The holiday weekend, from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, could see record holiday spending. Yes, Americans are increasingly worried about the economy and running up large credit card bills, but the Wall Street Journal reports they still have “plenty of dry powder.”
The Journal cites reports showing consumer sentiment is low but so far there is little evidence they have reined in holiday spending. And between now and Cyber Monday, there will be plenty of opportunities to spend.
Some of ConsumerAffairs’ recent reporting may provide a guide to your shopping experience, including when to find the best deals. As we learned, dirt cheap prices on Black Friday might not be helpful if those sales are not on the items you want.
For example, the experts we consulted said Cyber Monday is expected to have great deals on major appliances, cameras, kitchen items, and toys. But if you find a great price on what you’re looking for before Monday it’s not a bad idea to jump on it.
Best Buy’s Deal of the Day
As for individual retailers, Best Buy started its Black Friday sale last week and will run it through Cyber Monday. You can find a comprehensive list of sale items here. Best Buy will also have a Deal of the Day, discounting one or more specific items each day throughout the holiday season. Deals are available for 24 hours or until the item is sold out.
Macy’s also started its sales last week and will run them into next week. Some prices have been reduced by more than 50%. You’ll find a comprehensive list here.
Dollar General’s holiday sale begins Thanksgiving Day and runs through November 25. One of the biggest parts of the DG Deal Days three-day sale is the toys. Dollar General says more than 2,000 toys will be part of its buy one, get one 75% off sale, with another 2,000 toys eligible for buy one, get one 50% off.
Amazon started its Black Friday sale late last week and will continue it through Cyber Monday, November 27. We compiled an extensive list of sale items here.
Promises from Walmart
Walmart promises big savings on a wide selection of items at its Deal Days event on Nov. 22 and Nov. 24.
“Our customers are going to be wowed by the amazing savings on popular gifts, many of which can only be found at Walmart,” said Latriece Watkins, Walmart’s executive vice president and chief merchandising officer.
We got an early glimpse of some of the sale items and listed them here.
Target may hold the record for the earliest start to Black Friday sales, starting nearly a month ago. You’ll find some of their best deals here.
Kristen Dalli contributed to this article