal-Mart: This should come as no surprise. The discount retailer has lowered the price of hundreds of items from televisions to socks.
K-Mart: Trailing its competitor, K-Mart offers current "Black Friday" prices on all items including special deals on electronics, all home appliances, 70% off all jewelry, and free shipping when you shop online.
Macy's: The upscale retailer has majority of its coats, apparel and accessories such as handbags and belts labeled from 10% to 40% off. Their jewelry department is having a Gold Sale; all gold jewelry is 50% off.
Aeropostale: With deals like hoodies being only $19.99, 50% off select sleepwear styles, and two graphic tees for $20, you'd better not let this go to waste!
Bath and Body Works: The perfect gift: hygiene! Stock up on $4 oils, buy one, get one 50% off on select fragrances and other home and body pampering products.
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