The five days from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday are some of the busiest shopping days of the year, with a potential new record in consumer spending this year. However, not all Black Friday deals offer significant savings, as retailers may inflate original prices to make discounts appear better. Retailers are facing a shorter holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2024, leading to more promotions in November.
Consumers are advised to shop early due to concerns about delayed deliveries, with some companies struggling to hire enough workers to handle the increased shipping volume. Typical discounts on Black Friday range from 20% to 30%, with higher markdowns for certain products like fall clothing and consumer electronics. Premium brands may not have discounts exceeding 20% to 30%.
While Black Friday is ideal for certain purchases, such as fall clothing and electronics, beauty and footwear are better buys on Cyber Monday. Travel Tuesday offers discounts on airfares, cruises, and tours, while toys may be cheaper closer to Christmas. Exercise equipment, linens, and bedding see better deals during January’s white sales, and furniture and mattresses are priced lower during other holiday weekends like Presidents’ Day and Memorial Day.
To get even lower prices, consumers can use price-tracking browser extensions, compare prices using apps like ShopSavvy, stack discounts with credit card rewards and cash-back sites, and take advantage of price adjustment policies offered by retailers. By following these strategies, shoppers can maximize savings during the holiday season.
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