Holiday Shopping and Spending

Most Americans plan to save money on Valentine's Day celebrations this year, a new survey finds.

Only 20% of American couples said they will spend more money on Valentine's Day in 2025, compared with most saying they are spending less because of reasons including inflation, savings, unaffordability and the future of the economy, according to a survey of 1,115 Americans between Jan. 28 and 29 by reviews-service Trustpilot.

Some 42% of survey respondents said they will celebrate the holiday by going out for dinner, a cheaper option compared with only 28% saying they will exchange gifts.

And 52% said they expect their significant other to spend less than $50 on Valentine's Day.

Still, 73% of survey respondents said they plan to celebrate the holiday, but 77% said they'd rather spend the money on a financial goal.

"Most people still want to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but they’re thinking twice before splurging," said Dana Bodine, U.S. vice president of marketing at Trustpilot.

"Financial concerns are top of mind, but traditions persist, so that means we're seeing adjustments to how people celebrate," she added. "Hard-earned money needs to go further — meaning consumers need to stretch their dollars with sure bets."

Email Dieter Holger at dholger@consumeraffairs.com.

With the holidays just days away, Target is the latest retailer to help consumers get their last-minute shopping done. 

This year, shoppers will be able to get gifts delivered – or picked up – on Christmas Eve, and there are still ways to save on last-minute gift ideas. 

"At Target, we understand that life can get busy, which is why we're committed to making last-minute holiday shopping easy and affordable with delivery options and deals that fit every schedule and budget," said Michael Fiddelke, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Target. 

"Whether you're picking up one final gift or making a quick grocery run, our team is ready to help you wrap up your to-do list and save money in multiple ways so you can enjoy the magic of the season."

Last-minute gift deals

Every week throughout the holiday season, Target has been offering exclusive deals for shoppers on popular items. With one week left to go, there are still ways for consumers to save on gifts this season. 

Here’s a look at what to expect: 

• Up to 40% off floor care, including Shark and Dyson

• Up to 50% off select toys, including Squishmallows, 5 Surprise, and Play-Doh

• Up to 40% off small appliances, including Ninja and Cuisinart

• Spend $40 on beauty and health, get a $10 Target gift card

• 30% off select women’s clothing 

• Additional savings on books, tech, and video games 

Get gifts delivered on Christmas Eve

In addition to the deals on last-minute gifts, Target is offering shoppers a few different ways to get their gifts at their convenience. 

For one, the retailer has extended holiday hours at nearly all of its brick-and-mortar locations. Stores open at 7:00 a.m. local time and remain open until midnight local time through December 23. 

While all stores are closed on Christmas Day, stores will be open on Christmas Eve from 7:00 a.m. local time through 8:00 p.m. local time. 

Shoppers can also take advantage of Target’s pick-up and drive up options, as well as same-day delivery, through Christmas Eve. Orders placed for in-store pick-up or drive up by 6:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve will be ready before stores close. Same-day delivery orders must be placed by 3:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve to receive them in time. 

Every year, thousands fall victim to holiday scams, losing money, personal information, and peace of mind. Here’s how to protect yourself.

Common Scams

• Non-delivery scams: You pay for something online but never receive it.
• Non-payment scams: You ship an item but never get paid.
• Auction fraud: Misrepresented products on auction sites.
• Gift card fraud: Scammers ask for payment via pre-paid cards.

In 2023, non-payment and non-delivery scams cost victims over $309 million, and credit card fraud added $173 million in losses, according to the FBI. 

How to Protect Yourself

1. Practice Cybersecurity:

   • Avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments.
   • Verify requests to update account information by contacting companies directly.

2. Buy and Sell Safely:

   • Check websites for secure URLs (https).
   • Research first-time sellers and read reviews.
   • Be cautious of buyers or sellers with no ratings or poor feedback.

3. Pay Carefully:

   • Avoid wiring money or using gift cards for payments.
   • Use credit cards and monitor your statements for suspicious activity.

4. Track Your Orders:

   • Always get tracking numbers for items you buy.
   • Confirm cardholder authorization when selling products.

Report Scams

If you’ve been scammed, report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov and notify your bank or credit card company.

Remember: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay vigilant and shop safely this holiday season.

While there are plenty of Black Friday sales to take advantage of this holiday season, Dollar General is preparing to help consumers save beyond just the one weekend. 

The discount retailer announced it will be hosting “24 Days of Deals,” a month-long sales event in December where one item is significantly discounted each day of the month. 

“With the stress of fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, we wanted to find a fun way for our customers to plan for and capture upcoming deep discounts on hot items,” said Emily Taylor, DG’s executive vice president, chief merchandising officer. 

“The 24 Days of Savings is a unique holiday promotional campaign for DG and is in addition to all the great savings already available in-store on electronics, appliances, gift wrapping, trees and more.”

What can shoppers expect? 

Dollar General is preparing to discount over 6,000 items storewide throughout the holiday season. However, during its 24 Days of Deals sale, shoppers can expect bigger deals on certain items each day. 

While there’s still a few days before the sale officially kicks off, Dollar General is highlighting some discounts consumers can prepare for: 

• 50% off 36-inch tower speaker system

• $1 sale on all $3 holiday mugs

• 2 for $6 Smithfield bacon

• Buy 1, Get 1 free True Living plates or bowls 

Starting on December 1, the myDG app will be updated every Sunday morning with the full week of sales. In addition, the weekly deals will be posted on Dollar General’s social media channels, in stores, and on DG.com. 

Target, which warned this week that its holiday sales might be worse than expected, probably hopes its Black Friday deals will brighten its holiday a bit.

This year, the retailer is offering some of its deepest discounts of the season, with prices cut by up to 50% on a wide range of items including tech, apparel, video games, and holiday items. essentials.

Target is saving its best deals for a three-day stretch from Thursday, November 28, to Saturday, November 30. The company said shoppers can look forward to twice as many offers compared to last year. 

Most Target stores will open their doors at 6 a.m. local time on Black Friday, featuring exclusive deals and two highly anticipated Taylor Swift items: "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Book" and "The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology" album, available in-store only on Black Friday.

Sales will continue with a two-day Cyber Monday event on December 1-2, featuring exclusive online deals on Target.com and the Target app. 

Black Friday deals

Target's Black Friday Week deals include:

• 50% off select board games and puzzles, including Wicked the Game and classics like Monopoly

• Up to 50% off select toys

• Up to 50% off floorcare from brands like Dyson, Shark and iRobot

• Up to 50% off small appliances from brands like Cuisinart, Nespresso and Ninja

• Up to 50% off select luggage

• 40% off sweatshirts, sweatpants, fleece and denim for all

• Up to 40% off laptops, tablets, printers and office accessories

• Save up to $150 on select Apple devices

• 30% off select adult sleepwear

• Up to 35% off select TVs, soundbars and streaming devices

• Save $75 on PlayStation 5 Consoles

• Buy two get one free books, movies and music with Target Circle

Target plans to mark down board games, toys and small appliances. It will also offer up to $150 off select Apple devices and significant savings on PlayStation 5 consoles.

Three-day weekend sales

For the three-day Black Friday weekend, Target is offering these deals:

• 50% off beauty gift sets

• 50% off boots for all

• Up to 50% off Cat & Jack tees

• 40% off sweaters, outerwear and cold weather accessories

• 40% off matching sleepwear

• 40% off slippers for all

• 30% off select holiday decor including lighting and stockings

• $5 matching pajama tees and pants (was $10)

• $5 Cat & Jack and Carter's toddler pajama sets (were $10 and $12)

With Black Friday right around the corner, and many retailers getting ready for the big sales, it’s time for consumers to start preparing their shopping trips. 

Target has officially announced its plans for shoppers this holiday season, including extended shopping hours during this busy season. 

"Target is the place to be on Black Friday — and all season long — with incredible deals on thousands of items across every category and exclusive in-store items you'll want to pick up for everyone on your gift list this year," said Mark Schindele, chief stores officer at Target. 

"With extended store hours, convenient same-day pickup and delivery options and around-the-clock online availability, you can choose when, where and how to shop, and our fantastic team will be there to deliver."

What to expect

Ahead of Black Friday, Target’s store hours will be what consumers are used to from their local stores. Then, starting on Black Friday, shoppers will have the opportunity for extended hours throughout the holiday season. 

Here’s what Target is planning: 

• Wednesday, November 27: Regular store hours. Same-day Drive Up or Pick Up orders will be available within two hours, and all orders must be placed within two hours of store closing. Target Circle360 members will have access to unlimited same-day delivery. 

• Thursday, November 28: All Target locations will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. While Black Friday sales are ongoing online, anything purchased on Thanksgiving Day will be available for pick-up on Black Friday. 

• Friday, November 29 (Black Friday): All Target locations will open at 6:00 a.m. local time. 

• Saturday, November 30 – Monday, December 23: Target locations will be open 7:00 a.m. local time and remain open through midnight local time to give shoppers even more time to shop during the busy holiday season. 

Black Friday deals

Target officially kicked off its holiday season sales on November 1. Despite the early start, the retailer has plans to keep running special sales and discounts through Christmas Eve, December 24. 

Every day through Christmas Eve, Target will have its Deal of the Day, offering shoppers exclusive opportunities to save on specific items throughout the store for one day only. 

Additionally, every week, Target will release a new lineup of deals that will give consumers the opportunity to save on certain things each week. 

Lastly, Target’s official Black Friday sale starts online on Thanksgiving Day, November 28. In-person sales will begin on Black Friday, November 29. 

It’s officially the time of year for consumers to start planning for Black Friday. 

Target is the latest retailer to announce its holiday shopping plans, sharing that special deals will begin on November 1 and run through Christmas Eve on December 24. 

"We know consumers have a lot of choices when it comes to holiday shopping, so we're leaning into what Target does better than anyone — great products, great prices and a shopping experience that's easy and fun," said Rick Gomez, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Target. 

"With amazing deals all season, early Black Friday offers, exclusive deals for Target Circle members, an assortment full of exclusive-to-Target gift options for everyone on your list and our industry-leading Holiday Price Match Guarantee, our team is kicking off the holidays in a way only Target can."

When can you start shopping?

Target has several opportunities for shoppers to save this holiday season. Here’s a breakdown of some of the dates and sales to keep an eye on: 

• Deal of the Day: Target’s Deal of the Day will run from November 1-December 24, offering shoppers exclusive opportunities to save on specific items throughout the store for one day only. Some of the deals Target is previewing: 

  • 15% off gift cards

  • 40% off sleepwear for the family

  • Savings on Apple Watches

  • Savings on floor cleaners 

• Weeklong Deals: Starting November 3, Target will release a new lineup of deals that will change on a weekly basis. Updated every Sunday and running through Saturday, the deals will give consumers the opportunity to save on certain things each week. For the first week (November 3-9), Target is previewing some sales: 

  • Up to 50% off floor care

  • Up to 30% off select home decor

  • Up to 50% off headphones

  • Up to 30% off baby gear

  • Up to 25% off soundbars and TVs 

  • Buy one get one 50% off select toy brands 

• Early Black Friday Sale: Target will be hosting a three-day early Black Friday sale from November 7-9 – a few weeks before Black Friday. Some early sale items consumers can expect during this sale include: 

  • Up to 50% off small appliances 

  • 50% off Threshold holiday sheets

  • Up to 40% off technology

  • 30% off select toys

  • 30% off shoes and clothes 

  • 30% off holiday trees and lights 

• Black Friday Sale: Black Friday sales will start at Target a day early – on Thanksgiving, November 28. In-person sales will begin local time on Friday, November 29. 

Target hosted its annual Circle Week savings event earlier this year, and now, like many of the big-name retailers, it has plans for another week-long sales event. 

Target Circle Week is set to run from October 6-12, and the company is doubling down on all things holidays. 

“Consumers are getting ready for one of the most exciting times of the year, which is why we’re leaning into the magic of Tarzhay like never before – with an assortment, value, and experience only Target can deliver,” said Rick Gomez, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Target. 

“From only-at-Target exclusives to the return of Target Circle Week and great deals every day, our plans are unmistakably Target and will add extra sparkle and delight to the holidays.” 

What can consumers expect? 

This upcoming Circle Week will help shoppers save on all holiday-related goods – indoor and outdoor decorations, gifts for kids and adults of all ages, clothes, treats, and more. 

For Circle Week and beyond, Target will be offering shoppers significant discounts on toys, with thousands of options under $20. On top of that, consumers can find popular stocking stuffers for under $5. 

New this year, Target is making gift-giving easier – and cheaper – than ever before. Stores across the country will feature specialty Bullseye sections that will highlight discounted holiday-themed gifts, with many running shoppers under $25. 

Target is also offering shoppers 80% of its Wondershop holiday items at $10 or less, as well as holiday food and beverage items under Target-owned brands for $5 or less. 

Everything’s on sale for Circle Week

In addition to getting in the holiday spirit, shoppers can save on just about every category during the upcoming Circle Week sale. Whether consumers need last-minute school supplies, fall decor, home essentials, or more, Target will be rolling out big deals during the week-long sales event. 

The retailer will also be bringing back its Deal of the Day, highlighting day-specific deals on certain products for each day of the sale. This promotion is set to run through November 1, as consumers continue to prepare for the holidays, and more often as the holiday season gets closer. 

More fall sales 

Amazon announced recently that it would be bringing back Prime Day in October, and the company has officially announced the dates for the popular sale: October 8 and 9. 

Some of the big sales Amazon is advertising ahead of the sale include: family Halloween costumes starting at $5, 40% off winter apparel, up to 55% off select Amazon devices, and more. 

Amazon also said that it will be dropping new sales every five minutes during the upcoming Prime Day sale, and shoppers can start shopping a wide assortment of early Prime Day deals today.

The holiday sales haven’t ended even though the holidays have. If you’re looking to stock up for next year’s holiday season, or pick up some last-minute gifts, there are opportunities to do so. 

Target has announced its annual post-holiday Clearance Run, where consumers can score 50% off in nearly every department. 

“We know our guests love hunting for deals at the end of the holiday season, and The Target Clearance run makes it even easier for them to wrap up their shopping and start the new year with budgets on track,” said Jill Sando, Target’s chief merchandising officer. 

“With savings on thousands of items, there’s something for every guest – whether they’re looking for belated gifts, prepping for New Year’s celebrations, getting a head start on holiday decor for next year, or spending a holiday a gift card. Now is a great time to wander the aisles at your local Target store and discover something special.” 

Save on clothes, decor, toys, and more 

What’s part of the latest sale at Target? Thousands of items in several departments. 

Here’s a look at the Clearance Run sale: 

• Up to 50% off: 

  • Select jewelry and accessories

  • Select toys, including games, dolls, and plush 

  • Select clothing and shoes for the family 

• 50% or more off: 

  • Holiday decor

  • Holiday family sleepwear

  • Beauty gift sets

• 30% of more off: 

  • Select holiday candy 

Some of the discounts include: 

• Mini Flap Satchel Handbag: $21.25

• Twisted Cupchain Statement Necklace: $14.44

• Butterfly Cord and Ear Pendant Necklace Two-Piece Set: $12.75

• Plaid Fleece Matching Family Pajama Pants: $8.50

• Women’s Matching Family Thermal Pajama Pants: $12.75

• Solid Woven Chenille Throw Blanket: $21.25

• The Perfect 10 Cosmetic Brush Gift Set: $8.50

• EcoTools Loofah: $2.50

• Kinetic Sand Snowy Surprise Playset: $4.24

• Minnie Mouse Kids’ Plush: $25.49

Shoppers can access the sale both in-store and online, as well as with in-store pick-up and curbside pick-up orders. 

Consumers also have more opportunities to save when they join Target’s free rewards program, Target Circle. 

It’s the final countdown to Black Friday, and Dollar General is preparing for a major sale, set to take place November 23-25. 

The DG Deal Days shopping event will feature deals on thousands of toys, home goods, and holiday necessities so consumers can stock up and save. 

Save on toys

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. 

“Dollar General offers so many great, name brand toys including popular items for only $10 and under, and when paired with special promotions like our buy one, get one 75% off or 50% off sale, it’s not only an amazing value, but a great opportunity to stock up on gifts,” said Nick Galletti, Dollar General’s senior buyer of toys. 

“I’m excited about the trendy items we are bringing to DG’s shelves and proud to partner with our vendors to offer quality products at affordable prices for our customers.” 

Dollar General’s toy selection features some of the biggest brands and characters of the season, including: Bluey, LEGO, L.O.L dolls, Pokemon, Harry Potter, Disney, Hot Wheels, Barbie, Peppa Pig, and more. 

Some of the biggest deals so far include: 

• Baby and Toddler Toys: Starting at $2

• Dress Up and Pretend Play Toys: Starting at $3

• Action Toys and Blasters: Starting at $5

Save on holiday essentials

In addition to toys, Dollar General will have sales on other holiday essentials during DG Deal Days. 

The retailer has reported on these sales so far: 

• 25% off holiday garlands, decorative bows, and battery-operated string lights

• 20% off select gift cards and packs of gift cards, including Chili’s, Applebee’s, Panera Bread, Domino’s, Xbox, and more

• Buy one, get one 50% off holiday candles

• 50% off Comfort Bay throws and blankets

• Buy one, get one 50% off Whitman’s and Russell Stover chocolates

• Select Toastmaster and Babycakes appliances for $5

• Buy one, get one 50% off Pro Essentials electrical cords

• Buy one, get one 50% off nutcrackers

• More than 35% of Christmas items priced at $1 or less, including: wrapping paper, ornaments, bows, ribbons, and more

Dollar General rewards members will be eligible for even more sales and exclusive coupons, and signing up for an account is free. Members can also get cashback to use on future Dollar General purchases, and gain early access to deals and discounts. 

With Thanksgiving and Black Friday right around the corner, BJ’s Wholesale Club is offering members special promotions to celebrate both occasions. 

In honor of Thanksgiving, BJ’s members will have the opportunity to score a free turkey for their holiday dinner. 

Then, to help members get a head start on holiday shopping, BJ’s will offer early Black Friday deals through November 16. 

Get your free turkey by November 9

If you’re looking to score a free turkey from BJ’s, you need to spend at least $150 between now and November 9. Shoppers can choose whether they want to order online or head to the store to spend their $150, but the total of one order must reach or exceed that figure. 

Once orders are completed, members will receive a digital coupon for a free frozen or fresh turkey. The coupon will appear in your digital coupon gallery – either on the BJ’s website or in the mobile app. 

Members then have until November 22 to redeem their coupon for a free turkey. Coupons can be redeemed for pickup, same-day delivery, or in-store purchases. 

“We are proud to continue our tradition of free Thanksgiving turkeys,” said David Rajkovich, BJ’s vice president of food merchandising. “We always provide unbeatable value, and our free turkeys provide another way for families to save on their Thanksgiving celebrations.” 

BJ’s brick and mortar locations will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, and will reopen on Black Friday, November 24, at 7:00 a.m. local time. 

Save on early Black FriYAY Deals

Ahead of Thanksgiving and Black Friday, BJ’s has ongoing early Black FriYAY sales, so members can save on holiday favorites early this year. Now through November 16, BJ’s is offering exclusive sales and low prices on electronics, toys, home essentials, and more for members. 

Some of the early Black Friday deals include: 

• $60 off small appliances

  • Chefman TurboFry Touch 8-Qt. Air Fryer: $49.99 (originally $119.99)

• 40% off TVs

  • LG 65” OLEDC3 EVO 4K UHD ThinQ AI Smart TV with Five-Year Coverage: $1,599.99 (after $900 off) 

  • Samsung 65” QN85CD Neo QLED 4K Smart TV with Your Choice Subscription and 5-Year Coverage: $1,297.99 (after $702 off)  

  • VIZIO 50” V-Series LED 4K HDR Smart TV with 4-Year Coverage: $249.99 (after $50 off) 

• 20% off Sealy mattresses

  • Sealy Queen 3” Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper: $119.99

• $50 off artificial Christmas trees

  • Berkley Jensen 7.5’ Frasier Fir One-Plug Color Changing Lighted Tree: $199.99

• $80 off refrigeration 

• $20 off toy purchases of $100 or more, including brands: Hot Wheels, Disney, Barbie, Nerf, Melissa & Doug, and more

  • Nintendo Super Mario Deluxe Mushroom Castle Playset with 5 Figures: $34.99

  • Hot Wheels City Transforming Race Tower: $29.99

  • PicassoTiles 102-Pc. Magnetic Tile Construction Play Set: $19.99 (after 50% off)

• 50% off select Berkley Jensen brand toys 

  • 55-Pc. Wooden Ice Cream Stand: $79.99 (after 50% off)

  • 34” Plush Animal, Assorted Designs: $19.99 

“As smart-saving families search for the best deals this holiday season, we want them to know they are getting unbeatable value and outstanding quality when shopping at BJ’s,” said Rachel Vegas, chief merchandising officer. “Our early Black FriYAY event makes it easy for members to deck their halls and discover amazing gifts at prices that can’t be beat.” 

The early Black FriYAY sales at BJ’s are available both online and in-store, as well as for pickup and delivery orders. 

Christmas stockings and dresser drawers might start to feel a little lonely. Those plastic gift cards we buy as presents could finally be headed to the land of the lost.

Digital gift cards have been bubbling under the chart for a while, but things are now starting to take off. The global digital gift card market is forecast to rake in $724.3 billion by 2028, growing 14.2% a year – pinning much of its hopes on the younger generation who’s all-in on digital.

One of the newest players in the game is Hallmark. Its angle comes in a partnership with Venmo. As such, it isn’t a “gift” in the sense that the recipient will get a gift card from a specific retailer, but rather a way of sending money through a scannable Venmo barcode printed inside a physical Hallmark card.

Hallmark mails that card to an address or the buyer can pick it up at a Hallmark store. With Venmo’s legion of younger consumers, this could give Hallmark an opportunity to gain a new demographic of shoppers it might not have otherwise.

Prezzee – another e-digital card player – has well over 100 brands in its partnership portfolio. Its angle is that it gives consumers a choice of purchasing a “Prezzee Plus” card with a “suggested” retailer – say, Applebees – but the Plus card allows the recipient to change that suggestion to another company like Delta Airlines.

The pluses of digital gift cards

As ConsumerAffairs found out in speaking to retail experts, digital gift cards are a good thing in one way – but could be fraught with problems in another. 

On the good side of the ledger, nearly 50% of all Americans leave about $21 billion a year on unused or lost gift cards. 

“Electronic gift cards offer convenience—they're instantly delivered and easy to send, and there's minimal risk of physical loss or damage,” retail expert Linda Johansen-James, publisher and founder at International Retail Group, told ConsumerAffairs.

“What's more, they're highly accessible, being mobile-friendly. For retailers, they provide a streamlined way to track redemptions, gathering valuable data for marketing, inventory management, and understanding customer behavior."

But, oh, the scams that await

The wait-and-see and possibly bad side is that we could see a spike in phishing scams -- a problem plastic gift cards already carry. 

Dawson Gant, vice president of Store Partnerships at Ecom Authority, gave this example: “If a predator knows a certain demographic is receiving digital gift cards, they could potentially exploit that with fake gift card redemption emails, etc.,” another impersonation trick that Johansen-James said scammers are likely to add to their toolbox.

In those cases, she advises anyone who gets an email from “someone” who says they’re a “friend,” to triple-check the sender's email address before you click on anything. “If you're familiar with the sender, you might even consider giving them a call to confirm their identity.”

Ally Armeson at the Cybercrime Support Network -- the company that recently alerted ConsumerAffairs to the large in-store gift card scam rings -- told us that another angle digital gift card scammers will try is creating fake gift card balance checking websites in hopes that you will land on these fraudulent sites instead of a real site.

"When you enter the gift card number and PIN into the fake website, the scammer takes that information and drains the value of the gift cards," she said.

Want another? "Scammers can also sell unsuspecting consumers completely fake physical or digital gift cards that have no value -- so it's important to make sure you purchase gift cards from official sellers and official websites," she added.

We might miss the touchy, feely aspect

This physical-to-digital conversion may be hard for some to give in to, however. 

Ray Sheehan, founder at Old City Media, who drops a ton of money in gift cards for his clients, thinks that “digital” sort of takes the “gift” out of “gift card.”

“Why? When you think about the gift card. You need to boil it down to its core purpose,” he said. “You are giving them a gift. The gift card is a much more tangible item.” 

If you’re hoping for a good Labor Day holiday, you can uncross your fingers when it comes to shopping deals because those will be in full swing.

ConsumerAffairs has checked in at the online and in-store retail level and at grocery stores looking for bargains and here’s what we found. Spoiler alert: One shopping expert says the better deals may happen before the weekend ever makes landfall.

Labor Day bargains

The good folks at RetailMeNot say that there are some heavy hitters already lined up for shopping deals this weekend. In their way of thinking, the best ONLINE sales and deals include:

Wayfair: Up to 70% Off Labor Day Clearance Sale

Amazon: Up to 60% off of Amazon's top deals of the day 

Cabela's: Up to 40% off each order. 

LEGO: Online cash back

Macy's: Up to 65% off furniture, mattresses, rugs 

Rack Room Shoes: $15 Off $99 with promo code “DEAL15”

Columbia Sportswear: 25% off sitewide

Walmart: Up to 50% off

As far as in-store deals, it likes what it sees from Forever 21, Office Depot, and J. Crew Factory. 

BlackFriday.com’s researchers have uncovered some deals of their own, including:

• Mattress sales
• Home decor and furniture sales from Ashley, IKEA, Crate & Barrel, and others
• Tech deals like Dell’s up to 50% off your purchase of a laptop or desktop computer. Samsung is focusing on big ticket items like appliances and TVs, but shoppers can also take advantage of trade-in credit deals on Samsung electronics (smartphones, smartwatches, earbuds). Example: up to $750 instant credit when you purchase the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Insider tips

Vipin Porwal, CEO and consumer savings expert at Smarty, a popular cash back portal, says that the smartest shoppers will actually hit the stores before the actual Labor Day weekend with add-on savings courtesy of promo codes and cashback rewards.

 “Those in the market to upgrade their sports and outdoor items will want to hit pre-Labor Day sales early as the most popular brands and options hitting summer clearance will sell out quickly, including summer active apparel, swimwear and outdoor sporting gear and equipment,” he told ConsumerAffairs.

He cautions that there are things you should resist buying this weekend. “Those looking for colder weather clothing should hold off for just a bit when the fall fashion sales kick in in late September and October, especially when shopping for jeans, jackets, boots and denim when bigger savings and selection are promoted more heavily.”

Your kid buggin’ you about a phone?

Before we move on from the sales deals, one last one: phone plans. If you have bought everything on your student’s must-have list for back to school but are holding out on a phone plan, you’re not alone.

After fielding a study about tech “musts” and how parents are dealing with the situation, Cricket Wireless found a hole it could fill and save budget-minded parents some money.

The company is launching three new online-only, multi-month unlimited plans that it says will save customers up to $300 a year or $30/per month on a single line when – and this is important – they pay in advance.

Here’s quick snapshot of what Cricket is offering:

• Three months of unlimited voice and data when customers pay $120 in advance, giving them a total of $45 in savings.

• Six months of unlimited voice and data when customers pay $210 in advance, giving them a total of $120 in savings.

• 12 Months of unlimited voice and data when customers pay $360 in advance, giving them a total of $300 in savings.

Not wanting to be left behind, MintMobile has gone deal crazy, too. It has plans ranging from 25% off to 50% off with the capper being its unlimited Talk & Text plan -- nationwide coverage, 40GB of 5G and 4G LTE Data, free calls to Mexico and Canada, 10GB Mobile Hotspot, WiFi Calling & Text. But like Cricket, you have to buy the deal in advance – $45 for 3 months of service. After that, though, the prices go up depending on what length of service you can commit to and prepay for.

Grilling out? You’ll save some money there, too

Labor Day weekend is usually the last big grilling day of the year – something not lost on meat producers, for sure. The latest Urner Barry Retail Rundown says that grocery shoppers should be aware of what’s going on with these meat essentials:

Beef: Choice cutouts are currently down about 6.5% from their summer peak but are nearly 16% above a year ago. Ground beef has been averaging around $5.72 discounted, a 5.9% year-over-year increase. Tenderloin last checked in at $19.17 per pound, $1.80 higher than the same week in 2022. 

Pork: “Meanwhile, wholesale pork prices trended well below year-ago levels throughout 2023 so far and have also drifted lower since the year-to-date high hit in mid-July,” said Urner Barry’s Courtney Shum. Shum says grocers have gotten aggressive with pork prices, so brats and chops are looking like a better bank for the BBQ buck than beef products are. 

For example, center-cut pork loin averaged 10 cents per pound lower than a year ago; shoulder roasts were at $2.08 per pound last week, slightly below Labor Day weekend in 2022; and fresh bacon averaged $5.91 discounted, down 11.9% from last year.

Chicken: What’s coming out of the hen house is a mixed bag, however. Because we’re headed into football season, wing prices are up because demand is up, but fresh chicken breasts are about 50 cents per pound lower than a year ago, and legs and thighs should be found for under $3 a pound.

Seafood: Shum didn’t offer any price points but did say that seafood continues to dominate ad space with 27.5% of total retail buying opportunities, so you should expect some good deals there, too.

Following in the most recent footsteps of Bed Bath & Beyond and David’s Bridal, Christmas Tree Shops is officially on the chopping block. 

The discount retailer announced it will liquidate all of its 72 brick-and-mortar retail stores after defaulting on its $45 million bankruptcy loan. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy back in May, and will now be forced to liquidate its inventory in the coming weeks if it doesn't get an investor fast. 

According to the company, the decision to file for bankruptcy was strictly a financial one, and executives had faith in their efforts to move forward and regain strength. 

“After careful consideration, we determined that availing ourselves of the Chapter 11 process was the best way to address our burdensome liabilities,” said Marc Salkovitz, chairman of Christmas Tree Shops, in the official bankruptcy filing. “This is strictly a financial restructuring. Our operations are sound. 

“By increasing our financial flexibility, we will be able to focus on continuing to delight our loyal customers with a wide selection of unique goods at affordable prices. We continue to believe that given its storied history and strong customer loyalty, Christmas Tree Shops has tremendous potential, and we remain committed to the long-term success of the business. 

Stores could be closing soon

Shoppers can expect to see liquidation sales at their local Christmas Tree Shops starting as soon as July 7. The goal for the company is to get as many stores emptied, with all goods sold, by the end of August. 

This timeline could mean that many stores could be closed within just a few weeks. The company is headquartered in Massachusetts, with the large majority of retail locations in the Northeast, and there is already an order of store closures throughout the state. 

Store closures have started in the last few months, with nearly a dozen stores closing across the country, including in Georgia, Florida, Virginia, New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

The company’s plan was to close 10 of the stores that were underperforming the most at the time of filing for bankruptcy in an effort to gain some ground; however, that didn’t go as expected. 

For consumers in need of anything from linens to home goods, holiday decorations or bathroom essentials, the Christmas Tree Shops liquidation sales are expected to offer steep discounts. 

For years, consumers have had all the freedom they want to return items back to a retailer, but that’s changing quickly. And it’s a complete about-face, too.

Just a year ago, some retailers were all “nah, don’t worry” about returns, but by the 2022 holidays, things started to change direction. Now, the gloves are really coming off and more than 60% of retailers are dramatically changing their policies, some eliminating returns completely.

This week, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that nonreturnable items are becoming the standard. The report gave the example of Poshmark, the secondhand clothing seller, which has witnessed a  61% increase in items marked “new with tags” and featuring the words “final sale” in an item’s description.

That use of “final sale” is as definitive as it can get for a shopper, too. If an item doesn’t fit, sorry, but you bought it and you’ll keep it.

We did this to ourselves

It doesn’t matter whether consumers made bad buying decisions or abused the privilege, though. It’s the retailers who are in the driver’s seat and for the last two years, they’ve been beset with 16.5% of the items they sold being returned – double what it was in pre-pandemic 2019. 

Either way, PracticalAdvice’s Marcia Kaplan suggests that we – the consumers – did it to ourselves. 

“Larger companies track ‘serial returners’ and ban returns from them, but smaller merchants do not typically have the software or personnel,” she said.

One of the lines we crossed is the habit of “bracketing” – the play where a consumer buys multiple sizes or colors expecting to return what they don’t like. It may seem like a fair angle to work for the shopper, but it’s still a return and the returns are throwing up roadblocks there, too.

Who’s charging what for returns?

The next time you go shopping, you should take extra caution in asking what the store’s current returns policy is before you plop down your credit card for those five dresses – four of which you’ll probably return.

Returns specialist goTRG says that 60% of merchants across the U.S. have changed their returns policies. Some have done away with free returns and some are charging additional shipping or restocking fees.

ConsumerAffairs compiled a current list of how many major retailers are handling returns and here’s what we found. Note: There may be variations on what's purchased online vs. in-store so it would be wise to ask before making any purchase that you think you might return.

• Abercrombie: $7 deducted from refund
• American Eagle Outfitters: $5 deducted from refund
• Anthropologie: $5.95
• Big Lots: 20% of purchase price processing fee
• Dillard's: $9 deducted from refund
• DSW: $8.50 deducted from refund (free for Gold and Elite Rewards members)
• Eddie Bauer: $7 deducted from refund
• Foot Locker deducts $6.99 from refunds on all returns made by mail.
• J.C. Penney deducts $8 from all refunds on returned online purchases made by mail.
• J.Crew deducts $7.50 from the refund for shipped returns.
• Kohl’s requires customers to pay for all shipping for returns.
• L.L.Bean charges $6.50 for returns and exchanges through U.S. mail unless the customer used an L.L.Bean Mastercard for the purchase.
• Lands’ End deducts $6.95 from the refund credit.
• Neiman Marcus: $9.95 deducted from refund (free if you return within 15 days and it’s not clearance)
• Pacsun deducts $7 from the refund.
• REI deducts $5.99 from refunds for packages of standard size and weight.
• Saks Fifth Avenue: $9.95 deducted from refund
• Shoe Carnival deducts $6 from all refunds on online returns sent by mail.
• T.J.Maxx: $10.99 deducted from refund
• Urban Outfitters deducts $5 from all online orders returned by mail.
• Zara charges $3.95 in the U.S. for returns at drop-off point 

It’s not Amazon Prime Day. It’s not Black Friday. But it sure wants to be.

That would be Wayfair’s “Way Day.” Running for the next 48 hours – through Apr 27, 2023 – Way Day is built around Wayfair’s idea of deep discounts -- up to 80% off -- on furniture, appliances, and home decor.

The best deals according to RetailMeNot’s team of shopping experts are area rugs and wall art (up to 80% off); and bedding, cookware & bakeware, curtains & drapes, kitchen faucets, mattresses, and tableware (60% off).

Discounts tier down from there and include:

• Up to 50% off bathroom vanities, bedroom furniture, entryway furniture, hardware and flooring, home office, kids bedroom, lighting, living room seating, mirrors & decor, TV stands and living room tables, outdoor furniture, outdoor lighting & decor and outdoor fireplaces.

• Up to 40% off kitchen & dining furniture, nursery, pet, small appliances, storage and organization and outdoor upgrades.

• Up to 30% off major appliances, outdoor grills and more.

Why is Wayfair's sale different than others

When ConsumerAffairs asked RetailMeNot's shopping expert Kristin McGrath where does Wayfair's sale stacks up against other doorbuster sales, she had this to say.

"You're likely to see a lot of similar deals at all these mega sales and a wide swath of products marked down. The question is whether you want to wait for Prime Day and Target Deal Days in the summer or shop right now. What makes Wayfair unique is the selection of home products it has, from furniture, down to very specific faucets and rugs for every aesthetic. These days, the retail industry is such that these mega sales are all compelling."

Boilng that down, McGrath says to take these comparisons into account:

Prime Day is a better time to shop for technology, especially Amazon products. And it tends to send other retailers into competition mode, so it's almost like Black Friday in the summer.

Target Deal Days tends to focus on clothing, beauty, food and household. However, it doesn't have the selection of rugs and household fixtures Wayfair has. 

Wayfair is focused on the home and home decor. And it takes place in spring, which can be advantageous if you're looking for outdoor furniture for summer. 

Choosing the "right" sale

Sales are sales for one reason -- because the Targets, the Amazons, the Walmarts, and now, the Wayfairs need to get rid of stuff. And to do that, they'll throw big-eyed discounts at the consumer to try and get them to buy regardless of whether they need it or not.

At that point, McGrath says that shoppers should look themselves in the mirror and ask what do they really need and when do they need to buy it.

"If you sorely need new patio chairs for this summer, for example, a deal in the spring during Way Day is going to be more advantageous than a deal late in the summer," she said.

She suggests that for popular, name-brand items, shoppers can look up the price history before they buy it using a price history tool like CamelCamelCamel to assess the strength of the deal.

"That way you can know if something is at one of its best prices ever – and take advantage if so," McGrath said, "If you need something, chances are it's going on sale in the near future. If what you need right now is home goods/decor, it's going on sale at Wayfair for Way Day."

Grocers across the country are hopping down the bunny trail with specially-priced bundles just like they did for the 2022 holidays and St. Patrick’s Day this year.

If you’re planning some sort of Easter get-together, here’s what grocery chains are offering through this Sunday.

Hy-Vee: Hy-Vee actually has two family bundles – one, an Applewood Pit Ham Meal (serves 8) for $119.99 and a Brown Sugar Spiral Ham Meal (Serves 8) for $99.99. It also is offering a brunch deal for two.

The Fresh Market: The Fresh Market is trying to cover every possible Easter dining option. It has a Ham Meal (with pineapple, dinner rolls, cake mix, etc. Serves 8-10) for $99.99. It also has a ready-to-heat Ham Meal for 4 for  $59.99, as well as a Prime Rib Meal for two, and a Brunch Meal for 4.

Walmart: Walmart doesn’t have bundles, per se, but it has marked down prices on the typical things you might buy for Easter – hams, pies, veggies, etc. It also has candy, eggs, etc. for Easter baskets.

BJ’s Wholesale Club: Much like Walmart, BJ’s Wholesale Club is offering members additional savings on Easter essentials through Easter Day. Plus, every member who spends $140 online or in-store in a single qualifying transaction through Easter will receive a $15 digital coupon valid for shopping from April 13 to April 23.

Target’s saving its best deals for after Easter

Target isn’t avoiding Easter, but it’s decided that it would be better served by putting its eggs in a post-Easter clearance basket where consumers can save up to 90%.

“Starting the day after Easter, you can get deeply discounted crafts, home decor, Easter candy, cookware, and more at Target. I’m talking about items you can repurpose and use the rest of the year — or stuff you can save until next Easter,” the Krazy Coupon Lady said.

When ConsumerAffairs looked into what she was talking about, the clearance discounts break down like this:

One day after Easter: 30% off food and candy and 50% off everything else in the clearance section.

Three to four days after Easter: 50% off food and candy and 70% off everything else in the clearance section.

Six to seven days after Easter: 70% off food and candy and 90% off everything else in the clearance section.

However, there might be some extra deals that could pop up on Target’s text alerts. To subscribe to those, just text TARGET to 57299.

With Easter just a few weeks away, BJ’s Wholesale Club is releasing its special seasonal deals for store members. 

Through the Easter holiday on April 9, BJ’s members can expect sales on just about everything they’ll need for their celebration – Easter basket essentials, decorations, paper goods, food, candy, and more. Walmart announced a similar promotion last month.

“Our members know they can shop with us for everything they need and want to make their Easter gatherings a quality, memorable time with family and friends,” said Rachel Vegas, BJ’s executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. “Members can find their family favorites for Easter dinner and brunch, candy and toys to fill their Easter baskets, plus seasonal decor and dining essentials to make their celebrations festive.” 

What’s on sale?

BJ’s is offering sales in three primary areas: paper goods and decorations, Easter basket goodies, and meal essentials. 

The first category includes savings on everything from seasonal paper plates and napkins, to Easter and bunny wreaths, an inflatable Easter bunny, and Easter gnomes. All items are available in-store and online, and the sales run through April 9. 

For parents, grandparents, or other family members who may be filling Easter baskets, the selection of on-sale items is wide. BJ’s is discounting Easter baskets, PAAS egg decorating kits, Reese’s peanut butter eggs, American Kids character baskets, a set of toy race cars, Peep’s, and more. 

Lastly, cooking Easter dinner or brunch will come at a cheaper price. BJ’s members can expect savings on: trays of cupcakes, ciabatta rolls, half spiral hams, packs of bacon, gourmet carrots, and carrot cakes. Overall, these prices are expected to be discounted as much as 25%. All of the on-sale items are available to members in-store or with in-store pickup, curbside pickup, or same-day delivery. 

Even more savings

BJ’s seasonal sale items are available through Easter on April 9. For BJ’s members who shop between March 23 and April 9, even more savings are possible. When shoppers make purchases over $150, they’ll receive a $15 digital coupon that’s valid between April 13-23. 

Consumers are no strangers to the effects of inflation. Whether it’s at the grocery store or the after effects of holiday shopping, rising prices have been a common theme in recent months. 

Now, a new survey conducted by Wish found that inflation is affecting how the majority of Americans are spending money on online shopping. 

Discount codes and free shipping are important to shoppers

Experts surveyed 2,000 Americans over the age of 18 about their online shopping habits, including how often they shop, how inflation affects their spending, discount codes, shipping costs, and more. 

Overall, nearly 85% of respondents said that inflation is affecting how frequently they’re placing online shopping orders. Additionally, 40% said they’re cutting back on their online shopping because of consistently rising prices. 

Inflation is also affecting what shoppers are looking for when placing online orders. Discount codes and free shipping are becoming more important.

The survey found that 30% of Americans will only be shopping when there are sales going on, 34% actively look for discount codes when online shopping and 32% are going directly to online stores that offer flat-rate or free shipping. 

Shipping costs are a major factor

Shipping proved to be a major consideration for survey participants. Eighty percent of respondents said their online purchases are affected by shipping costs, while 70% said they’d spend enough to reach the minimum purchase threshold to get cheaper or free shipping, and 65% said they’d cancel their order if the shipping costs were too high. 

“Online shopping should be a journey of excitement and discovery, and too often this experience is soured when shoppers get stung by high shipping fees,” said Mauricio Monico, chief merchant officer at Wish. 

“How we shop online continues to evolve, but the experience should stay convenient and accessible without pricing out consumers. The results of the survey reiterates that the shopping journey doesn’t stop at checkout, and today’s shoppers want shipping to be as painless and affordable as possible,” Monaco said. 

If you lost out in your holiday gift exchange and wound up with an unwanted gift card, is there anything you can do?

Consumers have a tendency to set an unwanted gift card aside, chalking it up as an unlucky moment or thinking that they might be able to use it at some point or re-gift it to another person who likes the retailer the card is connected to.

Still, you’re leaving money on the table – a situation that Julie Ramhold at DealNews told ConsumerAffairs is salvageable if the gift card holder puts in just a little effort.

Trade ‘em in!

There are two options here: One that Ramhold suggests is to check with your favorite retailers to see if you can trade in unwanted gift cards for store credit. 

Another is to try to trade the cards you don't want for ones that you do. Ramhold said sites such as CardCash can make this process easy because you don't have to list the card and wait for someone to agree to a trade or sale.

When ConsumerAffairs looked at CardCash, it appeared to be a fairly straightforward deal. It has 1,000-plus retailers it does trade-ins for, and it pays out different amounts for different gift cards, likely depending on how many other people want those gift cards.

For example, a $25 Walmart gift card would get a trade-in value of $21.50 and an eBay gift card would bring $21.25. However, restaurants don’t seem to fare as well. A $25 Macaroni Grill gift card would only get a $13.75 trade-in and a Cheesecake Factory card would produce $16.50.

There are other gift card trading sites that ConsumerAffairs found, too -- ClipKard, GiftCash, and Raise. When we looked at values on similar cards, though, it was apparent that the consumer needs to do some price shopping because the trade-in values are not consistent from site to site.

“Depending on the type of gift card, you may be able to use it to buy other gift cards — ones you'll actually use,” Ramhold said.

“This method is only going to be valid if you have a gift card that's more like a debit or prepaid card, though. That said, this can be a good workaround when you have a prepaid card and must match the exact amount in your transaction in order to use it.”

Don’t sell gift cards on eBay, one expert warns

Even though eBay gift cards may have a good trade-in value, the PennyHoarder’s Adam Hardy says that the platform might be the worst way to sell gift cards.

“First, an eBay buyer isn’t likely to buy your gift card for more than 80% to 90% of its value. For a $100 gift card, you can count on a loss of between $10 and $20 right off the bat,” he warned. “On top of that, you may be responsible for eBay’s insertion fees, a final value fee and a performance fee if your eBay seller account isn’t in good shape. These fees eat further into your earnings.”

“Also with eBay, there’s no built-in way to verify your gift card’s code or balance — making the selling and shipment process much more of a hassle.”

If you found some extra cash in your stocking, major retailers are lining up with sales to encourage you to spend it. Like it always is, any store that has holiday items on its shelves wants to get rid of them.

DealNews shared research with ConsumerAffairs that holiday decorations and candy are the deals most consumers go for, and this year Kohl’s, Belk, Bloomingdale’s, and Target are leading the way with 70%, 75%, 65%, and 50% off, respectively, on holiday decor.

As for candy, the Krazy Coupon Lady found the perfect answer for those with a sweet tooth – the pound-size Snickers Slice n' Share Giant Candy Bar which was $10 on Amazon, is now just $3.99.

Clothing and more up to 85% off

Banking on 2022 mirroring 2021, DealNews said that about 24% of the deals it saw between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1 were for clothing and accessories of some kind. One of the most popular offers during that time was a sale at Uniqlo.

“It knocked up to 80% off men's clothing, with prices starting at $6 for shirts, $15 for hoodies, and $20 for pants,” DealNews’ Julie Ramhold said.

ConsumerAffairs also found an extra $10 coupon for people who sign up for Uniqlo’s e-blasts and spend $75 or more on their first order.

Ramhold added that the period between Christmas and New Year’s is also a great time to shop at off-price stores like Nordstrom Rack. When ConsumerAffairs checked the retailer’s site, it was offering up to 80% off, mostly on shoes, but all other categories were loaded with 60% off deals.

Other retailers that are in deal mode included:

Tractor Supply – up to 60% off

Crate & Barrel – up to 70% off

Gap Factory – up to 75% off

Home Depot – up to 70% off

Lenovo – up to 85% off

If you can wait until January…

Ramhold’s sales forecast for the first of the year holds great promise for consumers who are shopping in five categories: small appliances, bedding/white goods, fitness equipment, gym memberships and winter clothing.

“Chances are, the discounts are at least partially due to New Year's resolutions around eating healthier or dining more at home, rather than relying on takeout,” Ramhold said.

“Because of that, you can expect to see a variety of small kitchen appliances for $15 each, including panini presses, nonstick electric skillets and electric egg cookers.”

And for those of you who didn't get that big-screen TV you were kvetching about, all's not lost. With the Consumer Electronics Show coming in January, TV manufacturers are eager to unload whatever they can to make room. Last January, Best Buy knocked up to 30% off and Target 25% off on certain TVs. Those retailers are likely to do it again.

Many major retailers, like Walmart, Amazon, and Target, are offering consumers deals on last-minute gift ideas. 

With the holidays just days away, it’s still not too late. BJ’s Wholesale Club will host HoliDeals – discounts on toys, electronics, small appliances, and more – through Christmas Eve. 

“There’s an undeniable amount of excitement that is associated with holiday shopping,” said Rachel Vegas, chief merchandising officer at BJ’s. “It goes beyond just getting a great deal. People seem to really enjoy the process of selecting a special gift for everyone on their list. There’s a sense of accomplishment that our members have once they find the item they’ve been searching for, and we are happy to deliver that ‘treasure hunt’ experience, at an excellent value to our members.” 

A closer look at the deals

BJ’s is running sales on dozens of popular gift items. Currently, shoppers can expect to save up to $330 on tech deals, up to $95 on toy deals, and up to $60 on small appliance deals. 

Here’s a closer look at some of the items that are currently on sale through Christmas Eve: 

• Alpha Gaming Keyboard, Mouse, and Headset Bundle: $19.99 

• Marvel Avengers: Endgame Titan Hero Series, 4-Pack: $19.99

• Fitbit Versa 2 Smartwatch with Bonus Bands: $99.99

• XBox Series S Console with Wireless Controller Bundle: $234.99

• TCL 65-in 4K Roku Smart TV: $377.99

• Propel 15-foot Trampoline: $259.99

• HP 15.6-in Touchscreen Laptop: $349.99

• Pacman 5 Games in 1 Countercade: $99.99

• Berkley Jensen Riviera DollHouse: $74.99 

BJ’s Wholesale Club members can access the hundreds of items that are part of the HoliDeals sale here. Everything from last-minute gifts, last-minute decorations, and even ingredients for holiday dinner are available at low places. 

To save time this holiday season, and make shopping more convenient, shoppers can place their orders online and opt to pick them up in-store. For last-minute shoppers, stores will be open on Christmas Eve until 6:00 p.m. local time. 

As consumers make their final turn into the holidays, new findings from Datasembly indicate that families will be spending nearly 17% more to feed their dinner guests this year – double the increase seen last year.

Datasembly analyzed 13 popular holiday dinner items including turkey, eggnog, ham, apple pie and green beans. This year’s shopping cart totaled $60.29 on average versus $51.79 for the 2021 holidays. 

Of all the basket items, the biggest year-over-year increase is for biscuits – almost 47.7% – followed by butter and russet potatoes at 38% and 32.6%, respectively. The basket items with the smallest increase are the frozen whole turkey at 6.3%, followed by the bone in spiral ham at 7.7%.

Big box retailers to the rescue!

But, the consumer’s grocery dilemma is not lost on Target and Walmart. GroceryDive reports that both are putting holiday meal deals out front through the weekend.

At Walmart, it’s busy placing discount stickers on many of the food items that are causing sticker shock. As an example, cooks can buy bone-in ham for $2.28 per pound, whole turkeys for less than $1 per pound, plus discounts on potatoes, stuffing, ready-to-heat mac and cheese, and made-in-store pumpkin pie.

At Target, the home chef can forget about cooking altogether and buy a complete holiday dinner for $25 and sides for under $5. Target’s adding a convenience feature, too, allowing customers to place orders for the items on December 24 and get their order the very same day using pickup, drive-up, or Shipt delivery.

Kroger decides it wants in on the action, too

Interestingly enough, Kroger responded to Walmart and Target’s deals by also offering affordable meals during winter break.

In an announcement made Monday, the grocery chain said it’s pulled together discounted options that can feed a family of four at an average cost of approximately $10 per meal, including everything from a traditional breakfast with eggs, sausage, fruit and toast to a “pizza night” combo that comes with a Mediterranean-style chopped salad kit.

With the holidays nearly a week away, some of the biggest retailers – like Amazon and Target – are gearing up for the final push of holiday shopping. 

Now, Walmart is announcing its plans to ensure shoppers are ready to wrap their gifts and put the finishing touches on their holiday plans. The company has launched a last-minute gift sale, announced shipping and pickup order deadlines, and shared its diverse gift card options. 

Check everyone off your gift list

Walmart has dedicated a section of its website to Last Minute Gifts. Here, shoppers can search through thousands of discounted items and see which items are specially priced for the holidays, which are best sellers, and which have rollback pricing. 

Some of the last-minute deals include: 

• Ionvac SmartClean 2000 Robovac: $79 (originally $179.88) 

• HART 215-piece Mechanics Tool Set: $98 (originally $159)

• Nespresso Vertuo Plus Coffee and Espresso Maker: $127 (originally $159) 

• Onn. 55’  Class 4K UHD Roku Smart TV: $268 (originally $379) 

• AncestryDNA Genetic Test: $59 (originally $99) 

• Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen: $49.98 (originally $99.98)

• Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller: $44 (originally $64.99)

• Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat: $230.99 (originally $329.77) 

• Cate & Chloe Ariel 18K Rose Gold Halo CZ Stud Earrings: $19.99 (originally $150) 

• Barbie 6-Doll Sports Career Collection, Related Clothes & Accessories: $25 (originally $35.67) 

For those on your gift list who may be harder to shop for, Walmart also offers a number of gift card options. These include Walmart-specific gift cards, as well as gift cards to local and national restaurants like Starbucks, Chick-Fil-A, and Dairy Queen, other stores like Apple or Disney, Visa or MasterCard gift cards, gift cards to streaming services like Netflix or Hulu, or experience gift cards, like movie theaters or airlines. 

While a gift card makes it easy for shoppers and offers flexibility to the recipient, Walmart also offers electronic gift cards. Customers can purchase them online and have them emailed directly to the recipient’s inbox, giving them even more freedom to spend their gift how – and when – they want. 

Delivery and Pickup Deadlines

In addition to last-minute gifts, Walmart has also announced its deadlines for receiving deliveries and pick-up orders in time for the holidays. 

To get your items by Christmas Day, orders must be placed with two-day shipping no later than 2:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday, December 21. Walmart also offers express delivery in two hours or less, and those orders must be placed by 4:00 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve. 

Lastly, consumers can place orders online and do curbside pick-up at their local Walmart store. Shoppers who opt for this choice must choose a time slot for pick-up by 4:00 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve. 

It’s not too late to get deals on holiday gifts! 

To help shoppers check everyone off their lists – while also saving money this holiday season – Target has announced more last-minute deals. In addition to discounting items through Christmas Eve, Target is offering several same-day shopping options that can benefit anyone who may have waited until the last minute – or needs a gift on short notice. 

“As guests turn to Target to finish up their holiday shopping, our stores nationwide are well-stocked, staffed with the best team in retail, and ready with great deals on everything needed to host gatherings, give gifts, and celebrate the season,” said Mark Schindele, executive vice president and chief stores officer at Target. “Whether guests choose to shop our aisles or use our convenient same-day fulfillment services, Target will save the day with fast and easy ways to get all their favorite deals, right up to the last minute.” 

Shop the sales

For shoppers looking for discounts on holiday gifts, Target has announced new sales – many of which run through December 24. 

Here’s what’s on sale through December 17: 

• 30% off matching family pajamas

• 30% off clothing and accessories

• 30% off seasonal decor

• 30% off shoes

• 40% off kitchen appliances

Here’s what’s on sale through December 24: 

• 30% All in Motion fleeces

• 50% off small kitchen appliances

• 5% off all pre-paid gift cards bought with a Target RedCard

• 40% off men’s seasonal apparel 

• 50% off toys 

• Buy one get one 25% off beauty gift sets

• 30% off Wondershop pet apparel 

• 40% off select women’s sweaters

• 15% off Game Pass gift cards

• 50% off connected home security from Amazon, Google, Ring, and more

• 50% off seasonal decor and trees

Last-minute gift options

Target shoppers can actually wait until the last minute to finish checking everyone off their holiday gift lists – if they want to! The retailer is offering several same-day shopping options that customers can access straight through up to Christmas Eve. 

For starters, all Target stores will be open on Christmas Eve, and most stay open until 8 p.m. local time. Shoppers can head to their local stores for the majority of Christmas Eve to pick up any last-minute essentials. 

There’s also the option to utilize Target’s order pick-up or drive-up options. Any order placed before 6:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve will be ready to be picked up before stores close that day. This also comes with no additional charge or membership required. 

Lastly, Target shoppers can utilize Shipt’s same-day delivery option. With this option, customers need to spend at least $35 to receive their delivery within one to two hours, and for non-Shipt members, delivery will run $9.99. 

While these options are always available for Target shoppers, it can be especially helpful to know the last-minute options during this hectic time of year. 

Though the holidays are now right around the corner, retailers have been preparing consumers to shop the sales for months. But what about a gift that you can’t necessarily find packaged in a store or shipped straight to your doorstep? 

A new survey conducted by OnePoll for Forbes Advisor analyzed how travel will come into play as a gift this holiday season. 

Ultimately, the survey revealed that over 50% of Americans with rewards credit cards would give those rewards as a gift this holiday season.  

A closer look at gifting travel

OnePoll surveyed over 1,000 adults across the United States between November 22-28 to better understand trends related to gifting travel this holiday season, and also how consumers’ credit card rewards come into play. 

The survey found that the younger demographic – those between the ages of 18 and 25 (64%) – were the most likely to give their credit card points or rewards as a gift this holiday season. Comparatively, the next youngest age bracket – those between the ages of 26 and 41 – were among the least likely to gift their credit card rewards (26%). 

Overall, 56% of respondents said they’d consider giving a travel-related gift this holiday season. However, not just anyone would be on the receiving end of such a gift. The majority of survey participants said they’d mainly consider those gifts for the people closest to them – 25% would give it to their kids, 23% to a spouse or significant other, and 22% to parents. 

What would a travel-related gift look like? Plane tickets, hotel stays, and cash were the top three choices from the respondents. These also correspond with the rewards that are most likely to come from travel credit cards. 

Making the most of travel-related gifts

While travel is certainly a memorable gift to give, it’s also important that consumers are getting the most for their money – or their rewards points. Caroline Lupini, a Forbes Advisor Travel Analyst, shared her top five tips with ConsumerAffairs for anyone considering giving the gift of travel this holiday season: 

1. With an increase in travel costs due to inflation, consumers should look to book flights or hotel stays they plan to gift well in advance (at least 30 days out) to save money. If booking a highly sought-after destination, booking during the off-peak season will also help keep costs in check. Flight and hotel bookings may be refundable (either for cash or a credit) if prices decrease, so know the policies for your booking and monitor for price decreases if applicable.

2. If consumers plan to use their travel credit card to give the gift of travel, they should be aware of the benefits their travel credit card offers, how points/rewards can be redeemed, and whether the card has travel insurance. The gift may be for someone else, but a statement credit could offset costs when it’s time to pay the credit card bill. 

3. When making travel gift purchases, consumers should keep in mind that plans could change. Purchasing tickets, stays, or other travel experiences that can be returned, exchanged, or modified at no additional cost will provide more flexibility for the recipient of the gift. It might also be worth looking into travel insurance just in case. 

4. If someone plans to redeem points or rewards for a flight, hotel stay, or another travel experience that will be given as a gift, understanding the redemption value of the points is key. Be sure to run the numbers – if the purchase doesn’t provide good value with points, it may make sense to save the points for another day and book with cash instead. 

5. When purchasing travel experiences, read the fine print to ensure that the gift recipient doesn’t end up covering unexpected costs. For instance, budget airline tickets might seem more affordable until the person who receives the tickets has to pay more money out of pocket for seat selection, a carry-on bag, and a bag of peanuts onboard.

Amazon has hosted a number of sales in recent months to prepare consumers for the holiday season – the Prime Early Access Sale, Black Friday sales, and Cyber Monday deals.  

Now, with under two weeks left to finalize gifts, Amazon is holding another discount shopping event for consumers – Very Merry Deals. 

Now through December 21, Amazon will continue to discount many of the biggest items this holiday season. Additionally, new items will be discounted every day, making it imperative for consumers to check back regularly if they’re looking for specific items. 

The sales are designed for consumers who need to wrap up last-minute shopping and will feature exclusive deals in several major categories: electronics, toys, beauty, home goods, fashion, and kitchen. 

What’s on sale? 

While these deals are expected to be updated on a daily basis, below is a list of some of the items available now at discounted rates: 

Amazon Devices: 

• 60% off Ring Video doorbells and bundles

• 46% off Fire TV devices

• 30% off Eero mesh WiFi systems

• 24% off Kindles

• 50% off Echo devices

• 45% off Fire tablets

Toys:

• 51% off Bakugan, Paw Patrol, and more

• 32% off National Geographic kits

• 47% off Melissa & Doug toys

Home Goods:

• 20% off Casper mattresses and accessories

• 69% off items from TempurPedic, Shark, Levoit, and more

• 63% off National Tree Christmas trees and holiday decorations

Electronics: 

• 29% off Bose home audio products 

• 54% off Logitech G gaming products

• 33% off LG OLED and QNED TVs

Kitchen: 

• 40% off SodaStream makers and bundles

• 25% off Nespresso coffee and espresso machines

• 46% off Instant Brands air fryers, mixers, and more 

Other deals include: 

• 50% off Crest White Strips and Oral-B electric toothbrushes

• 43% off Anker Charging Accessories

• 48% off Teeter FitSpine X3 Inversion Table

• 66% off Anne Klein watches

• 47% off Hiboy Electric Scooters

Consumers can shop all of Amazon’s last-minute holiday shopping deals here. 

Green Monday is only days away and if you’re running behind on holiday gifts, it is – most definitely – the last big sale of the season. 

On top of the best categories to shop and the biggest deals to be had, BlackFriday.com also let ConsumerAffairs in on some new insights about what specials the big retailers have to offer on Green Monday.

Top Green Monday 2022 sales

Here’s the A to Z (well, actually W) on what retailers are putting on sale for their own version of Green Monday:

Amazon: As usual, techy things – especially Alexa-driven ones – lead the way at Amazon on Green Monday, but BlackFriday.com says there are also good prices on home goods and toys. Keep this link handy for Green Monday to find out what Amazon has specifically for that day.

If you want to be an early bird, ConsumerAffairs found a way you might be able to get an advance peek at what Amazon will offer on Monday. At this link, you'll know how long before certain items will go on sale. If you go in on Sunday and start clicking forward on the page list at the bottom until you find out what deals go live 12-24-hours from then, you might be able to find out. Might…

Best Buy: DealNews' Shannon Flynn says that tech will rule the roost at Best Buy, too, and expects deals on everything from Roombas to tablets and 4K TVs.

eBay: Since eBay is the company that came up with Green Monday in the first place, it, too, will have lots of things on sale. Exactly what though hasn’t been divulged, but DealNews says shoppers should expect everything from apparel to electronics. Keep this link handy to find out exactly what on Monday.

Kohl's: More apparel, more accessories, more home goods, and more smart home devices are what’s expected from Kohl’s on Green Monday. Here’s the link that’ll get you to those deals on December 12. The company is also offering free shipping with a minimum purchase and an extra 15% off when someone signs up for e-mail newsletters.

Macy's: Macy’s is already letting the Green Mondays cat out of the bag and has posted its sale items beforehand. When ConsumerAffairs reviewed what Macy’s was offering, it was pretty much everything in the store – men’s apparel, women’s apparel, shoes, home goods, jewelry, handbags, and beauty items (perfume, for example). Many of the prices we saw were slashed by at least 50% and some up to 70%.

Rakuten: Rakuten isn’t a retailer, per se, but it does aggregate deals so consumers can find options from a variety of major retailers and brands all in one place. On its special Green Monday site, ConsumerAffairs found lots of “cash back” offers like 8% back from Nike, not to mention a way to score an iPhone 14 Pro, Apple watch SE, iPad, & Beats Fit Pro free (of course, for a limited time, some exclusions apply, see store for details caveats).

Target: Much like Macy’s, Target is expected to feature tons of deals and discounts on products from just about every department of the store on Green Monday. BlackFriday deal watchers suggest keeping a special eye on the retailer’s special “Deal of the Day” to enjoy even more savings.

Walmart: Walmart is keeping its Green Monday deal cards close to its chest, but BlackFriday’s sales analysts predict that the big winners will be those shopping for toys, tech, and home items. 

Don’t forget about price matching!

When ConsumerAffairs went looking for anything we may have missed, the KrazyCouponLady brought up a nuance that shoppers might be able to use to leverage even more deals -- price matching!

“Use price matching to your advantage during the second Monday in December. If one retailer isn’t running a deal but another is, consider a price match,” she said.

“Many retailers don’t offer a Black Friday price match, but since Green Monday is so far past Black Friday, you might luck out and be able to request a competitor’s price.”

Walmart has been busy this holiday season – new features on its mobile app and website, extended returns and easier deliveries, and sales both before and during Black Friday. 

Now, the retailer has released a new way for shoppers to find discounted items available at Walmart – TrendGetter. For those looking for holiday gifts – home goods, clothes, a pair of shoes, home decor, etc. – you can upload an image to TrendGetter and then receive similar, ready-to-buy items from Walmart. 

“This holiday season, we know our customers are searching for what they love at can’t-miss prices,” said Casey Schlaybaugh, vice president of brand strategy and marketing at Walmart. “Now, whenever you find a product you love, you can easily search for a similar item at Walmart’s everyday low prices and purchase as soon as inspiration strikes.” 

How it works

The goal of TrendGetter is to make it easier for shoppers to find gifts they’re looking for – at low prices. Whether you’re scrolling through Instagram and see a sweater for your niece, or a YouTube video has the latest game for your son, TrendGetter was designed to help bridge the gap between a social media post and a gift under the tree. 

To use it, shoppers either take or upload a photo to the TrendGetter platform. Based on the image, Walmart utilizes Google Vision technology to generate a similar – or identical – item available for purchase at a low price. Then, shoppers can quickly order it, secure a pick-up, or see if it’s available for in-store purchase in their local Walmart store. 

Walmart recommends that shoppers keep their images as simple as possible when uploading them to TrendGetter. Make the item the primary focus of the image – without any background distractions. Avoid dark lighting and steer clear of shadows -- that can ensure that you get your best product match. 

Shoppers should also feel confident using TrendGetter from a privacy perspective. Images are used strictly to search through product catalogs, and after the item is either purchased or the user closes out of TrendGetter, Walmart says the image will be deleted. 

TrendGetter is available here. 

With holiday shopping going on for a few months now, the affordability of holiday gifts has been on a lot of consumers’ minds. Inflation has changed the way many people are shopping this holiday season, and now, having alternative payment methods have made it easier for consumers to get the gifts they’re most looking for and paying for them down the road. 

‘Buy now pay later’ (BNPL) has become an increasingly popular option – especially this holiday season – as it allows shoppers to make purchases on the spot with a small down payment, and then break up the rest of the cost into smaller monthly installments. The payments are also interest-free if you complete them in the allotted time. 

Having the option to make bigger purchases without the worry of being able to pay for it all upfront may have been helpful to consumers. However, some experts worry about the financial implications involved with choosing BNPL. 

Holiday shopping trends

Cardify shared results from a recent study it conducted that polled over 2,000 BNPL users about their plans for the holiday season. 

While BNPL wasn’t the top choice for buying holiday gifts, it did come in at number three, with over 45% saying they’d choose this payment method this season. Debit cards were the top choice (65.7%), followed by credit cards (54.6%). Just 31.5% of survey respondents said that they’d use cash to pay for gifts this holiday season. 

About 40% of people said they’d use BNPL for 50%-99% of their holiday shopping, while just under 9% said they’d use it for all of their holiday shopping. The majority – over 51% – said they’d use the service for more of their holiday shopping this year than they did last year; just 10.1% said they’d be using BNPL less this year than they did last year. 

The survey also found that BNPL shoppers were more likely to report spending more money this holiday season in general. Regardless of payment method, nearly 20% of frequent BNPL users said they’d spend more than $1,000 during the holidays; comparatively, 16.1% of non-BNPL users said they’d be spending that much this holiday season. 

Shopping smart this holiday season 

Business Insider offered tips for consumers interested in shopping with BNPL to ensure smart shopping practices and reduce the likelihood of accruing burdensome debt. 

BNPL shoppers should be mindful of interest rates, know the late fees, and know if they’ll be able to make payments down the road. While completing payments in the scheduled time usually eliminates interest rates, pushing payments beyond the four or six-week pay period can be costly.

Similarly, many BNPL services don’t charge late fees, but missing payments can be detrimental to your credit score. 

GO Banking Rates offered some alternatives to BNPL for shoppers this holiday season: 

• Apply for a credit card with 0% APR

• Use cashback to help fund holiday shopping

• Keep a schedule of some of the biggest sales of the season to make sure you’re buying at the lowest possible price 

The holiday season is costly, and BNPL can be an effective way to make bigger purchases, so long as consumers also understand the potential financial risks and don't get over-extended. 

While Amazon has been prepping shoppers for the holiday season for months now, its Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales were expected to be the main events of the big holiday shopping weekend. 

Now, with five days of sales in the rearview mirror, Amazon is reporting that hundreds of millions of products were purchased over Thanksgiving weekend. 

“This was a record-breaking holiday shopping weekend for Amazon,” said Doug Herrington, CEO, WW, Amazon Stores. “Customers shopped millions of deals this weekend and we have many more amazing deals to come.” 

Holiday shopping – and savings – aren’t over

Despite the big shopping days having come and gone, it’s not too late for consumers to cross everyone off their gift lists – and save money while doing so. 

Amazon said it will release new deals on potential gifts every day for the remainder of the holiday season. Everything from air fryers, clothing, and wireless headphones will continue to be discounted over the coming weeks. 

If you’re struggling to find the perfect gift, Amazon has curated several gift guides to make shopping easier. There are lists for fashion, popular internet items, home goods, most-loved gifts, stocking stuffers, and electronics. 

Amazon’s Holiday Gift Guide has also been ongoing throughout the holiday season. Shoppers can sort gift ideas by age or gender, and also get gifting tips from social media influencers.

Additionally, consumers can search through Amazon’s gift card inventory, which includes Amazon gift cards, as well as options from other leading retailers, such as DoorDash, Apple, Google Play, Bath & Body Works, and more.  

Easy returns, faster deliveries

While there’s still plenty of time to order gifts and receive them in time for the holidays, Amazon has rolled out new delivery – and return – options for customers this holiday season. 

In terms of shipping, shoppers can now choose items to be delivered either same-day or one-day shipping. Currently, there are hundreds of thousands of items that can be delivered to consumers’ homes in just a few hours, while over 20 million items can be shipped in just one day. 

Same-day shipping is currently available in more than 90 metro areas across the country, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Seattle, Miami, Baltimore, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Washington D.C., as well as other major cities. 

The return process has also been updated, making the process easier – and valid for much longer. Now, any items bought between October 11, 2022, and December 25, 2022, will be eligible for return through January 31, 2023. 

Returns are free to process, and shoppers can now drop off any items for return – with no label or package – in person. Local Kohl’s, UPS Stores, and Whole Foods are currently accepting Amazon returns. 

Black Friday and Cyber Monday may have been officially crossed off the consumer’s calendar, but the shelves aren’t as empty as some retailers might like them to be. So, what does a retailer do in a situation like this? Mark down more stuff!

As to what prices are coming down, what prices are going up, and what to wait another month or so to buy, consider that research done. Here's what ConsumerAffairs found:

Where prices are coming down

The best deals that Bankrate’s Sarah Foster said she found are smartphones – down in price by 22.9%. And if you’re looking for a combo deal, Cricket Wireless has one for value-conscious holiday shoppers.

Customers who bring their number to Cricket can get iPhone SE (2nd Generation) 64GB for $0 when they activate a new line on the $60/month unlimited plan. There’s some requisite fine print with the deal, but it may be worth looking into.

Electronics aren’t a Black Friday staple like they used to be, so there are good deals there as well -- televisions (-16.5%) as well as computers and devices (-3.1%).

There’s also one more big-time sales day – Green Monday. DealNews reports that on December 12, retailers are expected to offer discounts ranging from 20% to 60% off. Categories on sale will include electronics, home improvement, and clothing. 

“Of course, since eBay basically invented Green Monday, you won't want to miss their sale. Last year, they discounted apparel, tools, headphones, holiday gifts, and other items during their event,” Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst with DealNews, said.

Neither Lowe’s nor Home Depot are showing their Green Monday cards yet but Ramhold said if those two go the same route as they did in 2021, there could be a 10% increase in the number of tool deals overall.

If you’re a bargain hunter, you can forget traveling, bedding, lingerie, and exercise equipment – at least for a while

Travel? Not a good deal right now. Bankrate says airfare is up 42.9% as well as other forms of transportation and the gas it takes to get there, too. In addition, the price of staying overnight could add up, with hotel stays up 6.4% compared to last year.

That could translate into some big bucks. When travel insurer SquareMouth added travel costs together, it found that the average two-week vacation is now around $6,784 – 57% higher than the average trip cost as of Fall 2022 and 28% higher than the Summer 2022 average. 

However, as Bankrate analyst Sarah Foster told ConsumerAffairs, there is one way that consumers could save some money on travel – points!

“Consumers are often sitting on a stockpile of credit card rewards —'free' money that can only be put to use if it is, in fact, used,” she said.

Foster recommends utilizing any credit card rewards points to fund some of that travel.

While it expects some clothing deals on Green Tuesday, DealNews says that shoppers looking for winter clothing should wait until January or February when retailers have got more wooly, warm’y stuff on their racks than they’d like. 

Traditionally, January is also a good time to buy bedding, and because of the influx of health-related resolutions, there’s a decent amount of deals on exercise equipment and gym memberships in January.

And those whose tastes run to the intimate and frilly might want to wait until the end of December. That’s when the Victoria's Secret Sale goes live. It’s expected to run for at least a couple of weeks into January.

The holiday shopping season is in full swing, and for those mailing gifts across the country or overseas, it’s time to start thinking about the best time to do that. 

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has released its official deadline list for shipping gifts to ensure they make it to their intended recipients by Christmas Day. It also shared helpful information designed to make the shipping process easier for consumers, as well as projections for the busiest times of the season. 

For those who don’t want to trek to their local post office during the holiday season rush, there are now options to ship packages from home. The USPS website features the new Click-N-Ship app, that allows consumers to print shipping labels and ship boxes directly to their homes, and then schedule a free at-home package pickup. 

Holiday shipping deadlines

As the busiest time of year for the USPS kicks off, it’s important for consumers to know when to get their packages to the post office. Below is a list of suggested deadlines to ship packages to ensure they’re delivered in time for Christmas: 

• Air/Army Post Office/Fleet Post Office/Diplomatic Post Office (APO/FPO/DPO) (all ZIP codes) Priority and First-Class Mail: December 9 

• APO/FPO/DPO (except ZIP code 093) USPS Priority Mail Express Military Service: December 16 

• USPS Retail Ground Service: December 17 

• First-Class Mail Service (including greeting cards): December 17 

• First-Class Package Service (up to 15.99 ounces): December 17 

• Priority Mail Service: December 19 

• Priority Mail Express Service: December 22 

Alaska: 

• Alaska to/from Continental U.S. – USPS Retail Ground: December 2

• Alaska to/from Continental U.S. – First-Class Mail and Priority Mail: December 18 

• Alaska to/from Continental U.S. – Priority Mail Express: December 21

Hawaii: 

• Hawaii to/from mainland – First-Class and Priority Mail: December 17 

• Hawaii to/from mainland – Priority Mail Express: December 21

In some areas, there will also be the opportunity to pay for packages to be delivered via Priority Mail Express on Christmas Day. 

Shipping tips

Another important part of shipping packages at the post office is ensuring that your gift is properly packaged, labeled, and addressed – and doesn’t include any prohibited items. 

The USPS has broken down the whole process for consumers in how-to videos that cover everything from changing your address, labeling a package, and packing things safely.

Shipping costs and busiest season

In effect now through January 22, 2023, shipping materials are going to be more expensive than they usually are. However, consumers sending gifts overseas to military or diplomatic posts are eligible for discounts on shipping, including a $20.95 large Priority Mail Flat Rate Box. 

Based on traffic in years past, the USPS anticipates that crowds in post offices across the country are likely to start picking up starting as early as December 5. While the final two weeks before Christmas are likely to be hectic, the week of December 12 tends to be the busiest. 

The USPS has also increased its number of Sunday deliveries during the holiday season to help packages get to their final destination in time for the holidays. 

In most years, shopping for the most popular toys might present a challenge. But in spite of all the early sales, shoppers may find some of the most sought-after items may still on store shelves.

Just before Black Friday, the Wall Street Journal reported that stores were overflowing with Barbies and Lego sets, the holiday season's perennial favorites.

New research from Premium Joy shows that Squishmallows, plush toys that were released in 2017, have apparently surpassed the popularity of several other more established toys like Hot Wheels and Nerf for this holiday season.

Data, based on Google search volumes and Google Trends for the past six months, show that Squishmallows are the most popular holiday toy in 21 states. Hot Wheels and Nerf are the favorite toys in only 10 and six states respectively.

"Each Squishmallow model comes with a unique personality, including a name and a background story, which makes these plush toys distinct and highly collectible," said Hassan Alnassir, founder and owner of Premium Joy. "Knowing that, I wouldn't be much surprised to hear that Squishmallows have become such a hit during the holiday season."

The Toy Insider breaks down the most popular toys in 2022 by age group:

• Infants and toddlers - Fisher-Price DJ Boouncin’ Beats; Level Up gaming chair

• Pre-school: Barbie Dreamhouse; Bluey Ultimate Lights and Sounds Playhouse

• Elementary school - Addison Rae, Delux Music Fashion Doll; Akeda Triple Strike Tag Team Arena

• Tweens - Airtitans Jurassic World Massive Attack T-Rex; LEGO Super Mario Adventures with peach starter course

Target has its own list of hot toys that start in price at $14.99. They include the Yahtzee Frenzy Dice & Card game; Kinetic Sand Swirl N' Surprise 2lb Playset; Cool Maker Stitch 'N Style Fashion Studio Sewing Machine toy.

Watch out for scams

In the event that merchants run low on the most popular toys, last-minute toy shoppers need to be aware of dangerous scams. A common trick is to post a fake ad for an in-demand and hard-to-find toy online at what seems like a heavily discounted price.

One consumer posted their experience on a scam-tracking website after they thought they were purchasing a popular Squishmallow for $40. They said they received the product in the mail but said it was counterfeit.

“There are no tags on it and it is of very poor quality,” the consumer reported. I have tried to use the email provided to request a return label and it is not a real email.”

Shoppers can avoid this experience by only shopping at known and trusted stores and online merchants. A discounted price on one of the season’s hot toys could indicate that the seller is not legitimate.

There’s been so many pre-Black Friday sales going on and so much sell-off attempted in the last few months because of overstock issues, is there anything special about Black Friday anymore?

When ConsumerAffairs went looking for the answer, the pickings were indeed slim. 

“​​All retailers are competing for attention and if there is anything left it would be a very small quantity. Most likely, if you're looking for something specific, there's nothing left,” Hannah Nash, co-founder of LucyNash, told ConsumerAffairs.

Nash said that the options aren’t as robust as they have been on Black Fridays in the past but retailers are offering significant discounts in order to attract new customers and clear inventory. 

ConsumerAffairs took Nash’s advice and went hunting for big discounts to see what might be left.

Here’s what we found… 

Retailers that have the most and largest discounts

The places to go if you’re looking for a wide range of things are the major retailers such as Walmart and Target, BlackFriday.com shopping expert Mackenzie Shand told ConsumerAffairs. And those stores also have some of the largest discounts, too, just because they buy so much from vendors.

“Best Buy is a great shopping destination for tech discounts and retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's and Wayfair are good places to check for large discounts on home-related products,” she said.

“In terms of discounts, the majority of Target's deals range from 30% to 50% off. Amazon has advertised many 30% and 40% off discounts, but the discounts reach 70% for Alexa-enabled, smart devices. Similar to Target, Walmart has many items discounted between 30% to 50% off.”

Jewelry is an exceptionally good buy at department stores

For some reason, jewelry is a particularly good choice for money-pinching gift-givers this year. ConsumerAffairs saw upwards of 60% discounts at department stores such as Kohl’s and Belk, and a hard-to-believe 75% off jewelry at JCPenney. 

Macy’s isn’t laying down when it comes to discounts in the jewelry department, either. It’s got many 60% off deals which also lets shoppers buy a necklace or pair of earrings for $29.99 when they spend $25 or more.

Free gift cards

Retailers are hanging gift card mistletoe everywhere they can. ConsumerAffairs saw some tremendous deals at Target where you could get a $20 gift card with a purchase of $100-plus on baby care items, a $50 Target GiftCard with a purchase of the Xbox Series S – Holiday Console, and up to $100 gift cards for purchases of smart TV sets.

BlackFriday’s Shand also turned up several, too -- up to $250 in Apple gift cards when you purchase Apple products such as AirPods and iPads, or an additional $15 Apple gift card when you buy a $100 Apple Gift Card at Target or Best Buy, and a $10 gift card when you purchase $100 worth of gift cards at Barnes & Noble.

Don’t forget Amazon

Amazon’s biggest deals of the year usually come during their Prime Days, but Ryan Turner, the founder of Ecommerce Intelligence told ConsumerAffairs that the online giant is doing the unusual this year – a Black Friday promotion of its own. 

“This does appear to be a 48-hour only sale window, with hundreds of thousands of items discounted across all major categories,” he said. “It'd definitely be worth it for consumers to watch their Black Friday spending budgets and be sure to save some money for the day itself.”

Some web tricks that might turn up extra savings

Retailers are using every opportunity they can to keep a consumer in their lair. When ConsumerAffairs was checking out Belk’s website, we got a pop-up offering us $10 off any $20 purchase – something the promotion said could be used on top of other coupons.

When it looked like we were clicking off Kohl's website, we got a 15% off offer if we'd sign up for its newsletter.  At Duluth Trading Company's site, we got a pop-up offering 20% off plus free shipping for signing up for its email list.

It might be a smart move to check out every retailer’s website and move your mouse a little bit to activate any pop-up discounts the company wants to offer you for signing up for their mailing list or purchasing something.

By the way -- do it in incognito mode so you can make sure that you don't have the retailer's web cookie embedded in your browser. Otherwise, a pop-up deal may never happen.

Online shoppers who aren’t afraid of plug-ins or deal-checking platforms can try out things like Cently, which sniffs out coupon codes that can be used at checkout, and CamelCamelCamel, an Amazon price checker and browser extension. 

Capital One ​​also has a browser extension called “Capital One Shopping” which automatically applies coupons to your cart and sends you price drop notifications.

With holiday sales beginning in October, will there be anything left on store shelves on Black Friday? Best Buy says there will, but the company says shoppers should show up early just in case.

Best Buy stores will open at 5:00 AM on Friday, though stores located in shopping malls may open slightly later. A list of store openings can be found here. 

The electronics and appliance retailer has already started featuring Black Friday sale items. Here are a few that stand out:

• Featured Chromebooks starting at $79

• Featured Windows laptops starting at $99

• Up to $500 off some gaming laptops

• Samsung - 60" Class TU690T Series LED 4K UHD Smart Tizen TV for $400

• Samsung - 75" Class TU690T Series LED 4K UHD Smart Tizen TV for $580

• Hisense - 55" Class R6G Series LED 4K UHD Smart Roku TV for $240

• Toshiba - 32" Class V35 Series LED HD Smart Fire TV for $80

• Sony - WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Over-the-Ear Headphones - Black for $228

• Up to 50% on select exercise equipment

• MacBook Air 13.3" Laptop - Apple M1 chip - 8GB Memory - 256GB SSD  for $800

• Apple - AirPods with Charging Case (2nd generation) - White for $100

Many happy returns

Best Buy says it’s prepared for post-holiday returns and has tweaked its policies in a few places.  Purchases made October 24, 2022, through December 31, 2022, have an extended return period through January 14, 2023, excluding items purchased with a third-party contract (e.g., Activatable devices [cell phones, cellular tablets, mobile hotspots, and cellular wearables] and AppleCare+ plans, etc.); and holiday products (e.g., artificial trees, lights, decorations, etc.).

Other exclusions, including restocking fees, non-returnable products, and all other terms and conditions of the Best Buy Return & Exchange Promise apply. You’ll find more information about how to return items here.

Target, along with many major retailers, kicked off the holiday season early this year, offering shoppers Deal Day events back in early October. Then, in mid-October, the company announced its plans for a season-long Black Friday event, along with Deal of the Day, in which Target offered one major item at a significant discount. 

Now, with Black Friday right around the corner, Target is announcing its plans for the most anticipated shopping weekend of the year. Sales started on Sunday, November 20, and will run through Saturday, November 26. Then, new sales will be announced for Cyber Monday starting on Sunday, November 27, and running through Monday, November 28. 

“We know our guests are looking forward to Black Friday for big savings across all of their holiday needs, and we’re planning to deliver for them with our biggest Black Friday sale ever,” said Christina Hennington, executive vice president and chief growth officer at Target. 

“With more than one million items on sale, we’re offering guests incredible value on the season’s must-have items, from exclusives like Heyday and FAO Schwarz, to national brands like LEGO and Apple, and only-at-Target items across apparel, home, food, and beverage. And best of all, when guests shop Black Friday deals at Target, they can get their items that same day using Drive Up, Order Pickup, or Same Day Delivery with Shipt – all with no membership required.” 

What’s on sale?

While Target plans to update its sales over the course of the weekend, some of the things shoppers can get on sale right now through Saturday, November 26, include: 

• $105 off iRobot Roomba 675 vacuum

• $50 off plus a $50 gift card with the purchase of an Xbox Series S console

• 25% off beauty gift sets

• $300 off 65-inch Element Smart TV

• $150 off Dyson V8 Origin vacuum

• Buy one get one 50% off toy brands – Barbie, FAO Schwarz, Marvel, and more

• 40% off baby gear

• 40% off LEGO

• 50% off six-foot Alberta Christmas trees

• $100 off Beats Solo 3 Wireless Headphones

• 50% off Wondershop pet beds

• $200 off KitchenAid Professional 5 qt Stand Mixer

• $6 faux fur slippers

• $70 off PowerXL Vortex Pro 8 qt Air Fryer

• $29.99 for top Nintendo Switch games

Then, between Thanksgiving Day and Saturday, November 26, Target plans to roll out these sales: 

• $60 off Beats Studio Buds

• 40% off boots and outerwear

• 30% off jewelry

• $7 matching sleepwear sets

• 20% off Kinetic Sand

• $3 for clothing basics 

Shopping conveniently this holiday season

While Target stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, stores will reopen on Black Friday at 7:00 am local time. 

Additionally, throughout the holiday season, Target has updated its return policy and will honor its price match policy. Customers now have 90 days to return items to Target, while the company will also honor any price matches for items found at a lower price either at Target or other retailers when shoppers are in-store or within 14 days of their original purchase. 

By this time next week FedEx, UPS, Amazon Prime, and other shipping trucks will be busy delivering all the merchandise purchased on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

To make sure the deliveries go smoothly, avoiding everything from porch pirates to crushed boxes, here are some tips from shipping experts.

Don’t assume that your purchase will be delivered on time and in perfect condition. It might, but with millions of packages in the system, anything can happen.

If you are having a valuable or fragile item delivered to your home, it may be wise to purchase shipping insurance. For fragile items, it will also pay to ship them overnight, since the less time the item spends in the system the better. 

And it goes without saying, always get tracking numbers for your purchases and check the shipping progress periodically.

Watch out for scammers

You can expect scammers to step up their game in the wake of the year’s busiest shopping days. Don’t be fooled by texts, calls, or emails about a “missed delivery.” 

If a real delivery company misses you, it will leave a notice on your door with instructions on how to pick up your order. If you receive a missed delivery notice, examine the form carefully to make sure it is authentic and only then follow their instructions. 

It’s also important to remember everything you have ordered so you know what is coming and when. Don't click on any links. Instead,  go to the delivery carrier's website directly or log in and use the retailer's tracking tools. 

If you think you might not be home when a delivery is made, request a signature. While that may entail an extra change it means the delivery company won’t leave a package on your doorstep, where it might tempt a porch pirate.

Don’t let packages sit on the porch

If a package is dropped on your porch, make sure you get it inside as quickly as possible. Packages left sitting outside are particularly vulnerable to theft.

If you don’t expect to be home when the package is delivered, have it delivered to your place of employment, if possible. You could also ask a neighbor if they would be willing to accept the package for you.

UPS and other delivery services have contracts with retail chains, whose stores will accept a package and hold it until the recipient can show up to collect it.

Finally, open the box as soon as it is delivered. Look for signs of damage or tampering. If you see something that doesn’t seem right, contact the seller right away. Make sure you understand the merchant’s return policy for damaged or unwanted items. 

Amazon’s Black Friday sale is still days away, and now the company is getting shoppers ready for what’s to come after that – Cyber Monday sales. 

While some of Amazon’s Black Friday deals are already underway, the company announced that Cyber Monday sales will start promptly on Saturday, November 26, and run through Monday, November 28.

The sale is expected to feature some of the biggest brands of the holiday season – Mr. Coffee, Anastasia Beverly Hills, and Bose, among several others. 

Leading up to both the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, Amazon will offer discounts on a handful of items every day. This is in addition to the daily Deal of the Day and will feature brands like Adidas, Casper, SodaStream, Oakley, and more. 

Here’s what will be discounted

Similar to its Black Friday sale, during Cyber Monday, Amazon plans to drop new deals every 30 minutes of the three-day savings event. However, the company has already announced many of its biggest sales for this upcoming weekend: 

• Up to 30% off Solo Stove fire pits 

• Up to 45% off BLACK+DECKER tools

• Up to 30% off American Girl dolls and accessories, LEGO sets, and Bluey toys

• Up to 70% off select Alexa devices – including Fire TV and Echo 

• Up to 40% off clothes from HappyNation

• Up to 50% off Gap clothing and accessories

• Up to 25% off items from Snoop Doggie Doggs 

• Up to 60% off Ring and Blink devices and accessories

• Up to 30% off accessories from Anker

• Up to 25% off Kourtney Kardashian’s Lemme vitamins

• Up to 40% off Mr. Coffee coffeemakers

• Up to 30% off hair products from T3 

• Up to 50% off DASH air fryers and meat thermometers

• Up to 30% off Segway, Jetson, and Hurley e-scooters and bikes

• Up to 40% off Bose, Sony, and JBL headphones and speakers

• Up to 30% off Marvel clothing and toys

• Up to 40% off Tommy Hilfiger clothes and accessories

• Up to 45% off clothes from Simple Joys by Carter’s and Amazon Essentials

• Up to 40% off eero mesh Wi-Fi systems

• Up to 40% off BALEAF athletic clothing

• Up to 40% off Skullcandy and Shokz headphones

• Up to 50% off premium beauty brands – Anastasia Beverly Hills, Murad, and more

• Up to 30% off Peloton accessories and clothing

Support small businesses and get gift ideas from influencers

While Amazon is hosting sales on some of the biggest national brands, there is also opportunity for shoppers to support small businesses this holiday season. 

Resources like the Small Business Gift Guide, the filter to shop for emerging brands, and the link to shop Amazon Handmade, allow consumers to shop for a wide range of gifts while supporting small businesses. These links feature affordable gift guides, ideas for stocking stuffers, and recommendations from celebrities. 

In addition, social media influencers have partnered with Amazon to share their gift ideas for Cyber Monday and the rest of the holidays. Storm Reid, Remi Bader, Vinnie Hacker, and Dixie D’Amelio have covered nearly every gifting category – apparel, handbags, home goods, electronics, teens, technology, and more. 

With Black Friday just days away, consumers are narrowing down their holiday shopping lists. Now, DICK'S Sporting Goods has released its Black Friday deals, some of which have already started, as well as holiday gift ideas. 

The gift guide, which is live now, will continue to be updated with new deals and savings opportunities through Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The sales cover a wide variety of brands, including YETI, North Face, Peloton, and more. 

To add to consumers’ savings this holiday season, DICK’S will honor price matching. Any customer who proves that they can get the same item for a lower price at a different store will receive that same low price at DICK’S. 

While DICK’s stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, the sporting goods company will have extended hours on Black Friday, with all stores staying open from 6:00 am through 10:00 pm. 

What’s on sale?

DICK’S kicked off its Black Friday offerings on November 20, and these sales will run through Saturday, November 26. Here’s what shoppers can expect: 

• 30% off North Face hoodies
• Up to $230 off select golf clubs
• Up to 50% off Adidas shoes and clothes
• 50% off Nishiki youth Pueblo bikes
• Up to 30% off Nike shoes and clothes
• Up to 60% off basketball hoops from Goliath & Lifetime
• Select NCAA fleeces, quarter zips, and polos for $21.98 

Then, starting on Thanksgiving Day and running through November 26, DICK’S will offer a few more sales for shoppers. 

• 25% off Sorel shoes
• $2,500 off the Prince 6800 table tennis table 
• Up to 30% off Brooks shoes 

Choose how to shop

DICK’S customers can choose the shopping option that’s most convenient for them this holiday season: ship to home, in-store shopping, one-hour pickup, or same-day delivery with Instacart or DoorDash.

Additionally, DICK’S ScoreCard members receive free shipping on all orders of $49 or more, and most DICK’S stores will have extended hours for shopping during the holiday season. 

Though there’s plenty of time to order holiday gifts online without fear of when they’ll show up, that anticipation will start to build in the coming weeks. 

To help offset some of those anxieties, Saks OFF 5th has rolled out a new feature – Guaranteed Delivery Date. Rather than showing a vague window of when an item will show up on your doorstep, or having shoppers wait until their order ships to know when it’s really coming, the company will now show shoppers precisely when their order will arrive. 

“Before Guaranteed Delivery Date, SaksOFF5th.com customers were presented with a standard delivery time frame for each item, regardless of destination, which meant items shipping to New York, Seattle, or Hawaii all had the same shipping period of three to five business days,” said Shivi Shankaran, COO of SaksOFF5th.com.

“With our new logistics capabilities now in place, we’re able to analyze all of the many factors that go into estimating a delivery date, such as where the product is, where it needs to go, who can help us deliver, and provide a concrete date for when customers will receive their package based on when they order. By introducing a customer-centric approach to our delivery experience, we’re making it easier to shop with Saks OFF 5th than ever before.” 

Shoppers will be able to view their guaranteed delivery date once they’re in the checkout process. Their shopping cart will highlight the date of delivery, as well as the price of shipping for each shipping method.

However, shoppers will also see a countdown timer – they must complete their order before the timer runs out in order to lock in the original guaranteed delivery date. 

The company reported that while most orders will fall under the new Guaranteed Delivery Date, not all will. For those that don’t, there will be an estimated delivery range for when the package will be delivered. 

Additionally, should a package be delivered after Saks’ Guaranteed Delivery Date, customers are eligible for a refund for their delivery charge. 

Shopping becomes more efficient

With this new feature, shoppers will know immediately whether the item they have their eye on will arrive in time, or if they should start looking for backup options. 

Saks OFF 5th worked both internally and with Shipium, a shipping and technology company, to make their estimated delivery dates as precise as possible for every single item. The company has also started working with more delivery carriers to improve the delivery process and allow shoppers to get their items as quickly as possible. All of these efforts, the company says, combined with advancements in technology and fulfillment centers have made it possible for Saks OFF 5th to improve its delivery date process. 

The company also believes that more accurate delivery dates will improve its delivery efficiency, as well. With the holiday season underway, it estimates that shoppers will have as many as three additional days to place their order and ensure a Christmas delivery date. 

There will also be even more ways to ship deliveries this holiday season. Shoppers can expect to have more options – such as Next Day Delivery and Expedited Delivery. The Guaranteed Delivery update will be available for all delivery options, and they will also show the costs associated with each choice. 

Rakuten, the online platform that provides online shoppers with cashback and discount codes, will now offer exclusive opportunities for customers this holiday season. 

From November 12-13, Rakuten will host its first-ever in-person pop-up shop in New York City. To complement that event, and extend the cash back opportunities to shoppers across the country, customers can shop the Holiday Edit to earn 10% cash back on holiday gifts. 

“Consumers have weathered a lot these last couple of holiday seasons – last year with supply chain issues and this year with inflation,” said Vicki McRae, senior vice president of brand, creative, and communications at Rakuten.

“Rakuten wanted to inspire shoppers by creating a holiday shopping destination with impactful rewards. We are thrilled to bring our online platform to life in New York City because we know seeing, or experiencing, is believing. Our members have earned billions in Cash Back online, and for the first time, shoppers will be able to earn Cash Back on the spot at the pop-up, making Rakuten the most rewarding way to shop this holiday season.”

Sleigh Your Shopping pop-up 

For its first in-person shopping event, Rakuten will host a “Sleigh Your Shopping” pop-up event from November 12-13 at 666 Broadway in New York City. 

Shoppers will earn 10% cash back at the event for every purchase that they make, plus an additional 10% cash back to their Rakuten accounts after the event. The pop-up will also feature some of the biggest brands, ensuring shoppers are able to make progress toward finishing their holiday shopping list. This includes: UGG, JVN Hair, Patrick Ta Beauty, and Quay, among several others. 

Shoppers simply have to show up to the pop-up and start shopping. The event is free and open to the public. 

Online shopping opportunities

For that outside of the New York City area, or for those who prefer to shop online, Rakuten is also offering cash-back deals for online shopping. From November 10-13, shoppers can earn 10% cash back on purchases made through the company’s Holiday Edit gift guide. 

The company has teamed up with celebrities and social media influencers to curate gift guides in different categories to help make holiday shopping easier – and help shoppers earn more cash back. Erin and Sara Foster have created the Fashion Edit, Kate Hudson created the Wellness Edit, Patrick Ta created the Beauty Edit, and Jonathan Van Ness created the Hair Edit. Each list is full of different gift ideas that also offer shoppers cash back on every purchase. 

Rakuten also plans to offer special cash-back deals for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

In advance of Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, retailers are lining up to show appreciation for those who are, or have, served the U.S. in the Armed Forces.

“During this annual federal holiday, we extend this savings to our active-duty military and veterans as a way to help them save money while honoring their brave service,” said Meg Ham, president, Food Lion, one retailer offering a 10% discount. 

“Our military veterans represent the towns and cities we serve, and Food Lion is committed to caring for and honoring our hometown heroes.”

According to Military.com, the deals are pretty simple –  proof of military service, such as:

• Retiree or military ID card

• Veterans ID card

• VA Benefits card

• DD-214 form

• State of residency ID card

• And for those shopping online, some retailers will require a registration with ID.me, a digital wallet that provides secure authentication and verification for multiple federal agencies and more than 500 name-brand retailers.

If you’re a vet, you’ve got a bunch of choices, says Military.com – everything from sporting goods to mattresses. Here’s a partial list of the discounts, dates, and eligibility requirements:

Sports Gear

Academy Sports + Outdoors -- Are you (or someone in your family) the athletic type? Active-duty service members and veterans get 10% off the entire purchase online or in-store from October 23 through November 13.

Adidas -- Veterans and active-duty military get 40% off sitewide until November 12.

Clothes and Shoes

HYLETE -- Fitness apparel company HYLETE will offer two Veterans Day promotions from November 11 through November 13. For an extra 10% off service league pricing, shoppers can use code "VET10" or for $20 off a $100 purchase shoppers can use the code "VET20". Only one code may be applied per order.

Rack Room Shoes -- Military personnel and their dependents get a 20% discount off their entire purchase in-store on November 11.

American Giant -- Active-duty military, Reservists, National Guard, veterans, and military family members get 30% off online from November 7 through 11.

General Merchandise

Target -- Target is going sale crazy this time of year. In addition to its other deep discounts, it is offering a 10% military discount from October 30 through November 12 to all active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families. The discount can be used on two separate transactions and applies to all in-basket items, online and in-store.

Dollar General -- Veterans, active-duty military, National Guard, and Reserve and their immediate family members save 20% November 10 through 13 on qualifying, in-store purchases.

Tractor Supply Company -- Active-duty military, veterans and their dependents get a 15% discount on November 11.

Kohl’s -- Veterans, active and former military personnel, and their immediate families get 30% off in-store purchases from November 11 through 13.

Automotive

Just Tires -- If your vehicle needs new tires or a tune-up, active-duty military and veterans get free Car Care Checks at Just Tires, plus an additional 10% off tires and services. Eligible guests who present a valid ID can schedule car care check appointments between November 10 and 14 and redeem service through November 17.

Goodyear Auto Service -- Active-duty military and veterans get free Car Care Checks, plus an additional 10% off tires and services. Eligible guests who present a valid ID can schedule car care check appointments between November 10 and 14 and redeem service through November 17.

Grocery Stores

Southeastern Grocers -- Veterans and active-duty military get an 11% discount with valid documentation on November 11.

Food Lion -- For its 1,100 stores, Food Lion is offering active-duty military personnel and veterans 10% off on their in-store shopping purchase total before taxes on November 11. Show your military ID and MVP Card at checkout.

Publix -- Veterans and active-duty military personnel get a 10% discount on groceries on November 11.

Haircuts

Great Clips – On November 11, veterans and active service members can go into any U.S. Great Clips salon and get a free haircut or a free haircut card for a future visit.

In addition, non-military customers who get a haircut on Veterans Day will also have the opportunity to pay it forward. They can receive a free haircut card to give to an active service member or veteran that can be redeemed for a free haircut from November 12 through December 9.

Sport Clips -- On November 11, participating locations will provide free haircuts to veterans and active-duty service members with valid proof of service.

Vitamins and Drug Stores

Vitamin Shoppe -- From November 10 to 13, veterans receive a 25% discount on their entire purchase at any in-store location of The Vitamin Shoppe and Super Supplements.

Walgreens -- On November 11 through 14, veterans, active-duty military and their families receive 20% off regular price eligible store items at any Walgreens or Duane Reade drugstore nationwide.

Office Supplies

Staples -- Active-duty military personnel, reservists, retired or disabled veterans and their immediate families get a 25% discount November 6 through 12.

Office Depot and OfficeMax -- Veterans, active-duty military personnel, Reservists, and their dependents get 25% off qualifying regular and sale-priced purchases November 11 through 13. This offer is valid in-store only and requires a coupon.

Furniture

Lovesac -- Active and retired service members and their registered dependents get 25% off online after verification. Apply for your discount code by October 30, then redeem your code by November 13.

Sleep Number -- Shopping for a new mattress? Active-duty military and veterans receive 20% off most Sleep Number 360 smart beds, all bases, and most bedding purchases. This offer is valid from November 1 through 14.

Despite all the sales that retailers like Target, Macy’s, Walmart, and others are promoting as season-long “Black Friday” sales, the real Black Friday hasn’t happened, yet, and all these little pop-up sales are causing confusion.

The shopping pundits at RetailDive pin the tail on Amazon for starting this mess.

“This year, Amazon again staged a second big Prime sales event, though the e-commerce giant didn’t want to call it Prime Day since that took place over the summer. As Target and other retailers held sales of their own around the same time, it seemed like Black Friday had begun, at least in spirit,” Daphne Howland said.

“It isn’t really turning out that way, though. Amazon’s sale was something of a disappointment, for example.”

Why the rush?

The decision not to wait until the official Black Friday on November 25 is most likely due to two issues. For one, some retailers are sitting on inventory that’s choking space on their shelves and in unopened boxes in the back of the store. The other is that stores are suffering from the impact of inflation which is keeping consumers from opening their wallets.

According to a new NDP survey, a concerning 20% of holiday shoppers say they will spend less over the holidays because their economic situation has changed. Add to that, more than one in ten (12%) shoppers will be spending less on gifts so they can spend more on holiday entertaining-related expenses, like food, drink, and decorations in our first true holiday shopping out of COVID-19’s shadows.

“Consumers are ready to get out and celebrate over the 2022 holiday season, but last year’s optimism has taken a beating as financial concerns have them feeling a bit more grinchy this year,” said Marshal Cohen, chief retail industry advisor for NPD.

“Despite economic challenges, consumers still have just as many friends and family members to shop for during the holidays, they will just be spending differently.” 

Finding deals will be different, too, this year

Being pandemic-free, consumers say they will be both shopping more and buying more in stores as opposed to online. Believe it or not, two in five Americans miss the chaos of in-person Black Friday shopping.

The question is how do consumers find these in-store specials? The key word is “retention,” suggests Heather Dougherty, vice president of success at Lexer, a customer data platform for retailers.

“Consumers who are members of loyalty programs will probably really benefit from exclusive offers, early access to sales, special discounts, gifts with purchase and all sorts of other types of benefits,” Dougherty said.

She told FoxNews2 that deal-watchers should keep an eye out for communications from the retailers they plan to shop with. And, for those who don’t belong to a retailer’s loyalty program, it would be a smart move to sign up for one or download the retailer’s app.

However, Dougherty said consumers need to make sure that if there’s a fee to take part in a loyalty program – like Walmart+ – consumers should weigh the cost versus potential savings before they commit.

With the holiday shopping season starting earlier than ever, and inflation putting a dent in consumers’ shopping budgets, Mercari is working to make it easier than ever to shop second hand this holiday season. 

Mercari, an online secondhand store where consumers can list their own new or used items or buy from others at a discounted rate, is hosting a holiday listing event from November 6-13, in addition to offering sales during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, as well as through the first few weeks of December. 

“American households are sitting on an estimated $580 billion worth of products they’re no longer using (the equivalent of $4,517 per household), according to Mercari’s Reuse Report,” the company wrote. “Selling these unused items is a great way to declutter and pass on quality items to others – all while earning extra cash for holiday shopping.” 

List more items, get more savings

From November 6-13, Mercari users will get discounts on secondhand items, with the more items that they list for sale. Customers who list between two and four items will receive a coupon for $5 off a $50+ order. Similarly, listing five to nine items will yield $10 off a $50+ order, and listing 10 or more items gets $20 off a $50+ order. 

During Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Mercari is gearing its sales toward new customers. New users will receive $10 off their orders – with no restrictions on items eligible for the discount – from November 25-27. On top of that, new users will also receive 10% off their first order, and 30% off a second purchase made within the next week. 

The last sale offer will take shoppers right through the beginning of December. Mercari will host 12 Days of Gifting from December 1-12. Each day, the Mercari website and app will have different offers for shoppers to reduce their spending totals even further. 

Mercari’s online shop has secondhand and vintage items in nearly every category – toys, clothes, household items, and jewelry, among several others. It could present a unique opportunity for consumers to save money on gifts this holiday season. 

As consumers are in full swing with holiday shopping, Google is rolling out new Search features that are designed to make it easier for shoppers to save money this holiday season. 

The update comes with three new additions: price insights, new labels for coupons and promotions, and side-by-side price comparisons. 

“The holiday season is upon us, and many are already getting into the (shopping) spirit,” wrote Shashi Thakur, vice president and general manager of consumer shopping at Google. “Deals are particularly top of mind this year: Among Americans planning to shop for the holidays, 43% are planning to look for deals and sales more than last year. So we’re sharing a few new features to help you easily find those discounts and get the perfect gift at the right price.” 

Saving more money this holiday season

Google Search’s new features were designed to help make holiday shopping easier – and cheaper – for shoppers. Here’s a look at what consumers can expect from the search engine: 

• Price Insights: This feature helps shoppers compare how the price of the item they have their eye on stacks up at other retailers. On top of that, Google will start showing whether the list prices are low, average, or high for the item. This will help shoppers understand whether or not they’re getting a good deal, overpaying for a must-have gift, or can get something cheaper elsewhere. 

• New Coupon and Promotion Labels: There is no shortage of coupon codes floating around the internet. With this new feature, Google will show which sales are going on right from the Search menu, and which coupon codes are active and valid. This update will tag which items are on sale, what the sale is, and the code that’s needed to activate the discount. This may help speed up consumers’ shopping process, as all of this information is now available after doing a search with no need to click through retailers’ websites. To make things even easier, shoppers can also now clip coupons. After clicking on the promo, the coupon code will save to your clipboard for easy access to paste into checkout. 

• Price Comparisons: The side-by-side price match feature was also designed to make online shopping faster and more efficient. When looking for a good deal on something specific, it can get time-consuming going through website after website. Now, a quick Google Search will show offerings for your specific item – from different stores – offering an immediate price comparison. 

Google plans to roll out these updates in full by the end of the month – right at the height of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. 

Getting ahead of the holiday season has been a theme this year, and several retailers have already announced plans for Black Friday deals that last the entire month of November – Macy’s, Walmart, and Target, among others. 

Now, Mattress Firm is joining that list, with Black Friday sales that are running now through December 6. This is the earliest that the mattress store has ever announced Black Friday deals, and consumers can find sales both online and in-store. 

Get your next mattress for less

One such discount shoppers can expect is purchasing a king mattress for the price of a queen, or a queen mattress for the price of a twin. While certain brands aren’t eligible for this specific discount – Sealy Hybrid, Tempur-Pedic, Purple, and Nectar, among others – consumers can still expect to save on their next mattress. 

For those who have or open a Mattress Firm credit card, there will be 0% interest for five years on purchases of $1,999 or more. For consumers who spend $2,999 or more on their Mattress Firm credit card, there will be 0% interest for six years. 

Additionally, shoppers will earn up to $100 bonus cash for each purchase they make. From November 9-29, those who spend $500-$1,499.99 will earn either a $25 bonus in cash to spend online or $50 in bonus cash to spend in-store. Similarly, those who spend $1,500 or more will receive $50 online bonus cash or $100 in-store bonus cash to be spent between December 7-27. 

Customers will also receive up to $700 off select mattresses, plus a free adjustable base. 

With over a month of savings available both online and in-store, consumers can choose when and how to pick out their next mattress this holiday season. 

Like a growing number of major retailers this year, Walmart is in full holiday mode. The company has announced its month-long Black Friday plans, top toys list, new holiday return policies, and an updated gift guide and toy selection for the 2022 holiday season. 

Now, to tie all of those things together, and improve customers’ online shopping experience, Walmart has also enhanced its website and mobile app. The updates, which were rolled out this week, will make it easier than ever to make purchases this holiday season – and beyond. 

“As many of us start preparing to welcome friends and family members into our homes for the holidays, Walmart is taking the same actions to get our ‘house’ ready for holiday shopping,” wrote Brock McKeel, senior vice president of site experience and Walmart eCommerce. “We’re pulling out all the stops for our customers on Walmart.com, ensuring that they have fast, frictionless, engaging, and personalized shopping experiences that save them time, save them money, and make shopping on our site just as easy as shopping in one of our stores.” 

Saving money, prioritizing convenience 

Walmart says its new digital features are all about helping consumers save money and facilitating a fast, convenient shopping experience. 

One of the new features tags all sale items in green. The green price tag will help shoppers easily identify which items are on sale and what the discounted prices are. 

For shoppers in a hurry, there will now be the option to immediately “buy now.” Rather than going through the entire checkout process, or scrolling through tons of items, Walmart shoppers can skip right to the end to make shopping faster. 

Additionally, Walmart will start showing suggestions of items that shoppers either regularly purchase or that are increasingly popular. The website and the app will start showing how many people have added certain items to their cart and how many people are looking at specific items. 

When it comes to Black Friday, consumers won’t have to stress about missing out on big-ticket items. Walmart will now offer virtual queues, which will allow shoppers to continue browsing the site or app, while virtually holding their spot for popular items.

Not only will this feature highlight on the screen how long shoppers are able to hold something in their carts, but shoppers can wait in multiple queues to make sure they get everything on their shopping lists. 

“Every improvement to the site experience helps us create a faster, more engaging, and more personalized experience for our customers, and we’re just getting started,” McKeel wrote. “The closest store to our customer is in their pocket, and they can trust us to make it easy for them to save time, save money, and ultimately, live better this holiday season.”

In preparation for the holiday season, Amazon will now offer customers a new way to pay for their orders: Venmo. 

Starting immediately, shoppers can check out either on Amazon.com or the Amazon app through their Venmo accounts. 

“We want to offer customers payment options that are convenient, easy to use, and secure – there’s no better time for that than the busy holiday season,” said Max Bardon, vice president of Amazon Worldwide Payments. “Whether it’s paying with cash, buying now and paying later, or now paying via Venmo, our goal is to meet the needs and preferences of every Amazon customer. We’re excited to continue to offer customers even more options when it comes to how and when they want to pay for their order.” 

“We know that the Venmo community of nearly 90 million users value the safety, security, ease, and familiarity that paying with Venmo helps to bring to the checkout experience,” said Doug Bland, senior vice president and general manager, head of Consumer at PayPal. “The ability to pay with Venmo on Amazon continues our ongoing commitment to offer the community more ways to spend, send, receive, and manage their money with Venmo.” 

Ease and convenience paying with Venmo

Checking out at Amazon with your Venmo account was designed to make things easier for shoppers, and offer yet another way to pay. 

Amazon has made the option as simple as adding any other payment method to your account. When ready to checkout, select payment methods, and begin the process of linking your Venmo account. After that, you’re all set. Paying with Venmo will then be an option at checkout for all future Amazon purchases. 

You can also opt to use Venmo as your default payment setting, meaning Amazon will pre-select your Venmo account as the primary payment method moving forward. 

Amazon says its customers can feel confident knowing their purchases are secure through Venmo. Additionally, using Venmo on Amazon doesn’t come with any additional fees, and customers will be able to pay the same way they would with Venmo – using their Venmo balance, or their linked credit or debit cards. 

The company has already started rolling out the Venmo feature to users, and all Amazon customers will be able to pay with Venmo by Black Friday.  

The holiday shopping season has taken an interesting turn this year. Between several retailers offering major sales in early October, plus Amazon and the NFL announcing a Black Friday game on Prime Video for 2023, things are certainly changing. 

Now, following announcements from Target and Walmart for a November full of early Black Friday deals, Kohl’s is following suit. The retailer announced that November will be a month full of savings and discounts for shoppers. 

“Our customers have made it clear that value is more important than ever this season,” said Christie Raymond, chief marketing officer at Kohl’s. “That’s why it was incredibly important to us to offer savings events that not only give customers the choice of when to shop, but the confidence in knowing they are getting a great value on gifts for their loved ones every time they choose Kohl’s." 

“This holiday season, we’re meeting our customers where they are – wanting to shop early, and wanting to find deals on all the top gifts and products of the season,” said Ron Murray, interim chief merchandising officer at Kohl’s. “With our robust assortment of products and categories that lean into the areas where we’re really seeing our customers gravitate towards, such as outdoor, home, beauty, pet, toys, and apparel, we’re confident that Kohl’s will be a key destination for all of their holiday needs.” 

Starting Black Friday early

At Kohl’s, Black Friday sales and big savings opportunities will start on November 4 and last for the entire month. From that point, the company will offer new deals designed to help customers save money right through Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

Starting November 4, customers will receive $15 Kohl’s cash for every $50 spent at Kohl’s. On top of that, Kohl’s is offering 15% off all online and in-store purchases from November 4-10. Then, from November 5-10, Kohl’s cash will be $10 for every $50 spent. 

Customers interested in getting gifts – or their everyday favorites – from Sephora at Kohl’s can get 20% off their orders – and 30% off the Sephora collection – from October 28-November 7. 

For the two weekends before Black Friday – November 11-12 and November 18-19 – Kohl’s will host Dashing Deal Days. Not only will items across several departments be on sale – clothes, home goods, toys, and activewear, among others – but there will also be the opportunity to rack up even more Kohl’s cash and savings. 

From November 11-19, Kohl’s will be offering 20% off all in-store and online purchases. Customers will receive $10 in Kohl’s cash for every $50 spent between November 11-17, while $10 will be taken off every $25 purchase from November 11-12. Active and former military personnel will be eligible to receive 30% off all of their purchases from November 11-13. 

Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals

The closer it gets to Black Friday, the more deals that Kohl’s will be offering to customers – starting on Sunday, November 20 – a full five days before Black Friday. For the entire week of Thanksgiving, Kohl’s cash will be $15 for every $50 spent, and customers will receive 15% off all purchases. 

Deals on specific items are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, as Kohl’s plans to have even more discounts as the holiday shopping season heats up. Shoppers are encouraged to choose the method that best suits them – whether that’s in-store, online, on the Kohl’s app, or self-pick-up. 

The holiday shopping season has officially kicked off, and major retailers have begun hosting big savings events this month. Target hosted its two-day Deal Day event from October 6-8, Walmart will be holding its Rollback and More sales event through October 13, and Kohl’s will host a 2-Day Deal Dash through October 12. 

Amazon is also participating in the early holiday shopping festivities with its Prime Early Access Sale on October 11-12. As Prime members consider their holiday shopping lists, preparation is key for the company’s second Prime Day event of the year. 

While Amazon plans to announce new deals over the course of the two-day sale, below are some of the items that are being highlighted as part of the discount event, as well as some tips for consumers to make the most of the Prime Early Access Sale. 

What’s on sale? 

Thousands of items will be on sale during this Prime event, including some of the biggest brands of the holiday season – Peloton, Casper, Ninja, Calvin Klein, and more. Here are some of the best deals consumers can score during the two-day Amazon sale. 

Home Goods: 

• Ninja Air Fryer with 2 Baskets: $199.99 (originally $249.99)

• Calphalon 10-piece Pots and Pans Set: $100 (originally $150) 

• Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker: $49.99 (originally $100)

• Toshiba Countertop Microwave Oven: $134.99 (originally $164.99) 

• REFSAVER Fridge Storage Containers: $20 (originally $35) 

Amazon Devices: 

• Echo Dot with Clock (4th Generation): $35 (originally $60) 

• Fire TV Cube: $60 (originally $120) 

• Kindle Paperwhite: $100 (originally $140) 

• Amazon Halo View: $45 (originally $80) 

• Kindle Oasis: $180 (originally $250) 

TVs: 

• Insignia 32” Smart HD Fire TV: $99.99 (originally $179.99) 

• TCL 50” 5-Series 4K UHD Dolby Vision HDR Roku Smart TV: $429.99 (originally $699.99)

• LG 55” C1 OLED Smart TV: $1,296.99 (originally $1,499.99) 

• Samsung 65” Class QLED Q70A Smart TV: $947.99 (originally $1,399.99) 

• Samsung 85” QN90B Class Neo HDR Smart TV: $2,997.99 (originally $4,497.99) 

Technology: 

• Apple AirPods 2: $90 (originally $169) 

• Fitbit Luxe: $87 (originally $140) 

• iRobot Roomba J7 Plus: $599 (originally $799.99) 

• Apple Watch SE (2020): $189 (originally $279) 

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A8: $179.99 (originally $229.99) 

Toys: 

• Lego Ideas Seinfeld Building Kit: $64 (originally $80) 

• TeeTurtle Reversible Plushies: $11 (originally $15) 

• Playmobil Knight Rider K.I.T.T.: $68 (originally $90) 

• Discovery Kids Gemstone Dig STEM Science Kit: $12.97 (originally $19.99)

• Nerf Modulus Recon MKIII Blaster: $28 (originally $34) 

How to make the most of the sale

To make sure you check off every family member or friend on your gift list during the Prime Early Access Sale, Prime members can set up personalized notifications for deals on specific items. You can set up these alerts on the Amazon website or app based on items you’ve recently searched for or looked at. During the sale, you’ll start to receive notifications as the items are discounted. 

Shoppers can also take advantage of Amazon’s holiday toy list and home gift guide. Both lists are broken down into different categories to help guide consumers to find the perfect gifts. 

The trend for holiday shopping this season has been: early. With Target and Walmart announcing their plans to make holiday shopping more affordable for customers – and have deals start earlier than ever – Amazon is now joining in with its own holiday efforts. 

The company announced that it will host a Prime Early Access Sale, offering customers some of the biggest deals of the holiday season, for 48 hours from October 11-12. Amazon also has plans to release its Top 100 list over the course of the two days to ensure that shoppers are seeing the best available deals during the sale. 

The two-day shopping event marks the first time the retailer has held a second Prime event in one calendar year. 

“We are so excited to help Prime members kick off the holiday season with Amazon’s new Prime Early Access Sale – an exclusive opportunity for members to get deep discounts on top brands we know they are looking for this time of year,” said Jamil Ghani, vice president of Amazon Prime. “And members can start enjoying exclusive Prime benefits and offers now, plus find gift ideas for the family with our holiday gift guides and this year’s Toys We Love list.” 

What shoppers can expect

For starters, Amazon Prime members can expect sales on some of the biggest brands – Peloton, Adidas, Philips Sonicare, KitchenAid, and Samsung, among others. Over the course of the two-day sale, Amazon will continue to announce new deals on big-ticket holiday items. 

To prepare for the sale, Prime members can set up personalized notifications for deals on specific items. Between now and the start of the sale, shoppers can set up these alerts on the Amazon app or website based on items they’ve recently searched for or looked at. Then, members will receive notifications for special deals once the Prime Early Access Sale starts. 

Prime members with an Alexa device can start making shopping lists for the Prime Early Access Sale. Alexa will let you know when deals are available for these items and can make purchases for you. 

Shoppers can also start looking at the holiday gift guides to prepare for the sale. The Holiday Toy List is broken down by age, characters, and categories to help narrow down searches and see some of the most popular gift items.

There’s also a home gift guide, which features everything from indoor and outdoor decor to furniture and cookware. 

Other benefits from Prime this month include deals on Prime Video, Amazon Music, and GrubHub. While Prime Video comes with a Prime membership, Amazon is now offering half-off select movies and TV shows.

Prime members can select one of two deals from Amazon Music – either four months free of Amazon Music Unlimited or one-month free of Amazon Music Unlimited with the purchase of an Amazon Echo Dot for $0.99.

Prime members are also eligible to get one year of GrubHub+ – which comes with free delivery on orders over $12 and other rewards – for free. 

It can be difficult to get a bargain anywhere these days. With efforts to find discounts for back-to-school supplies, holiday gifts, or airline tickets, the Cinema Foundation is giving movie lovers the opportunity to save some money – and head out to their local movie theater. 

The non-profit organization has named September 3 “National Cinema Day,” with all movie tickets costing just $3. This deal is in effect for movies shown in IMAX or 3D, and over 3,000 theaters across the country will be participating – including big-name chains like Regal Cinemas and AMC. 

As the last big weekend of the summer, very few moviegoers end up in theaters over Labor Day Weekend. The goal of the promotion is to generate interest with $3 tickets and build on the momentum from a successful summer for movie theaters nationwide. 

Scoring deals on snacks and drinks

For consumers with a local AMC or Cinemark theater, the deals don’t end with the $3 ticket to any movie. Both companies have also announced savings on snack and drink options for National Cinema Day. 

Cinemark will be offering moviegoers: $3 for a small popcorn (with the option to upgrade to a large for $1), $3 for a medium ICEE or fountain soda, and $3 candy. AMC theaters are offering its cameo combo of popcorn and a fountain drink for $5 plus tax. 

Depending on the success of this first National Cinema Day, industry sources say this may turn into an annual occurrence in the U.S. 

Labor Day weekend will be here before you know it. And retailers all over are rolling out end-of-the-season deals on all mattresses, home goods, clothing, outdoor furniture, grills, major appliances, and more.

Thanks to shopping experts at BlackFriday.com and Deal News, ConsumerAffairs has the dish on the best sales, plus buying tips for shoppers to utilize while shopping over the long weekend.

The deal and steals

Here are what Black Friday and Deal News shared with ConsumerAffairs as the best Labor Deals, A-Z.

Article - From now until September 5, you can save up to 50% on more than 400 Article furnishings. This includes patio seating, coffee tables, beds, bookcases, and more.

Casper: Casper has several different promotions running right now. Adjustable bed frames are 50% off, pillows are up to 40% off, sheets are up to 50% off, bedding bundles are 25% off and weighted blankets and other items are on sale too.

Dyson: Dyson is hosting what it says is a major sale for Labor Day. Shoppers can save up to $200 on top models, including vacuums and air purifiers.

eBay: Save up to 78% off big brands during the site's Labor Day sale. Even better, take an extra 15% off select items via code "LABORDAYSAVE". This deal is valid through September 5.

Essentia: Save 25% and receive two free Comfort pillows when you purchase an Essentia organic mattress. This offer is valid through September 5. Additionally, get 25% off your purchase, including organic mattresses, organic pillows, foundations, crib mattresses, and pet beds. Free shipping is also included, and this deal is valid September 6-12.

Home Depot: Home Depot is giving shoppers early access to its Labor Day appliance savings. Shoppers will find top-rated Samsung refrigerators marked down to 32% off their original prices, LG washer dryer sets on sale for 15% off, and GE dishwashers available for 25% off.

Joann: Stock up on craft supplies for less with these Labor Day deals, which include: Up to 50% off select fabrics; 30% off pillow forms, stuffing, batting, and foam; 40% off Cricut accessories; $1.99 Simplicity patterns.

Lowe's: The Lowe’s Labor Day sale runs Aug. 25-Sept. 7, and is full of store and site-wide savings. A few highlights include up to 40% off select outdoor power equipment and up to 50% off select patio furniture. 

Mattress Firm: Shoppers can improve their sleep during the long weekend with savings of up to $700 off on mattresses and bedding accessories through Sept. 6. 

Overstock: Overstock's Labor Day clearance sale includes savings of up to 70% off on patio furniture, coffee tables, rugs, and more.

Pom Pom at Home: Save on hand-loomed products by taking 20% off sitewide via coupon code "LABOR20". This offer is valid September 2-7.

Proof: Take 20% off your purchase via code "WEARWHITE" from 1:59 am ET on August 31 through 1:59 am ET on September 6. Gift cards and bundles are excluded from this offer.

Rockport: Save 30% to 40% on most styles during the Labor Day Sale, which also offers free shipping. This offer is valid August 31-September 6.

Rove Concepts: Score up to 60% off select items during the Labor Day Long Weekend Sale. Plus, members get a 20% discount and 20% back in vouchers that can be used for additional savings. This offer is valid September 2-5.

TUSHY: Purchase two or more of the TUSHY Classic 3.0 and get them for $69 each via coupon code "NINESIX". This offer is valid September 2-6.

What about travel deals?

Travel deals may be a bit scarce over the holiday – not completely gone, just not as good as they have been in the past.

“Many people are hyped to travel after spending the majority of the last two years at home, but that doesn't mean the deals are there,” Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst at Deal News, said. “Demand is super high, so there's no real reason for airlines, hotels, and cruise lines to offer any kind of incentive to entice travelers.”

Ramhold said that some of the best offers her team saw last year were in Mexico and the Caribbean, so it might behoove ready-to-go vacationers to search for deals in those two destinations. 

Tips from the pros

While Labor Day sales will have their share of plums, it’s not a one-size-fits-all savings feast. Black Friday’s experts told ConsumerAffairs that when it comes to things like electronics, TVs, and toys, Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales might offer more than Labor Day. They also suggested holding off on buying fall clothing and even Halloween decor as there are better prices to come.

Another BlackFriday.com tip is to use discount codes and coupons. “Make sure you're applying coupon codes and stacking cashback offers on top of retailer's sales for even more savings. Sites like RetailMeNot provide up to 15% cash back at hundreds of top stores like Adidas, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Sephora,” a BlackFriday spokesperson said.

Over at Deal News, Ramhold made note that appliances might be extra good values over Labor Day. She said that if last year is any indication – one where Home Depot slashed appliances by 53% – it might be worth checking out the big box stores this time around.

“Keep an eye out for Best Buy to offer savings on appliances, as well. Last year, it had Labor Day discounts on all the big brands, including Samsung, LG, GE, and Whirlpool, among others,” Ramhold suggested.

Another pro tip came from U.S. News & World Report’s latest inflation shopping habits survey. In its study, it found that thanks to inflation, couponing is once again a hot item. 

“Coupon clubs have gone virtual, with expert advice coming in the form of social media influencers,” U.S. News’ Lauren Naru, said. “Popular coupon advisors like City Coupon Mom, Coupon with Kayla, and CouponingCraz have hundreds of thousands of eager followers interested in money-saving strategies.”

Lastly, a spokesperson for RetailMeNot suggested stacking cashback offers on top of retailer's sales for even bigger savings. They said shoppers will find 15% cash back at hundreds of top stores on their deal-driven site, including Adidas, Best Buy, Home Depot and Sephora.

Macy’s has announced that it will open Toys “R” Us locations at all 509 of its U.S. stores by the holidays. The retail chain is expanding its partnership with WHP Global to bring the beloved toy brand to every Macy’s store beginning in late July, with the last one to be put in place by mid-October. 

Once considered gone for good, Toys “R” Us seems to have made a comeback from four years ago. In Macy’s reported earnings for the first quarter of 2022, toy sales were 15 times higher than the comparable period before the Toys “R” Us partnership. That's a positive sign for Macy's since some of its stores were also ready to be shuttered.

The in-store shops will range anywhere from 1,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet in the company’s flagship locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and San Francisco. The plans also have some flexibility built in so that high-performing stores with a lot of foot traffic can add 500 to 3,000 square feet and an even wider assortment of products.

“Macy’s cannot wait to bring the Toys “R” Us experience to life in our stores,” said Nata Dvir, Macy’s chief merchandising officer. "We hope Toys “R” Us kids of all ages discover the joy of exploration and play within our shops and families create special memories together. The customer response to our partnership with Toys “R” Us has been incredible and our toy business has seen tremendous growth.”

The revamped Toys “R” Us shops bring some new twists with them. In addition to hands-on demonstration tables, there will also be a life-size “Geoffrey on a Bench” available for photo opportunities.

To make the openings extra enticing, each Macy’s location will host nine days of in-store events beginning on October 15. The events will include activities for everyone in the family and daily giveaways for Barbie, LEGO, and other toy brand lovers.

Consumers who are used to seeing special deals on everything from furniture to electronics on President's Day weekend might be disappointed by this year's showing.

While many brands are still offering deals on various items, experts say supply chain issues that have been affecting U.S. markets for months may keep deals from being ultra-low. If you don't believe us, just take a look at some of the inflation stories ConsumerAffairs has covered in recent weeks. 

Prices for both new and used cars have been soaring for quite some time, with new research showing that more than 80% of car buyers are paying over the sticker price. In fact, rising producer costs are causing higher prices across several categories, prompting economists to believe that high levels of inflation may last even after the supply chain issues are resolved.

Consumers can't even catch a break when it comes to online shopping. While the prices of certain products have been going up for months, shoppers who rely on services like Amazon Prime are being hit even harder because the price of a Prime subscription is going up.

Combating illegal price increases

While economists generally agree that consumers will see higher prices going forward into the immediate future, wary consumers should rest assured that officials are keeping a close watch on companies that may want to use inflation as an excuse to artificially raise prices. Late last week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced an initiative designed to stop companies from working with each other to do just that. 

“Temporary supply chain disruptions should not be allowed to conceal illegal conduct,” stated Jonathan Kanter, an assistant attorney general working in the DOJ's Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division will not allow companies to collude in order to overcharge consumers under the guise of supply chain disruptions.”

The DOJ is using the initiative to launch investigations in coordination with other U.S. agencies like the FBI to counteract companies that are looking to make illicit profits. It's even working with foreign agencies in other countries to ensure that global markets are also safe from this behavior.

“The lingering challenge of supply chain disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic has created an opportunity for criminals to fix prices and overcharge customers,” said Luis Quesada, an assistant director with the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to collaborate and investigate schemes that violate our antitrust laws and stifle our economic recovery.”

Officials are encouraging consumers who have any information about price-fixing or other anticompetitive behaviors to report the issue to the DOJ on its website. Consumers can also call the agency's Antitrust Division Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258.

Concerns about a spike in COVID-19 cases this fall did nothing to dampen consumers’ holiday spending. A report from Mastercard SpendingPulse shows that holiday retail sales rose 8.5% over last year, the biggest jump in 17 years.

Compared to last year, online transactions grew by 11.0%. The survey measures in-store and online retail sales across all forms of payment from Nov. 1 to Dec. 24.

“Shoppers were eager to secure their gifts ahead of the retail rush, with conversations surrounding supply chain and labor supply issues sending consumers online and to stores in droves,” said Steve Sadove, senior advisor for Mastercard and former CEO and Chairman of Saks Incorporated. “Consumers splurged throughout the season, with apparel and department stores experiencing strong growth as shoppers sought to put their best-dressed foot forward.”

The report also shows that consumers began shopping earlier than usual due to concerns that supply chain issues would limit the supply of the most popular gifts. Those concerns failed to materialize, however. Spending also increased later in the season as retailers offered more special promotions.

A big Black Friday weekend

Black Friday was the biggest day for spending during the 2021 holiday season. During the Thanksgiving weekend, shoppers drove U.S. retail sales up 14.1% year-over-year. In-store sales also rebounded, increasing 16.5% year-over-year. E-commerce sales experienced sustained growth, increasing by 4.9% over last year.

Online shopping made up 20.9% of total retail sales during the holiday season, up from 20.6% in 2020 and 14.6% in 2019. The report notes that online shopping got a strong boost from the pandemic, a trend that is expected to last.

Apparel, jewelry, and electronics were the most popular spending sectors, with all three categories registering strong growth over the 2020 holiday season.

After the 2021 holiday spending spree, consumers who used credit cards to make their purchases will be faced with paying for them in 2022. While credit card balances dropped sharply during the first year of the pandemic, the average consumer carries more than $5,600 in credit card debt, according to MoneyGeek.

With bankruptcy and liquidation behind it, Toys “R” Us hopes to open up its first comeback store -- a two-level, 20,000-square-foot flagship location at the American Dream megamall in Bergen County, New Jersey. The store is scheduled to open in mid-December, just in time for Christmas.

The company’s new store was designed to be reminiscent of the brand consumers know and love, complete with Geoffrey the Giraffe, interactive experiences, and product demonstrations. New to the scene are add-ons like Geoffrey's Café and ice cream parlor and a two-story slide.

"American Dream is a one-of-a-kind unrivaled retail center featuring massive entertainment experiences that make it an ideal destination for families. Debuting our first Toys"R"Us flagship here is a no-brainer," said Yehuda Shmidman, Toys “R” Us’ Chairman and CEO. 

"The Toy “R” Us brand is big and growing fast. Today we have over 900 stores and e-commerce sites operating across 25 countries outside the USA, and now our USA expansion plans are in high gear, propelling us into the next chapter of growth for our global brand."

Toys "R" Us’ deal with Macy’s still happening

WHP Global, Toys ‘R’ Us’ owner, announced earlier this year that the company will open over 400 Toys “R” Us shop-in-shops inside Macy's stores nationwide starting in 2022. One retail expert notes that while those locations will pale in comparison to the company’s previous 700 big-box stores prior to it collapsing, the deal with Macy’s puts it back in the mix for consumers looking for toys.

“The partnership with Macy's gives the Toys R Us brand more geographic depth yet less direct contact with customers,” wrote Retail Dive’s Ben Unglesbee. “The merchandising and operations for the Toys R Us store-in-stores is mostly driven by Macy's, which is eyeing expanded sales in the toy category through housing an iconic toy retail brand.”

Retailers are counting on a strong Cyber Monday to wrap up their Thanksgiving shopping season. The National Retail Foundation (NRF) stated that close to 2 million additional consumers will have shopped over the holiday weekend when compared to last year.

That amounts to an estimated 158.3 million people, up from 156.6 million last year. However, it’s still about 7 million short of the 165.3 million shoppers in pre-pandemic 2019.

“We’re expecting another record-breaking holiday season this year and Thanksgiving weekend will play a major role as it always has,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Nonetheless, consumers are starting earlier than ever to be sure they can get what they want, when they want it, at a price they want to pay.”

Shay said this year’s uncertainty about the supply chain caused shoppers to order early so they could avoid any potential delays.

“Black Friday stopped being a one-day event years ago, and this year some consumers started shopping for Christmas as early as Halloween,” he commented.

Shoppers opt for the personalized route

Consumers are also changing their tune a bit on what they shop for. Rob Garf, VP and GM of Retail at Salesforce, told ConsumerAffairs that the trends his company is seeing lean toward personalized and relevant engagement during Cyber Week 2021. 

“Retailers are tuning their marketing messages to target consumers over Cyber Week. Our data shows that personalized promotions grew two times faster than generic promotions compared to last year,” he said.

Garf noted that the winners over the Black Friday weekend include:

• Luxury handbags -- Sales were up 47%, with calfskin bags, satchels, and crossbody bags coming in as the most popular selling luxury handbag items.

• Furniture -- Sales were up 40%, with chairs, mattresses, and sofas being the most popular selling furniture items.

• General footwear -- Sales were up 27%, with clogs and boots being the most popular footwear types.

Garf said consumers shouldn’t set their expectations too high when it comes to prices and sales this year. The Average Selling Price (ASP) over Cyber Week (Tuesday-Sunday) is up 13% in the U.S. compared to last year, which is great for retailers. On the flip side, the average discount that U.S. consumers were getting during Cyber Week was 26% off full price, which is down 9% year-over-year.

Consumers who wait expectantly for a package that never arrives are often left to wonder what happened to it. An incident in Alabama last week may provide a clue.

During last week’s holidays, the Blount County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report that hundreds of FedEx packages had been found in a remote area of the western part of the county.

“I currently have a deputy on a location where it appears 300-400 boxes of assorted sizes have been thrown off a ravine,” Blount County Sheriff Mark Moon posted on Twitter last week. “An area manager from FedEx is en route to the scene. Hopefully, we will have some answers soon.”

Moon later reported that FedEx had sent a truck that picked up all of the packages. Later, FedEx issued a statement of its own.

“The security of our customers’ shipments is a top priority and we are committed to treating our customers’ packages with the utmost care,” the company said in a statement to media outlets. “We are taking steps to recover and transport the affected packages as quickly as possible. In addition to cooperating with law enforcement, we are conducting a review of this situation and will take the appropriate action.” 

The packages were recovered near Hayden, in the northern part of the state and about 30 miles north of Birmingham.

Not that uncommon

It turns out that packages getting dumped in an isolated location instead of being delivered is not an uncommon situation. During the holiday season last year, when COVID-19 kept millions of shoppers at home, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and other delivery services struggled to handle the huge increase in online orders.

Last December, a USPS division in Chicago conducted an investigation after 19 packages were found dumped in a Southwest Side alley garbage can. The investigation determined that the packages were handled by FedEx and never made it to the Mount Greenwood Post Office for processing.

Also in December 2020, the New York Post reported that an Amazon delivery driver was spotted throwing a package into the woods in Logan Township, New Jersey. A sheriff’s deputy reported recovering eleven undelivered packages.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused many national retailers to suspend the practice of opening stores on Thanksgiving to get an early jump on Black Friday. This year, most are continuing to give store employees the day off.

Walmart, Target, Dick's Sporting Goods, Best Buy, Kohl's, Macy's, and JCPenney, have all announced that they will close their stores for the holiday while offering a full array of online deals. In years past, these stores kicked off their in-store Black Friday weekend sales on Thanksgiving Day.

Target has taken it one step farther, announcing that its stores will continue to be closed on Thanksgiving even after the pandemic is over. Ken Perkins, president of Retail Metrics, told USA Today he thinks most retailers will come to the same decision because it isn’t cost-effective to have stores open on the holiday.

“With all these online shopping opportunities, is it really necessary to open on Thanksgiving?” Perkins asked rhetorically. 

Some stores will be open

At the same time, consumers who decide they need to do some shopping before or after Thanksgiving dinner will find several options. In addition to convenience stores, a number of grocery store chains will be open with limited hours.

Drug store chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid plan to have Thanksgiving Day hours. Some of the other brick-and-mortar stores doing business on the holiday include Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas, Big Lots, Dollar General, and Dollar Tree.

Most major retailers are already offering holiday shopping deals, both in-store and online. Target’s week-long deals include discounts on electronics, toys, kitchen appliances, vacuums, video games, apparel, and beauty products.

“We began offering holiday deals in October for those looking to shop early and we’re continuing to deliver big savings all season long, including Black Friday week,” said Christina Hennington, executive vice president and chief growth officer at Target. 

In fact, most national retailers got an early start on Black Friday-type deals. Walmart is continuing to run its Deals for Days promotion. Current offerings include AirPods Pro for $159.

Amazon’s deals include a lot of its own electronic products. For example, it’s offering the Echo Show 5 + Blink Mini Camera bundle for $50. On Friday the price drops to $45.

A traditional Thanksgiving dinner will cost quite a bit more than last year, according to a survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). 

As we reported this week, the price of turkeys has risen because of supply and demand issues. But the federation’s survey shows that the cost of the entire meal is up 14% over 2020, more than twice October’s inflation rate.

Farm Bureau "volunteer shoppers" visited grocery stores and checked prices Oct. 26 to Nov. 8, about two weeks before most grocery store chains began featuring whole frozen turkeys at sharply lower prices. 

They found that a frozen turkey costs more than last year, at $23.99 for a 16-pound bird. That's roughly $1.50 per pound, up 24% from last year. The survey did find that many supermarket chains put frozen turkeys on sale closer to the holiday. Consumers who shopped during the week of Nov. 5-11 paid only 14% more for a bird.

Side dishes also cost more

Other parts of the typical Thanksgiving spread will also cost more in 2021. Prices of sweet potatoes, rolls with butter, peas, cranberries, a veggie tray, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, coffee, and milk are all higher to some degree this year.

For example, the cost of pie crusts has risen 20% and dinner rolls are up 15%, at $3.05 for a dozen. The price of stuffing is the only item that costs less than last year, falling 19%.

The survey found that removing turkey from the meal reduced the cost increase to less than 7%. The average price of a typical Thanksgiving dinner was calculated using 2018 surveys with pricing data from all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

"Several factors contributed to the increase in average cost of this year's Thanksgiving dinner," said AFBF Senior Economist Veronica Nigh. "These include dramatic disruptions to the U.S. economy and supply chains over the last 20 months; inflationary pressure throughout the economy; difficulty in predicting demand during the COVID-19 pandemic and high global demand for food, particularly meat." 

Changes in consumer behavior may also contribute to a more costly Thanksgiving meal this year. During the pandemic, people dined at restaurants less and ate meals at home more than in years past. Nigh says that behavior put pressure on supermarkets, leading to prices that are higher than they were before the pandemic.

America’s merchants may not like hearing this with Black Friday approaching next week, but for millions of Americans, holiday shopping is about as pleasant as a root canal.

That startling finding is part of TD Bank’s 2021 Merry Money Survey, which showed that for more than half of Americans -- 52% -- holiday shopping is painful. And yes, 33% of that group actually equated the pain of holiday shopping to an unpleasant dental procedure.

This year’s survey also suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a long-lasting effect on consumers’ holiday shopping habits. After the economic uncertainty of 2020, 73% of those in the survey are creating a holiday budget, up from 68% in 2018. At the same time, 66% of consumers said holiday spending makes them “anxious.”

Pandemic’s positive impact

On a more positive note, the effects of the pandemic appear to have made people more reflective about the holidays. The survey shows that 84% of Americans valued last year’s holiday celebrations because they were more about the time spent with loved ones versus spending money on gifts.

Now that millions of people are vaccinated, there will likely be more in-person holiday events in 2021, making some long for the “good old days” of 2020, when the virus provided an excuse to stay home. Fifty-six percent of respondents said they liked being able to avoid holiday parties and awkward family events.

While consumers may not be enthusiastic about shopping for extended family members, they are showing no such hesitation about buying for their pets. Sixty-three percent of consumers in the survey said they plan to buy gifts for their pets this year, including 76% of millennials. Fourteen percent of millennials said they plan to spend more than $100 on each of their pets.

‘Set your limits’

While some consumers may enjoy more holiday cheer in 2021, there are still many others who feel weighed down by the effects of the pandemic. Matt Boss, head of Consumer Products at TD Bank, says rising prices and holiday commitments are factors to consider this year. 

"Holiday shopping, travel, hosting, and celebrations all have costs associated – and due to supply chain issues, we're seeing cost increases that will make joining in even more of a challenge for some,” Boss stated.

According to the survey, 69% of consumers said say they have overspent during the holidays in the past, a possible reason for holiday anxiety. Boss says keeping things simple and low-key -- much like last year -- may make for happier holidays.

“Set your limits – whether financial or personal – and stick to them," Boss said.

If you go in for traditional Thanksgiving dinners, with turkey and all the trimmings, next week’s holiday may pose something of a challenge. Turkeys cost more, and there may be fewer of them at your neighborhood supermarket.

While supply chain issues may be partly to blame, there are also other factors at work. David Anderson, a livestock economist at Texas A&M, says U.S. turkey production was down 5% this year when compared to 2020. He said producers reduced flocks because the cost of both labor and feed have gone up.

Demand is also likely to be greater this year. In 2020, with COVID-19 raging and no vaccines available, there were fewer family gatherings. Many families are planning to make up for that this year.

Turkey prices spike ahead of Thanksgiving

With fewer turkeys, increased demand, and higher transportation costs, economists say consumers can expect to pay more than usual for a holiday bird if they can find one to their liking.

Turkey prices the week before Thanksgiving range from about $1.50 to $2.30 a pound, according to Gregory Martin, a poultry educator with the Penn State Extension Department. He tells Lancaster Farming, an agriculture website in Pennsylvania, that much of the increased cost is due to shipping difficulties. 

While producers raised fewer turkeys this year, Martin says he doesn’t foresee a turkey shortage. However, with tighter than normal supplies, he says shoppers may have to compromise.

“There might be fewer turkeys, so you may have to take what’s there,” Martin said. “There’s going to be birds, but with this panic buying, it may not be the right size you’re looking for.”

Smaller birds are harder to come by

In particular, small birds may be harder to come by this year. Industry experts say large turkeys, those that 16 pounds or more, may be the most plentiful.

Meanwhile, chefs point out that there are many perfectly acceptable turkey alternatives. One of the most obvious ones is plant-based turkey, which has grown in popularity in recent years. According to Forbes, an estimated 4.5 million plant-based turkeys will grace Thanksgiving tables this year.

Some chefs suggest taking a break from turkey this year since there appears to be plenty of other holiday meats to choose from, including ham, pork, and beef. They say cornish game hens, served with an abundance of vegetables and casseroles, also make a nice holiday spread.

With Black Friday coming up next week, major retailers are showing their hands. They’re releasing ad slicks to give shoppers an early peek at their holiday deals.

At Walmart, the leaked ad slick shows that two popular video game consoles, -- the Xbox Series X and the Playstation 5 -- will both be on sale for $499, but only for online purchases. Additional games start at $14. Walmart is also offering a bonus to shoppers who purchase a new smartphone. Consumers who purchase an iPhone or Samsung model can get up to $750 in eGift cards. 

Electronics are always a big draw on Black Friday. Target will offer a 65-inch 4K set for $300. A Nintendo Switch will be available at the same price.

Black Friday shoppers will also find 40% off on select Lego building sets. There are also things for the kitchen. A KitchenAid 5-quart professional stand mixer will have a Black Friday sale price of $220. The deals begin Nov. 21.

TVs and appliances

Best Buy will have plenty of TV sets on sale at next week’s sales event. A Samsung 75-inch Class 7 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Tizen TV will be on sale for $850. A Keurig single-serve coffee maker will sell for $50.

There will also be discounts on appliances. Best Buy shoppers can get up to $300 in free e-gift cards with select Samsung appliance packages. For example, consumers will receive a $100 e-gift card with the purchase of a select laundry package. A select kitchen appliance package earns buyers a $200 e-gift card.

According to a Macy’s ad slick, the retailer will celebrate Black Friday with deals on apparel, appliances, and electronics. Women’s coats will sell for 60% to 70% off. Women’s boots and shoes will be marked down as much as 50%.

‘Bonus buys’

Macy’s is also offering some “bonus buys.” Shoppers who spend at least $25 can pick up a pair of Macy's diamond multi-halo stud earrings (1/10 ct. t.w.) in sterling silver for $30.

Costco’s ad shows Black Friday sales start online on Thanksgiving Day. Promotions include $150 off on the purchase of an HP Pavilion 15.6” 1080p touchscreen laptop with an Intel Core i7 Processor, 16GB Memory, 512GB SSD. 

Shoppers will find $300 off on the purchase of an MSI Prestige 14” 1080p Laptop with an Intel Core i7 Processor, 32GB Memory, and 1TB SSD. In the apparel department, Gloria Vanderbilt stretch jeans will be marked down $7 and Voyager’s men’s hoodies will be marked down $6.

Parents have already started their holiday shopping and reportedly face supply chain challenges in finding favorite toys. The consumer group U.S. PIRG says that shortfall could increase the dangers from counterfeit or recalled toys.

In its 36th Annual Toy Safety Report, U.S. PIRG found that recalled or counterfeit toys have already made their way to consumers’ shopping carts. The organization has urged parents to check toys closely before giving them as gifts.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recalled 13 toys so far this year. PIRG Education Fund toy researchers found two additional recalled products — a hoverboard and a children’s watch accessory — that could fit into the toy gift category. 

Safety experts say the recalled toys pose a number of risks, including high levels of lead, potential foreign-body ingestion by a child, and choking hazards caused by small parts from easily broken toys.

Toys from traditional retailers should be safe

The group says parents who purchased toys at well-established retail stores are much less likely to find toys with safety risks. Those toys are required to have a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC). The CPC seal shows that the toy follows all applicable federal safety standards for children.

The problem, safety advocates say, involves toys purchased at thrift stores or online at unfamiliar or third-party retailers. They say websites that act as the middleman between the customer and the seller can be especially problematic.

“The middlemen do not consider themselves to be traditional retailers and therefore often do not follow the same rules that a traditional retailer would,” U.S. PIRG said in a press release. “Whereas the retailers must receive a certificate of compliance from a manufacturer before selling a toy, not every toy sold online may be covered by a CPC and the toy described in the website listing might not be the toy that arrives at your door.”

Potential dangers include toxic chemicals such as heavy metals or phthalates. Most parents don’t have access to labs that could test for harmful substances.

Because of supply chain constraints this year, consumer advocates worry that the unsafe toy problem could be worse. They say parents may cast a wider net in their search for toys for their children.

How to spot a fake or dangerous toy

U.S. PIRG has released a set of tips for parents and other relatives on how to spot a counterfeit or dangerous toy. First, the group recommends looking at the seller’s website. When looking at a toy’s product description, watch out for misspellings or mislabeling. Website listings with low-quality pictures of toys can also indicate a counterfeit, the group says.

The group also says to look for age recommendations. If there isn’t a clear age range, it’s best to avoid buying the toy. 

A “too-good-to-be-true” price can also be a red flag. When shopping on a website that has third-party sellers, comparing listings for similar toys can be a good way to identify what the average price should be. 

When shopping at websites hosting third-party sellers, you should be able to access the seller’s information. On Amazon, you can select the seller’s name under “Buy Now.” On eBay, you can click the seller’s name under “Seller Information.” On Walmart.com, a product sold by a third party has the seller’s name listed next to “Sold and shipped by.” 

Walmart’s second round of holiday deals is underway and runs through the weekend, offering discounts on a wide range of holiday gifts. The promotion began Wednesday evening at Walmart.com and continues in stores Friday, ending Nov. 14. It’s part of the retailer’s strategy to encourage consumers to shop early.

Some of the deals include:

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 for $139, marked down from $219

• Shark EZ Bagless Self-Empty Robot Vacuum, on sale for $288, regularly $499

• Apple AirPods with Charging Case, $89, marked down from$119

• Canon MG2522 Wired All-in-One Printer, $29 

• HP Intel Core i5 Laptop, regularly $499, now $379

• Samsung 60″ Class 4K Smart TV, $548, regularly $850

Other sale items during the weekend promotion include a Shark Cordless PetPRO with Powerfins for $159, marked down from $279; a GoPro Hero8 Black Bundle for $249; and a Blackstone 22-inch Adventure Ready Griddle for $117.

Walmart announced holiday promotion plans last month, breaking its traditional Black Friday sales into three events running throughout November. The third and final event begins on Black Friday weekend.

Walmart + members will get early access to the holiday deals, free shipping with no order minimum on items shipped by Walmart, free delivery from stores, discounts on prescriptions, and access to mobile Scan and Go to make shopping faster. 

Other retailers

Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and other major retailers have also rolled out holiday shopping deals well before Black Friday. The trend began several years ago but is being encouraged this holiday season because of supply chain constraints, which could create shortages closer to Christmas.

Target is offering daily deals that include a mix of products, including specials on toys, furniture, and apparel. Best Buy is offering a series of holiday deals every Monday.

Amazon is currently offering deals on holiday gift items and plans to keep adding products on a daily basis. Current deals include offers on TV sets and wireless headphones.

Black Friday will be here before you know it, but how can consumers prepare for the busiest holiday sales season ever when supply chain issues and worker shortages are making shopping more difficult?

If you plan on ordering items online, you’ll want to make sure you place your orders as soon as possible. In a recent report, BlackFriday.com noted that there are more options for fast delivery this holiday season. 

After being stuck in pandemic limbo in 2020, many major merchants are upping their game. Target and Walmart are offering same-day delivery for orders of $35 or more, Amazon Prime has free two-day shopping for Prime members, and Best Buy is offering a next-day shipping option.

Holiday shipping deadlines for 2021

FedEx, UPS, and USPS. Since Christmas falls on a Saturday this year, shipping times will be shortened by a day or so for consumers who want to get their items before that holiday. Smart shoppers who celebrate Christmas should shoot for their packages to arrive by Friday, Dec. 24 at the latest. 

Consumers who elect to ship with USPS should mark Dec. 18 as the last day to submit orders for First-Class delivery. The deadline for Priority Mail is Dec. 19.

The least expensive option for FedEx shippers ends on Dec. 9 if they want to get their packages on time. The company has several other options -- including Dec. 25 -- but at higher prices. UPS Ground, the company’s best price option, calls for Dec. 9 as the last day to schedule a delivery. But like FedEx, it also has pricier options for those who wait past then. 

Consumers should note that these dates are for shipments within the contiguous U.S. If you’re shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, overseas, or to the military, you should check the carriers’ sites. 

Store shipping deadlines and deals. BlackFriday.com’s Shannon Flynn says shipping deadlines from major retailers are somewhat of a moving target this year. 

In fact, many companies appear to be foregoing general ship-by-dates and giving real-time shipping estimates to consumers based on their delivery address and the items they purchased. While some retailers won’t offer expedited or free shipping for the holidays because of carrier restrictions, there are some larger companies that will.

To see a list of those companies and their requirements, visit BlackFriday.com’s site here.

With nearly three weeks to go before Black Friday, major retailers are already in the midst of their holiday deal offerings. For parents, current supply chain bottlenecks may add to the urgency to shop early for toys.

"There is no one 'hot toy' this year for parents to get anxious about buying,” said Joanne Oppenheim, who maintains the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. “However, given the supply shortages, if there is something special your child wants, we recommend not waiting.”

The portfolio, an independent consumer organization, puts together lists of toys for certain age groups. Oppenheim says there are three significant trends this year that can help parents and other family members select toys that are not only fun but aid in a child’s development.

Take a screen break

The first trend might be labeled “old school.” After more than a year of being glued to screens, Oppenheim says kids need a break. Board games, puzzles, and games that promote physical activity are likely to be popular this year. She also notes that dolls reflect the growing emphasis on diversity. 

“We reviewed more doll collections this year that reflect greater diversity by including both girls and boys of varying skin tones and heritages,” she said.

The third trend is technology. The Oppenheim list includes toys that introduce the concept of coding, as well as the first 3D Printer designed specifically for kids. “STEM toys continue to be a hot trend - our testers found the most engaging and entertaining ones,” Oppenheim said.

Find an overlooked toy

Finding an overlooked toy that’s not on everyone else’s list might also be a good strategy. In the U.K., iNews reports that Amazon has already run out of three of the 12 ‘Dreamtoys’ picks unveiled by the toy industry last week.

The Toy Insider predicts that rugged toy trucks will be a popular item this year. New Bright‘s Heavy Metal Truck collection features real, stamped metal body panels that look authentic. The collection includes four 1:10-scale trucks that are controlled by 2.4GHz technology. The trucks are powered by an included rechargeable battery with USB Smart Charge technology.

Other popular toys that currently appear to have adequate supplies include Lego Star Wars sets, Paw Patrol toys, and CoComelon toys.

What will holiday shopping be like this year with the economy dealing with a chip shortage and supply chain hassles? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says consumers need to take the situation seriously because it could greatly affect the price of certain items, how shoppers will find them, and whether they’ll get them in time.

Retailers are painfully aware of how bad this could be. In a recent KPMG survey of retail executives, 82% of respondents acknowledged that they are either “somewhat” or “very concerned” about inventory shortages.

As a result, the survey reports that retailers are building omnichannel strategies that will allow them to rely on the growing popularity of “last mile” delivery options. Those options include traditional online ordering with delivery included, curbside pickup, ordering online and picking up items in-store, and buying in-store with home delivery.

Five things to do while holiday shopping

In addition to worrying about the chip shortage and supply issues, the FTC says consumers need to look out for scammers who are already setting up fake online shops. To cover all of these issues, the agency laid out five things consumers should do when shopping this holiday season:

Research sellers before you buy. The FTC suggests searching online for the name of the seller and product, plus words like “complaint” and “scam.” You should also read reviews about the seller and their products.

Feed your inner skeptic. Every year, there seems to be one toy that’s higher in demand than everything else. The FTC says if you see an offer for this year’s hottest gift in mid-December from a seller you’ve never heard of, run as fast as you can in the other direction.

Compare products. Shopping for the best deals is bound to save consumers money, and that’s especially important this holiday season. “Even with the chip shortage, shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Comparison shop online, looking at prices, delivery dates, and even discounts or coupon codes,” the FTC’s Carly Johnson suggests.

Pay by credit card. Johnson encourages consumers to use credit cards whenever possible so that charges can be disputed if something goes wrong or a scammer gets involved. “And if someone tells you to pay by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or by mailing cash, stop and find another seller,” Johnson said. “That’s how scammers tell you to pay.”

Keep records. When you buy something online, print out and save a copy of the order until you get what you ordered and know that you’re going to keep it vs. returning it. 

Macy’s is the latest major retailer to roll out its Black Friday deals well in advance of the big day, as industry analysts have already warned that discounts may be harder to find this year. Like many of its competitors, Macy’s is getting an early start in trying to snag holiday shoppers. The first deals roll out on Nov. 3.

“Shop for everything from women’s clothes, boots, shoes, and jewelry to must-have beauty gifts,” the company said in announcing the event. “Score a head-to-toe outfit for upcoming get-togethers & virtual meetups, too. Guys, we didn’t forget about you: stock up on everyday basics, workweek looks, and weekend loungewear. We’ve got the latest trends & winter essentials you’ll wear all season long.”

But with persistent supply chain constraints, apparel may be in short supply. After all, most clothing is now manufactured overseas, and container ships continue to be backed up in ports like Long Beach and Los Angeles.

The webpage announcing Macy’s Black Friday deals also contains this disclaimer: “While supplies last, select styles online & in stores.”

Consumers are being urged to shop early

A number of retailers have urged consumers to start their holiday shopping early since it’s not known how supplies will hold up. When ordering online, merchants have told consumers to prepare for shipping delays and to avoid procrastinating.

Among the deals that Macy’s will offer next week are:

• Women’s coats from Charter Club and other designers, regularly priced from $75 to $249, starting at $24.99

• Small appliances, starting at under $10

• Fine jewelry at up to 70% off

• Men’s designer dress pants from Calvin Klein, regularly priced at up to $95, sale priced at $29.99

• Women’s shoes from GUESS and other designers 40% off

• Cozy bedding 70% off

• Clearance sale on watches with discounts of 50%

Marla, of Houston, is already shopping at Macy’s and tells us she likes what she sees.

“Prices are reasonable, always new arrivals,” Marla wrote in a ConsumerAffairs review. “I can also find stuff for my kitchen, customer service personnel is always professional and kind, stores always clean and in order. Good offers every season.”

Macy’s says it’s trying to give shoppers more options during the holidays. Stores are open early and late, and customers can explore several flexible pickup and shipping options.

Major retailers have begun their Black Friday sales earlier this year, but consumers may still have to search longer to find holiday bargains. And once again, you can point the finger of blame at the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Wall Street Journal survey of business executives and industry analysts suggests that consumers should expect to pay close to full price on a wider array of products because of supply issues. There simply won’t be as many products available as in years past, giving merchants more pricing power.

The Journal report suggests that there could be a change in holiday spending patterns this year, with many consumers deciding to emphasize giving “experiences” over gifts. A 28-year-old mother of two in Redlands, Calif., said she is considering taking her family to Disneyland for Christmas instead of giving gifts.

Consumers are encountering more than the usual number of out-of-stock messages when they look for gift items. Adobe tracks web traffic for retail sites and reports that these online empty shelves have increased by 172% over last year.

That’s not to say there will not be deals; they just might not be quite as good as in previous years. Adobe predicts that sale prices may average 5% to 25% off, slightly less than in the past.

Look for advertised deals

For consumers who are eager to save money on holiday shopping, advertised deals from major retailers may offer the surest savings. Target, Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart have already revealed their Black Friday sale prices, and some of them have already launched their sales.

Consumers have already discovered the absence of deals on some big-ticket items. Major appliances like washers and dryers are almost always at full price these days. The same is true for new cars, which are in short supply because of the shortage of computer chips. As a result, consumers may see fewer television commercials this December suggesting a new car as a Christmas gift. You can still buy one, but there will be almost no incentives, and dealers will likely ask for the sticker price or more.

Steve Lawrence, chief merchandising officer at Academy Sports + Outdoors, recently told CNN Business that shoppers will see fewer deep discounts during this year's holiday season in just about every category.

"Last year was not very promotional. We don't think that this holiday is going to be terribly promotional either," said Lawrence.

It may be a holiday season like no other in recent memory, according to a new study by Oracle.

The 2020 holiday season was different because COVID-19 concerns limited large family gatherings. This year, the game-changer is an expected shortage of products and delays in shipping them.

The Oracle study suggests that consumers are already making plans to meet the challenges. The researchers found that 52% of Americans have already started holiday shopping or plan to shop earlier than usual. 

In what should be good news for retailers, 20% of respondents say they plan to order more gifts this year in case some are delayed or canceled. Millennials are the most likely demographic group to order backup gifts.

Another big year for gift cards

Gift card sales, which have been increasing every year, will likely make a big leap this year. Thirty-four percent of people in the study said they plan to give more gift cards this holiday season. Among baby boomers, the percentage rises to 58%.

"As we see in the news, the supply chain challenges are a global reality,” said Mike Webster, senior vice president, and general manager, Oracle Retail. “Regardless, consumers will still measure retailers on their ability to deliver on their wish lists this holiday season." 

William, of The Villages, Fla., was frustrated with JCPenny when he ordered a sheet set in two parts, but he said the company couldn’t send the matching pillowcases because of a supply shortage.

“JCP refuses to waive an $8 shipping fee for the no-longer useful sheet set that will come without the matching pillowcases,” William wrote in a ConsumerAffairs review. “As a result, I will be refusing a $200 order that included a half dozen items.”

‘Accountability the name of the game’

This year, Webster says retailers will be held accountable by shoppers who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing holiday season last year.

"Accountability will be the name of the game,” he said. “Retailers must have clear visibility into their inventory, a realistic timeline for the fulfillment, and a plan to communicate clearly throughout the order and delivery processes. Through transparency and execution, retailers can earn trust with their customers and build the potential for future loyalty."

The supply chain issue has grown more severe since the end of the summer. Twenty-eight percent of consumers in the study admitted to being concerned that the products they want will be more expensive due to scarcity and 27% are worried that the products they want won't be available.

Delivery concerns are also mounting, and perhaps with good reason. The study found evidence that the nation’s overburdened delivery system is likely to face increased demands over the holiday season.

Seventy-two percent of respondents said they will have gifts delivered to their homes rather than shopping in a brick-and-mortar store. Twenty-two percent are already worried that the items they order won’t arrive in time.

With the holidays less than six weeks away, U.S. mail carriers and package delivery companies are getting out in front with their recommendations for consumers who want their gifts to arrive on time.

Overall, things are pretty much the same as 2020’s holiday schedule for UPS and FedEx, but the USPS has moved its first-class and priority mail ship-by dates up by a day. 

Shipping breakdown by carrier

USPS: If you’re taking the U.S. Postal Service route, here’s what you need to know. The USPS recommends that anyone who wants to have their package delivered on time for Christmas Day via ground service should ship it by Dec. 15. For those who don’t hit that cutoff date, they can still use first-class mail, which gives them until Dec. 17 to send their package. The deadline for priority mail is Dec. 18, and the deadline for priority mail express is Dec. 23. For international and military shipping, the USPS also provides a list of shipping dates here.

While the USPS doesn’t make specific reference to Hanukkah or Kwanzaa mailing date suggestions, shipping two weeks in front of those holidays is likely a safe bet. The agency also reminds consumers that mailing rates have changed and that they should be prepared to spend more than they have in the past. 

Another consideration that consumers should take into account is that slowdowns at USPS may have an additional impact. ConsumerAffairs reviewers like Henry from Waterbury, Conn., have already been impacted by slower service times.

“I sent my package on July 7th 2021 and I was promised delivery on July/12th/2021,” he wrote. “I have tried to call but I can't get to someone. I went to service center in Waterbury and they gave a number to call Hartford consumer center. I called the number, every time I call no one answers, the recording asks for your number and name and promise to call you back in 24 hours. I have called for 12 days and every time the system will ask you for name and number and no one has ever called me back. My documents had personal information and now I don't know what to do.”

UPS: UPS says consumers will want to schedule their packaged delivery by Monday, Dec. 20, to get it by December 24. For those who miss that cut-off, there are other, more expensive, options. Those include:

• Dec. 21: UPS 3 Day Select

• Dec. 22: UPS 2nd Day Air

• Dec. 23: UPS Next Day Air

A complete list of UPS shipping dates and services is available here.

FedEx: FedEx says the last day to get a package out for Christmas is Dec. 15 if you’re going the ground shipping route. For the less expensive ground economy packages, consumers will need to ship the package by Dec. 9. 

FedEx can still deliver packages for those who wait until the last minute, but it will charge a higher rate. A full list of FedEx shipping dates and available services is available here.

Be careful of order confirmation scams

The Postal Service reminds consumers that scammers have recently been using the order confirmation scam. If you receive a text message from a number you don’t recognize saying you need to confirm a delivery by clicking on a link, the USPS says you should stop right there. The scam — called “smishing” — starts with the pretense that it’s from Walmart, Costco, Target, or Amazon and that you need to confirm a recent purchase you supposedly made. 

“Customers are required to either register online, or initiate a text message, and provide a tracking number. USPS will not send customers text messages or emails without a customer first requesting the service with a tracking number, and it will NOT contain a link,” the agency said. “So, if you did not initiate the tracking request for a specific package directly from USPS and it contains a link: don’t click the link!”

Walmart has revealed its Black Friday plans. The retailer announced that it is bringing back last season’s “Black Friday Deals for Days” promotion by offering sale prices on select items throughout November.

Walmart says shoppers will find the same bargains normally limited to the Friday after Thanksgiving all month long. It joins Amazon, Target, and Best Buy, which have all announced similar plans. However, Walmart is adding a wrinkle to this year’s promotion. Members of Walmart + will get access to the sale prices four hours earlier than everyone else.

“We continue to build Walmart+ to be the ultimate life hack for our customers,” said Janey Whiteside, chief customer officer for Walmart U.S. “That means we’re there for our customers during the everyday with key benefits like free unlimited delivery from stores and free shipping with no order minimum.”

The game plan is much the same as in 2020. Walmart will spread out its Black Friday deals with three events throughout November to offer customers discounted prices on popular holiday gift items. Each event will begin online at Walmart.com and continue with the same deals in Walmart stores.

“The team has worked hard to prepare for another outstanding holiday season, and no matter how or where our customers choose to shop – from the shelf in a store, ordering online and picking it up curbside or having it delivered to their front door – they can depend on us for a safe and convenient shopping experience,” said Scott McCall, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for Walmart U.S. 

COVID-19 pandemic creates more complications

In recent years, retailers have moved away from kicking off holiday shopping promotions on Black Friday to offering deals much earlier. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated that trend.

This year, there is the added complication of pandemic-created supply and shipping issues. Consumers are being urged to do their shopping early because those waiting until the week before Christmas could face much smaller selections.

Walmart will begin its first Black Friday promotion online on Nov. 3 and continue it in stores on Nov. 5. The promotion will focus on home electronics, toys, and appliances.

The second promotion will begin online on Nov. 10 and continue in stores on Nov. 12. The retailer will offer discounted prices on items such as a Blackstone 22-inch Griddle with a hard cover and carrying case for $117, an HP i3 Laptop for $279, and a Shark EZ Robot Vacuum for $288.

The third event in the series starts online at the end of the month. The company said it’s saving its best deals for the final event.

Best Buy is the latest national retailer to announce an early start to Black Friday deals, kicking off the holiday savings the week before Halloween.

The company said the start of its Black Friday deals, which normally occurs the Friday after Thanksgiving, will start Tuesday, Oct. 19, and run through Oct. 22. The early deals will lean heavily on consumer tech.

Some of the featured deals next week, with savings of up to $180, include:

• $599 for a Samsung 70-inch 4K Smart TV 

• $169 for Beats Studio 3 headphones in matte black 

• Chromebooks starting at $99

• Windows laptops starting at $189.99

The retailer is also marking down a number of Samsung appliances, cutting prices by as much as $540 on the biggest ticket items.

When the calendar finally flips to November, Best Buy said it will be moving Black Friday up a week, from the day after Thanksgiving to Nov. 19. The company promises that “thousands” of deals will start that day, with some extending deeper into the holiday season.

New retail trend

Best Buy is joining a trend in which retailers are rolling out earlier deals to help consumers cope with potential shortages and highly anticipated shipping delays. 

Amazon announced its Black Friday deals earlier this month, making them available earlier than ever. Amazon’s early deals cover toys, home furnishings, and seasonal fashion. Deals include up to 30% off on Hasbro Games, NERF, Barbie, Fisher-Price, and Hot Wheels. 

Target got an even earlier start on the holiday season, rolling out its deals in August. Company executives said 85% of the toys in this year’s lineup will be completely new. At the top of the list are brands like LEGO sets, L.O.L. Surprise! dolls, PAW Patrol, Barbie, and the Zoe Doll. Target is also partnering with FAO Schwarz, the oldest toy store in the world, on an exclusive 70-piece toy collection.

Reasons to shop early

Big box retailers are encouraging consumers to shop early this year, not only to lock in sales but also to head off shortages deep into the holiday season that could result in a lot of unhappy people.

Tara, of Springboro, Ohio, tells us that she has already encountered delays when ordering from Amazon.

“The last few things I have ordered have all been late, had to be canceled or re-shipped,” Tara wrote this week in a ConsumerAffairs review. “I would rather have a 5-day guarantee than a next day or 2-day since everything seems to be delayed.”

The New York Times reported this week that the supply chain bottlenecks are showing no signs of relenting. Walmart, Target, Costco, and Home Depot have resorted to chartering their own ships, a move that the Wall Street Journal suggests could result in higher prices for goods.

Playing off of last year’s success with its 12 Days of Wine Advent Calendar, Sam’s Club has decided to try out wine delivery in advance of the holiday season.

Starting soon, Sam’s Club members in 16 states will have access to the delivery service. It will allow them to order the retailer’s private brand Member’s Mark wines online at SamsClub.com and have them shipped directly to their home. Additional states and wines will be added to the service early next year.

How good are Sam’s Club wines?

Banking on the success that Trader Joe’s had with its Two-Buck Chuck, larger retailers have gone all-in on private brand wines over the past few years. Target, Kroger, Walmart, and Costco all want a piece of the budget line action. For example, Sam’s Club’s big brother Walmart rolled out 10 private-label wines for $11 a bottle a few years ago in a line called the “Winemakers Selection,” featuring wine from California, France, and Italy. 

In a survey of how good Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark wines were, ConsumerAffairs found lots of positives -- and a few sour grape reviews too. Its members seem to love its Old Vine Zinfandel -- 4.4 stars for a bottle retailing at around $7. But it’s the $9 Member's Mark Moscato d'Asti that appears to be the overall favorite, getting a near-flawless 4.9-star rating.

In a taste test of seven of Sam's Club Member's Mark wines, BusinessInsider taste testers were split on the quality of the overall selection. The Moscato d’Asti got good reviews with that group too, but another white wine -- the $7.98 Prosecco -- was a good price in the testers’ opinion, calling it a "steal" and a "decent value." 

It was the red wines where the biggest dissension came into play. The Member's Mark Malbec appeared to be the most polarizing product. Descriptors that reviewers used included "fruity," "light," "watery," and "nutty." Two of the tasters labeled the wine as "bitter," while two others raised a glass and applauded it as very "drinkable."

The future looks good for private label wines

Even if you’re someone who doesn’t have a lot of experience with wine, taking advantage of the price points on some of the above retailers’ private brands is a low-risk way of raising your game.

“These days, you don't have to know a lot about wine to take home a good bottle,” ConsumerAffairs’ Mark Huffman wrote in an article about private label wines that big box stores and grocers are carrying. “If the supermarket chain carefully chooses the wine it sells under its own label, the consumer is assured of a good product without having to know much at all about wine.”

The numbers speak for themselves. The winner in the Product of the Year USA’s wine category in 2020 was not a brand name wine from one of the well-known vineyards, but rather a $10 Quarter Cut Bourbon Barrel-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon sold exclusively at Aldi.

“Many of our award-winning wines are less than $10, which proves quality doesn’t always mean expensive,” said Joan Kavanaugh, vice president of national buying services at Aldi U.S.

Target was the first out of the gate to post its holiday deals, but Amazon is wasting no time in announcing its own. Even though Black Friday might be officially slated for the day after Thanksgiving, the online retailer says there’s no need to wait. It says consumers can shop now and save big with Black Friday-worthy pricing in every category, including fashion, home, beauty, toys, electronics, and Amazon Devices.

Consumers will be able to help small businesses and artisans spring back from a downturn in business brought on by the pandemic by shopping through the Small Business Storefront. Amazon is also offering additional guides featuring gifts from small businesses, Amazon Launchpad, and Amazon Handmade.

A new trick up Amazon’s sleeve

The e-commerce giant is also adding an interesting nuance to holiday shopping in 2021. If an Amazon Prime shopper doesn’t know the shipping address of the giftee, they can e-mail or text gifts. All it takes is selecting the gift, checking the “add gift receipt for easy returns” box during checkout, and then typing in a known email address or mobile number of the recipient.

That’s when the new twist comes in. The recipient can either accept the purchase or -- unbeknownst to the giver -- exchange it for an Amazon gift card.

Early deals

ConsumerAffairs took a look at some of the deals Amazon is offering early. Here are some of the available products that come with a discount:

Toys

• Save up to 50% on STEM toys and kits from Learning Resources, National Geographic, and more.

• Save up to 30% on Hasbro Games, NERF, Barbie, Fisher-Price, and Hot Wheels.

Seasonal Fashion

• Save up to 30% on Tommy Hilfiger men’s and women’s apparel.

• Save up to 50% on women’s watches from Anne Klein, Nine West, and SWAROVSKI.

Homegoods and Appliances

• Save up to 30% on Le Creuset cast iron and stoneware.

• Save 40% on Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer.

A complete list of Amazon’s deals can be viewed here.

Starting Friday, the mail will move a little slower. New regulations that change delivery standards for some U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail will go into effect at the end of the week.

The Postal Service struggled with delivery during the pandemic, especially during the holiday season. In the wake of that, and in an effort to improve finances, USPS proposed earlier this year that it give itself more time to deliver some mail. The agency currently has a goal of delivering first-class mail between one to three days. That changes to one to five days for 39% of first-class mail on Friday.

“Modifying select service standards is a key growth element and enabler of our 10-year plan, contributing to our top goal of meeting or exceeding 95% on-time delivery across all product classes, including the growing package market,” Postmaster General and CEO Louis DeJoy said in a June statement. 

USPS officials said most postal customers won’t notice a change in service. It stresses that the longer delivery times will apply almost entirely to pieces traveling long distances. According to a USPS spokeswoman, 61% of first-class mail and 93% of periodicals will continue to meet the current delivery standards. 

Holiday crunch

However, the change comes at a bad time for some people. Online retailers have already warned consumers to do their holiday shopping early, pointing to existing supply chain issues. They’ve expressed concern that a crush of late orders could place heavy burdens on shippers.

That’s what happened last year. In mid-December, USPS warned consumers that some shipments would not arrive at their destinations by Christmas because of the surge in online shopping during the pandemic. The Postal Service had to deliver even more packages during the holidays because private express carriers shifted some of their deliveries to USPS.

Some people posting Postal Service reviews at ConsumerAffairs don’t appear hopeful about the upcoming holiday season. P., of Grand Rapids, Mich., is losing patience.

“In the past year, I have mailed out exactly 3 items via USPS, each processed in person by staff at my local post office branch,” P. wrote. “NONE have been delivered.”

What do do

Consumers who plan to purchase gifts that require shipping should probably begin shopping now. It will take time to receive the product and even more time to ship it to the recipient.

Some online retailers offer gift-wrapping services so that the item doesn’t have to be shipped twice. This year, that might be the prudent course of action.

USPS has not yet published deadlines for mailing packages to ensure delivery, but other delivery services have. Still, consumers sending time-sensitive packages should not wait until the deadlines to ship.

As we approach the November and December holidays, a report from Foodmarket says that retailers are encouraged that consumer demand for meat and poultry products will remain strong. On the flip side, labor shortages continue and supplies are forecast to tighten, which could lead to higher prices.

Hog heaven

Autumn is typically a strong season for hog producers. With October being National Pork Month, there’ll likely be special price promotions for consumers, and pork could become an attractive option over beef and chicken. In fact, pork prices have already declined from their summer peak -- by a whopping 21%.

“Notably, the average retail price for whole boneless pork loin this week is at a sizable discount to boneless skinless chicken breast, a competitive item with pork loins,” the report noted. “Pork loins this week average $2.70 per pound, compared to $3.58 per pound for chicken breast. The roast category averages $2.76 per pound, 9.2% below last year. Meanwhile, ribs, bacon, and pork chops continue to hold sizable premiums to year-ago levels.” 

How now, brown cow?

Across the field in the beef sector, cattle supplies are forecast to tighten in the coming months. While labor and supply shortages in the chicken market have made most of the headlines, beef producers have also felt a pinch from the pandemic. “Processing capacity is plagued with staffing shortages, mechanical issues, and recently — a plant fire at a JBS facility in Nebraska, making it increasingly difficult for feedlots to become current. While fed cattle prices continue to trek largely sideways, wholesale beef prices are softening post-Labor Day but remain elevated in record territory for this time of year,” the report said.

According to the latest Urner Barry survey, Choice beef carcass value was up 50% and Select was 41% higher over this time last year. The offshoot of that is that average retail prices for ground beef, roasts, and steaks were also up from a year ago.

And chicken?

The bird is still the word when it comes to the consumer’s pandemic-oriented meat of choice, and that factor alone has created a shortage — and a rise in prices — for chicken.

Urner Barry’s latest retail survey shows that retail prices for whole birds are up 8.7% from a year ago and average $1.87 per pound. Boneless skinless breasts are up 15.5% from 2020. If you’re a wing lover, be prepared to pay. Currently, the average for wings is $4.24 per pound, up a whopping 78.2% from last year. 

Will the shortage of available chicken meat get worse? It’s hard to say, but the current picture is pretty bleak. According to Foodmarket’s review of Department of Agriculture data, the agency reports that the availability of frozen chicken stocks at the end of August was down nearly 20% from 2020. "Total chicken stocks were the lowest since 2014 and breast meat lowest since 2016. Wing stocks lowest since 2009 with a small August gain. No wonder since prices are near record high," Bob Brown, a private analyst in Edmond, Oklahoma, told Foodmarket. 

Christmas in August? If you’re a Target shopper it is. 

On Monday, the company announced the selections for its Top Toy list for the upcoming holiday season and gave details on some store exclusives that customers will be able to take advantage of in-store and online. It also updated the public on its plan to add over 160 Disney stores inside Target locations across the U.S.

Target officials said 85% of the toys in this year’s lineup will be completely new. At the top of the list are brands like LEGO sets, L.O.L. Surprise! dolls, PAW Patrol, Barbie, and the Zoe Doll. Target is also partnering with FAO Schwarz, the oldest toy store in the world, on an exclusive 70-piece toy collection.

Target is also growing its partnership with Disney in a big way, with popular properties like Star Wars and Raya and the Last Dragon headlining the inventory.

"Target continues to be a top toy destination for all families, and we're pleased to offer unique experiences and a curated toy assortment that brings joy to parents and children of all ages," said Nik Nayar, SVP of Hardlines, Target. "We're seeing more guests shop for toys at Target than ever before, and whether it's Bullseye's Top Toys or finding joy with one of the 1,300+ exclusive toys and games, guests are choosing Target for our inspiring, easy and affordable gift-giving experience."

The Top Toys of 2021

Target’s list of Top Toys for this holiday is broken down into six categories that focus on different areas of play. They include:

Inspire New Stories

• Healthy Roots Zoe Doll

• Baby Alive Lulu Achoo Dolls

• Disney Raya and the Last Dragon Land of Kumandra Set – EXCLUSIVE

• B. Play Ice Cream Truck – EXCLUSIVE

• Animal Planet Deep Sea Shark Rescue Submarine Set – EXCLUSIVE

• Kinetic Sand Sandyland Folding Sandbox – EXCLUSIVE

• OSMO Little Genius Starter Kit – EXCLUSIVE

• LEGO Creator Botanical Collection Bird of Paradise – EXCLUSIVE

• LEGO Friends Heartlake City School

• Gravitrax Speed Marble Run – EXCLUSIVE

• Peek-a-Roo

• Orbeez Soothing Spa

Inspire Imagination

• L.O.L. Surprise! Family Pack 24K DJ and Neon – EXCLUSIVE

• L.O.L. Surprise! OMG Movie Magic Studio

• Na! Na! Na! Surprise 3-in-1 Backpack Bedroom Jennel Jaguar and Sarah Snuggles

• Barbie Dreamhouse

• Rainbow High Rockstars Lyric Lucas, Vanessa Nova, Carmen Major – EXCLUSIVE

• Love, Diana Magical Musical Castle

• Ryan's World Lost City Adventure Chest – EXCLUSIVE

• Jurassic World Legacy Collection - Tyrannosaurus Rex Escape Pack – EXCLUSIVE

• Star Wars Galactic Snackin' Grogu

• Batman All-Terrain Batmobile Remote Control Vehicle

• Hot Wheels Monster Trucks T-Rex Volcano Arena Track Set

• Monster Jam Remote Control Freestyle Force Grave Digger

• Imaginext DC Super Friends Transforming Bat-Tech Batbot

• Unicorn Purse Pets

• Got2Glow Fairy Finder Pink Jar

• Magic Mixies

Inspire Dreams and Creativity

• FAO Schwarz Electric Guitar + Amp – EXCLUSIVE

• LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Wizard's Chess – EXCLUSIVE

• LEGO Star Wars The Armorer's Mandalorian Forge – EXCLUSIVE

• Bluey & Jean Luc's Caravan Adventures Playset – EXCLUSIVE

• Melissa & Doug Let's Explore Park Ranger Cabin and Boat – EXCLUSIVE

• Our Generation Cozy Cabin

• 5 Surprise Toy Mini Brands Toy Store

• Lalaloopsy Sew Royal Princess Party: Suzette & Mimi La Sweet and Cosy & Teacup Hearts

• PAW Patrol: The Movie Ultimate City Tower Playset

Inspire Active Play

• Segway C20 Kids Electric Scooter – EXCLUSIVE

• Jetson Sync All-Terrain Hoverboard Black – EXCLUSIVE

• NERF Elite 2.0 Flipshots Flip-32 Blaster

Inspire Fun Family Moments

• Monopoly: Target Edition – EXCLUSIVE

• Chuckle & Roar Pop It! XL Tie Dye – EXCLUSIVE

• Throw Throw Avocado – EXCLUSIVE

• Crossed Signals

• Beyblade Burst Surge Speedstorm Slayer Showdown Battle Set – EXCLUSIVE

• Roblox Action Collection - Ninja Legends Deluxe Playset

Inspire Future Gamers

• Nintendo Switch OLED

• Nintendo Switch with Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con

• PlayStation 5 Console

• Xbox Series S

Focusing on customer convenience and deals

To save its customers time, the same-day pickup and delivery options that Target began offering during the COVID-19 pandemic will remain in place with no membership required. To save those same shoppers some money, the company says its Top Toys all start at a $19.99 price point. Target RedCard holders can also enjoy 5% off their Top Toys purchases.

Some consumers have taken a shine to Target’s efforts to cater to customers. In a ConsumerAffairs review, Mike of Bernalillo, N.M., said he was satisfied by the shopping experience. 

“Great store with lots of variety. Love the toy and game section. Electronics are well stocked and seasonal stuff always get my attention,” he wrote. “And employees always in a good mood. Returns are easy!!”

This Fourth of July weekend, consumers are expected to spend $7.5 billion on food, drinks, and other celebrations of U.S. independence. That comes out to an average of about $80 per person, according to the National Retail Federation. 

The NRF’s annual Independence Day spending survey drew responses from 7,893 consumers. The organization said it found that 84% of consumers plan to celebrate Independence Day this year -- an increase from 2020’s figure of 76%. 

Sixty-one percent of those surveyed said they plan to put money towards hosting or attending a cookout, barbeque, or picnic. Around 33 percent of consumers said they plan to take in a fireworks show or go to a community celebration of some sort. 

Gas supplies running low

Twelve percent of respondents to the NRF’s poll said they plan to travel or leave for a vacation this weekend. Separately, AAA forecasted that 43.6 million Americans will travel by car this Fourth of July weekend -- the most so far this year. Unfortunately, gas demand and prices are both high. 

The national average price for a gallon of regular is currently sitting at $3.10, the highest since October 2014, according to GasBuddy. Industry experts say gas stations are running short on supplies because of a shortage of tank truck drivers and rising gas demand. 

"It used to be an afterthought for station owners to schedule truck deliveries. Now it's job No. 1," Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis for the Oil Price Information Service, which tracks prices for AAA, told CNN Business. "What I'm worried about for July is the increased demand works out to about 2,500 to 3,000 more deliveries needed every day. There just aren't the drivers to do that."

Experts are concerned that travelers may see a station without gas here and there and take it as a sign that they should top off their tanks. However, doing so will only make a shortage worse, said Jeff Lenard, vice president of strategic industry initiatives for the National Association of Convenience Stores. 

As was the case when there was a gas shortage caused by the Colonial Pipeline attack, Lenard says consumers should refrain from topping off their tank more than necessary. 

"We have the same advice we had then, this is not the time to fill up every car you have and every container you have," he said. "We hate to see shortages and outages caused by drivers panicking and topping off their tanks."

Father’s Day spending in the U.S. will exceed $20 billion, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual Father’s Day spending report. 

The NRF expects 75% of American consumers to buy gifts. Of those who observe the father-focused holiday, 50% plan to purchase gifts for their biological fathers. Twenty-six percent plan to spend money on their husbands, and 11% plan to buy something for their sons. 

The average amount of money that consumers expect to spend will be around $174 -- an increase of $26 from 2020. Americans are projected to spend several billion dollars more on Father’s Day this year; in 2020, total spending came out to around $17 billion.

Key insights

The NRF said the biggest spenders this Father’s Day will be between the ages of 35 and 44. Consumers in this age group are expected to spend an average of $259 on the dads in their life.  

The top gifts that respondents said they plan to purchase for Father's Day are greeting cards (59%), clothing (49%), a special outing such as dinner or brunch (46%), gift cards (45%), and personal care items (28%). The NRF noted that the number of consumers planning a special outing is back to pre-pandemic levels. 

“Americans are looking forward to celebrating their fathers, husbands and sons this Father’s Day,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “With our nation now making significant strides toward recovery and reopening, retailers are prepared to help customers safely find items they want and need to make this year’s holiday celebration extra meaningful.”

This year’s Father’s Day will be celebrated on June 20, the third Sunday of June.

Walmart and Target have announced sales events to compete with Amazon’s 48-hour Prime Day event.

Amazon announced Wednesday that its sixth annual two-day shopping event will take place on June 21 and June 22 this year. Now, both Target and Walmart have announced that their own sales events will happen on the same dates. 

Walmart's event, which it’s calling "Deals for Days,” will take place from June 20 through the 23. The retailer says consumers will find "Black Friday-like savings” across a number of categories, including electronics, toys, home, beauty, and fashion. 

In an effort to drum up excitement, Walmart has unveiled a few of the deals it’ll be offering. Deals include a $50 discount on a Hisense Roku Smart LED TV, a $20 discount on an 11.6-inch HP Chromebook, and half off a Tobi Robot Smartwatch for kids.

Target’s sales event, called “Deal Days,” will go live on its website from June 20 through June 22. There will be discounts on “hundreds of thousands” of items across every category, including food and beverage for the first time ever. 

The retailer noted that consumers don't need any kind of membership to take advantage of its deals, unlike Prime Day sales that are only available to Prime members. 

“Target Deal Days is bigger and better than ever for all guests, with more days and ways to save, including food and beverage deals this year,” Christina Hennington, executive vice president and chief growth officer, Target, said in a statement. “Our industry-leading, safe and easy fulfillment options deliver same-day joy — with no waiting or membership fee required.”

There may be plenty of flowers for Mother’s Day, but the selection may be smaller and bouquets may cost more. Like many things, the floral industry has reportedly taken a hit from the coronavirus (COVID-19).

CBS News reports that the virus has adversely affected the floral supply chain. Some of the most popular flowers in the U.S. are grown and harvested in South America, where COVID-19 is currently raging.

If that wasn’t bad enough, Columbia, a major flower-growing region, is dealing with national strikes. The flowers that finally make it to U.S. ports are encountering delays before they are loaded into trucks, which are reportedly in short supply. The result has been a delay in retail outlets obtaining some popular flowers, such as cut hyacinths and other imported flowers.

Industry experts say some of the problems go back almost a year to when the pandemic shut down economies around the world. It hit growers especially hard since their product is perishable and demand dried up almost overnight. Many had to curtail operations or shut down completely.

"It's a story that goes back to the beginning of the pandemic," Seth Goldman, CEO of UrbanStems, told CBS News.

Consumers still want flowers

Now that the virus appears to be retreating in the U.S. and millions of Americans have been vaccinated, demand for flowers for Mother’s Day is as strong as ever. The Society of American Florists (SAF) estimates that nearly 70% of U.S. shoppers will purchase flowers as part of a Mother’s Day gift.

An SAF survey of members found concerns about supply but also optimism for significant growth over Mother's Day in 2020, which occurred during the initial surge of the pandemic. Survey respondents also said they would counter supply constraints by designing unique and unusual arrangements for the holiday.

“It’s time to capitalize on our talent and creativity as opposed to cookie-cutter designing so that we can show that we still can create even in a shortage,” one respondent wrote.

Despite the shortage, consumers will still find plenty of flowers for Mom this year. But industry sources suggest that consumers should be prepared to accept substitutes and to pay more for them. 

Florists are quick to point out that the higher costs really aren’t for the flowers but rather the transportations costs, which have risen an estimated 10% to 15% over the last couple of months.

The world was still coping with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic last May when Mother’s Day came around. While we’re not out of the coronavirus woods yet, consumers are looking to focus more on mom this year.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) conducted its annual survey to see how much people will be splurging on Mother’s Day in 2021. The findings show that spending will eclipse $28 billion this year, with 83% of consumers planning to celebrate the holiday. 

“There is a lot of consumer optimism around Mother’s Day this year as more people are getting vaccinated and stimulus checks are being distributed,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “For many, this is a chance to make up for last year’s Mother’s Day when we were under lockdown.”

Spending on mom

If the survey responses are a good indication, then moms can expect some nice gifts this year. Over half of respondents said they plan to spend money on jewelry this year (59%), while over a quarter will look to buy electronics (28%). 

Average spending this year is projected to come in at $220.48 per person, but the NRF says consumers between the ages of 25 and 34 will spend even more. This age group plans to spend an average of $367.08 per person, an increase of $99 over last year. 

Besides physical gifts, just under half of consumers say they’re planning a special outing or meal for mom (49%). Of course, pandemic conditions will make going out a little bit different than in past years.

“With safety guidelines at top of mind, consumers are planning to be with family, are making travel plans and organizing a special brunch or outing. All of these activities will be reflected through their purchasing decisions,” said Shay. 

In its annual Valentine’s Day survey, the National Retail Federation (NRF) found that consumers are likely to spend a little less than they did last year. 

The NRF said just over half of U.S. adults (52 percent) plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year. Average expenditures will drop $32 this year (from $196 last year to $165 this year). In total, Americans are expected to spend around $21.8 billion -- a 20 percent decline from this time last year, before COVID-19 had become a major concern. 

Despite the drop in spending, the NRF says Valentine’s Day 2021 is still poised to be the second highest Valentine’s Day in terms of expected spending. It comes “on the heels of a record-setting winter holiday season,” noted Katherine Cullen, senior director of industry and consumer insights for the NRF. 

The NRF says consumers will also celebrate a little differently this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Celebrating differently 

The NRF’s survey of 7,882 adult consumers yielded the following key insights:  

• Just 24 percent say they will celebrate with an evening out this year, the lowest percentage in the survey’s history.

• Another 41 percent say they will plan a special dinner or celebration in the comfort of their own home.

• Nearly half of consumers (46 percent) say they are actively avoiding in-person gatherings. This translates to $1.5 billion less in spending on an evening out this year.

• Twenty-seven percent of those celebrating Valentine’s Day are planning to buy gifts and other treats for their pets.

• Fewer young consumers are planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, but those who do plan to celebrate are spending a little more than they normally would. Those aged 18-24 were the only age group to increase their planned spending on Valentine’s Day, from $109 to $184.

While celebrations may look a little different this year, the NRF said it expects things to look more typical in 2022. 

“Nothing can mask love permanently, and we expect consumers will return to their typical Valentine’s Day traditions next year,” the firm said. 

Still on the hunt for that perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Check out ConsumerAffairs’ top Valentine’s Day Deals for 2021 here.

Because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the nation’s shipping industry was nearly overwhelmed during the holiday shopping season. Now, many retailers have taken a novel approach to receiving returned items.

In many cases, they’re issuing refunds and telling consumers not to bother returning the product. That’s because it often costs less to eat the loss than to pay for the return.

Citing data from Narvar, The Wall Street Journal reports that returned purchases jumped 70 percent in 2020 as the pandemic created a huge shift to online purchases. The surge continued into the holiday shopping season, creating a tsunami of returns over the last two weeks.

A big driver of return costs is shipping. If a consumer returns an item to the store where they bought it, the return processing cost is less. But when the product has to be shipped back to the retailer, the costs quickly rise.

A number of larger retailers have apparently determined it’s more cost-effective to let the customer keep the item and just issue a refund. According to The Journal report, it can cost as much as $20 to process a return, even before paying for freight on top of that.

How retailers decide

A Walmart spokeswoman told the newspaper that the “keep it” policy primarily covers items it doesn’t plan to put back on the shelf and resell. Other factors that go into the decision to write off the purchase is the customer’s purchase history, the cost of the item, and the cost of accepting the return.

Target said it employs a similar policy in a small number of cases when it determines it is more efficient to just write a check. It says it urges consumers to donate unwanted items.

Because retailers have not adopted a hard-and-fast rule, consumers won’t know whether they will be told to keep the unwanted item until they begin the return process. But in a growing number of cases, they are being told to do so.

Naturally, this trend has not gone unnoticed in the scammer community. Retailers have more narrowly refined their algorithms to detect fraud. The most common tactic criminals have employed so far is to claim the item never arrived and that they are fearful of going to a physical location to ask for a refund because of the pandemic.

A holiday ritual is returning holiday gifts that are the wrong size, the wrong color, and just plain wrong. In this year of the pandemic, making these returns might be a little easier.

A report by Modern Retail, an industry trade publication, notes that the crush of online purchasing that has occurred since March has caused retailers to evolve their return policies over the last few months.

“From big box stores to direct to consumer brands, the bottleneck effect created by the pandemic’s online shopping boom has pushed retailers to push back return windows,” the publication writes. “They’re not only there to give consumers more flexibility to get refunds, but also enough time for customer service reps to process returns safely.”

Amazon returns

Amazon has a special section of its website just for returning a gift. You’ll find it here. Some things to know are:

• You’ll need an Amazon account;

• You’ll need the order number from the purchase;

• If you’re the person who received the returned gift, you’ll receive the amount of the purchase as an Amazon gift card.

Walmart returns

Walmart extended grace periods on returns and exchanges early in the pandemic and is still showing some leniency. Walmart explains how to return a gift here. Most gifts, with some exceptions, can be returned even if purchased online.

Walmart accepts returns at all of its stores. Ideally, Walmart would like all packaging, materials, and accessories that came with the item. If you don't have the packing slip or a receipt, and your item was purchased on Walmart.com, provide the order number or the email address of the sender. 

If you have a receipt or packing slip and you're within the return window, you can return the item for cash or a Walmart gift card. 

Target returns

At Target, most unopened items sold by Target in new condition and returned within 90 days will receive a refund or exchange. There are exceptions, but they will be noted on the receipt or packing slip.

Items that are opened or damaged or do not have a receipt may be denied a refund or exchange, however. New Jersey stores will continue to observe state-ordered return restrictions. 

Target outlines its gift return policy here.

As explained by Modern Retail, the expanded return time frame is not only a courtesy to consumers but to allow for the safe handling of returned items during a pandemic. 

Some companies plan to set aside returned items for at least a day before they are handled by store personnel. Most items will go through a cleaning process before they are restocked.

Consumers spent more on the holidays than last year, but not by much. In this season shaped by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Mastercard’s SpendingPulse report shows that sales between November 1 and Christmas Eve grew by 2.4 percent year-over-year.

“American consumers turned the holiday season on its head, redefining ‘home for the holidays’ in a uniquely 2020 way,” said Steve Sadove, senior advisor for Mastercard.

Sales from online shopping grew by a staggering 49 percent. That was hardly a surprise, though, since consumers hunkering down at home were ordering just about everything online.

What consumers purchased this season was also a bit different. The report shows spending was down on traditional gift items -- notably apparel -- and much higher for home furnishings. In fact, home furniture and furnishings saw the strongest growth of any sector compared to 2019, up 16.2 percent. Online spending for the home surged 31 percent compared to last year.

People working from home apparently decided they don’t need to dress up. Clothing sales sank 19.1 percent while electronics and appliances were up 6 percent overall.

Department stores were the big losers because fewer consumers ventured out to malls and shopping centers. Sales were down 10.2 percent year-over-year, though stores with an online channel saw their online sales increase by 3.3 percent.

Earlier start, earlier end

Consumers spread their shopping over a wider period this year. A number of major retailers, including Amazon and Walmart, staged promotions in October. The numbers show consumers took advantage of those earlier opportunities.

“Across our expanded 75-day holiday shopping season, sales were up 3 percent, a testament to the holiday season and strength of retailers and consumers alike,” Sadove said.

Because so many shoppers depended on shipping, the season drew to a close this year a lot earlier than in the past. After Black Friday, the top shopping day was December 12 -- one of the last days shippers would guarantee delivery before Christmas.

December 21, the Monday before Christmas, was the third-biggest shopping day in 2019. This year, it didn’t even crack the top 10.

The pandemic-led upsurge in online shopping has put the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) in a serious crunch, leading agency employees and postal industry tracking firms to warn shoppers not to put too much hope in having all their gifts under the tree by December 25. 

Making matters worse, the Washington Post reports that private express carriers FedEx and UPS have completely cut off delivery service for some retailers, sending tons of packages to USPS, which bogs down the system even further.

“We’re really gridlocked all over the place,” a Postal Service transportation manager in Ohio told the Post. “It’s bad. I’ve never seen it like this before.” Things are bad enough that one Grinch’y USPS carrier reportedly dumped 19 packages in the garbage in a Chicago woman’s trash can.

Letter carriers in Detroit and Philadelphia said that some of their peers have been assigned two eight-hour routes each day, and some offices have gone as far as rerouting employees to other facilities to try and get caught up. 

“I don’t think anyone, including the post office itself, knows just how bad delays are,” the Philadelphia carrier said.

This week is make it or break it

The USPS tried to put its best foot forward in a press release, saying that it’s continuing “to flex our network, including making sure the right equipment is available to sort, process and deliver a historic volume of mail and packages this holiday season.” But past that spin, it laid out exactly what consumers should expect from the agency. 

Shipping deadlines: The Postal Service recommends the following mailing and shipping deadlines for expected delivery by Dec. 25 to domestic U.S. addresses and Air/Army Post Office/Fleet Post Office/Diplomatic Post Office addresses:

Dec. 15 — USPS Retail Ground service

Dec. 18 — APO/FPO/DPO (except ZIP Code 093) USPS Priority Mail Express service

Dec. 18 — First-Class Mail service (including greeting cards)

Dec. 18 — First-class packages (up to 15.99 ounces)

Dec. 19 — Priority Mail service

Dec. 23 — Priority Mail Express service*

Packages to Alaska and Hawaii have separate deadlines and are available here.

*Not a guarantee, unless otherwise noted. Dates are for estimated delivery before Dec. 25. Actual delivery date may vary depending on origin, destination, Post Office acceptance date and time, and other conditions. Some restrictions apply. For Priority Mail Express shipments mailed Dec. 22 through Dec. 25, the money-back guarantee applies only if the shipment was not delivered, or delivery was not attempted, within two business days.

Weekend delivery: USPS already delivers packages on Sundays in most major cities and will continue to do that. 

Christmas Day delivery: For an additional fee, mail carriers will also deliver packages on December 25 in select locations.

Expanded hours: Available in select locations

Expanded package delivery window: “Where volume warrants,” USPS will deliver outside of its normal times, including in the morning, afternoon, and early evening.

Busiest mailing and delivery days: Crunch time is officially here. This week, December 14-21, is predicted to be the busiest mailing, shipping, and delivery week.

Tips to help improve the chances of an on-time delivery

The Postal Service realizes that being in crunch time puts guaranteed delivery times in an iffy position, but it says there are a few things consumers can do to better their chances.

Skip the trip and ship online: “Consumers don’t have to leave home to ship their packages. In these socially distant times, they can simply visit usps.com or use the Click-N-Ship feature for help shipping that holiday gift, ordering free Priority Mail boxes, printing shipping labels, purchasing postage and even requesting free next-day Package Pickup,” the service said, adding that usps.com is “always open.” 

Use free Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes: This is available for free at Post Office locations or online at www.usps.com/freeboxes.

Make it easy with Click-N-Ship: If you have a computer, you can create shipping labels and pay for postage online at www.usps.com/ship.

Schedule a free Package Pickup when the carrier delivers your mail:  This seldom-used tip might be worth its weight in gold for those who hate standing in line. More importantly, it’s free regardless of the number of packages. Pickups can be scheduled at www.usps.com/pickup. 

One important note, though: Mail and packages that weigh more than 10 ounces or are more than a half-inch thick and use stamps as postage cannot be dropped into a collection box or left for a carrier to pick up. Instead, people have to take them to a local Post Office.

Around 40 percent of U.S. consumers plan to spend less than they normally do on gifts this holiday season, according to a survey from CNBC. 

The organization polled 800 Americans as part of its All America Economic Survey and found that the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is causing many consumers to cut back on spending. 

The survey found that 39 percent of consumers will spend less this holiday season, while just 11 percent plan to spend more than usual. The average American plans to spend $886, which is a 10 percent decrease from planned holiday spending last year. 

In 2017, the same survey found that 25 percent of Americans planned to cut back spending during the holidays, and 18 percent said they would spend more.

Wealthiest Americans showing most restraint

This year, the reasons consumers cited for spending less were: 

• Loss of wages or income (29 percent)

• The coronavirus (19 percent)

• The economy (17 percent)

• A need to save money (16 percent)

CNBC’s survey showed decreased spending plans across all income brackets. However, the survey suggested that “the wealthiest Americans could be holding back the most” this year.

“It does seem like those Americans earning over $100,000 are holding back a little bit more than they did in 2019,” said Hart Research Associates partner Jay Campbell.

That caution could be rooted in uncertainty regarding how next year will play out economically. A third of respondents said they believe the economy will get worse in 2021. Republicans were found to have a more pessimistic outlook about the economy while Democrats’ outlook has grown more positive since the election of former Vice President Joe Biden. 

Online spending surge

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant jump in the number of consumers planning to do their shopping online this holiday season. CNBC’s survey found that 55 percent of respondents plan to do most of their shopping online, compared with 43 percent a year ago. 

“It’s the biggest gain in the 14 years of the survey and follows a three-year plateau in that metric. It’s also the first time more than half of respondents favored online shopping,” the report noted. 

Though many consumers have already gotten a head start on their holiday shopping, a new study is exploring a trend that could lead consumers to make more unplanned purchases. 

According to researchers from the University of Innsbruck, consumers need to keep their focus while shopping if they don’t want to take home any unexpected items. Their study revealed that wandering glances while shopping are the biggest factors in consumers straying from their shopping lists, and many stores use this to their advantage to get shoppers to add more to their shopping carts.

“Over the past decades, retailers have developed many sales strategies that focus on the visual attention of customers,” said researcher Mathias Streicher. “All these strategies maximize the journey through the store and increase the probability to remember a forgotten need or discover a new product.” 

The power of persuasion

To see how powerful it can be to harness consumers’ attention while shopping, the researchers conducted multiple shopping experiments that focused on the difference between narrow and broad focus while participants were shopping. 

Shoppers were shown images of available items on a digital display screen; however, the narrow focus group saw the same images in the middle of the screen while the broad focus group saw different images projected all around the periphery of the screen.  

One test involved participants in a supermarket, with the researchers assessing how far participants walked through the store and whether they were able to stick to their shopping lists. The researchers were interested in the distance travelled throughout the store because they explained that many stores keep essential items far away from the entrance to ensure that customers have to walk through more of the store so they can be enticed to make more purchases

The researchers learned that participants were more likely to peruse more items in the store if they were exposed to them prior to shopping, and this led to twice as many unplanned purchases and much more travel throughout the store.

“In looking at shelves, shoppers always see a subset of the assortment and which subset they see critically depends on their visual attention,” Streicher said. “We were able to show that attentional patterns can be unconsciously broadened or even narrowed down by simple in-store communications.” 

Staying focused in the store

What is Streicher’s advice to help consumers through their holiday shopping? He said it’s important for consumers to have a list on hand and stick to it.

“Our research shows that unplanned purchasing already begins at the level of visual attention,” he said. “To reduce unplanned purchases, it is therefore better to avoid wandering glances in shopping situations -- preferable with the support of a shopping list.” 

The COVID-19 pandemic appears to be affecting the holiday shopping season. 

A new study from the National Retail Foundation (NRF) shows that the average U.S. shopper spent 14 percent less this year at physical stores than in 2019 from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday.

However, on the flip side, Black Friday and Saturday saw substantial growth in online activity. For the first time ever, the number of online Black Friday shoppers eclipsed the 100 million mark, up 8 percent over last year. The online shoppers were even more aggressive on Saturday, shooting up 17 points compared with last year. 

Overall, online-only shoppers increased by 44 percent for the entire weekend, for a total of 95.7 million.

Consumers are buying earlier

With more people shopping online and the threat of the pandemic still peaking in early fall, some retailers decided to roll their deals out earlier so that they had additional time to make course corrections if needed. Some examples included moves made by Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, which all offered Black Friday prices at the same time as Amazon Prime Day in mid-October.

The NRF said that motivated 52 percent of holiday shoppers to take advantage of early holiday sales and promotions this year. Of those who did, 38 percent said they checked off holiday purchases in the week leading up to Thanksgiving. Fifty-three percent felt that promotions over the Thanksgiving weekend were pretty much the same as they had been earlier in the season.

Watch out for “Green Monday”

There’s still a couple of weeks before Santa comes, and retailers aren’t ready to put their carrots and sticks back in the closet quite yet.

It may come as a surprise, but there’s something called “Green Monday” that experts say is the second-best day for online holiday deals. It’s also the biggest online shopping day in all of December. 

Green Monday falls on the second Monday of the month, which would check in this year on December 14 — or 10 shipping days before Christmas. Walmart, Target, and Amazon are all gearing up for Green Monday, and the competition is expected to be fierce.

“Green Monday is receiving more competition from sales extended through Cyber Week,” said TheBalance’s Kimberly Amadeo. “With Amazon Prime and other services, shoppers can wait until closer to Christmas to buy online and have their purchases arrive on time. But Green Monday is still a good bargain, with retailers offering substantial discounts from regular prices.”

For you useless information hounds, “Green Monday'' gets its name from eBay. In 2007, the site experienced one of its biggest sales days on the second Monday of December. In honor of that rolling-in-the-green milestone, it gave the day its now colorful name. 

Delivery services, struggling under the volume of online orders this holiday season, have temporarily stopped picking up some orders from six retailers. 

The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday that UPS has asked its drivers to delay picking up packages from Gap, Nike, L.L. Bean, Hot Topic, Newegg, and Macy’s for the time being because packages coming from these retailers exceeded its capacity. 

It’s not clear how long the restrictions will be in place, but sources said UPS is likely trying to make sure it doesn’t commit to delivering more than it realistically can during peak delivery season. 

Packages still moving

Although UPS has set limits, some of the retailers said the carrier is still picking up packages. 

An L.L. Bean spokeswoman told the Journal that there have been delays for pickups at a few of its stores, but UPS is “actively picking up packages from our warehouse facility and our retail locations daily.” A Nike spokeswoman said her company expects “the majority of these orders to meet estimated delivery dates and are communicating with consumers [about] any changes in delivery.”

The pandemic has led to a dramatic increase in online shopping, prompting the delivery giant to set “specific capacity allocations” for its customers over the holiday season, according to CNBC. 

Retailers were also encouraged not to constrain Black Friday online promotions to a single day this year. A number of retailers started offering Black Friday-esque discounts as early as October. 

By imposing pickup limits, delivery services are reportedly trying to ensure delivery problems don’t crop up later in the season. 

“They are being very disciplined in what they pick up, and that is what they need to prevent a collapse,” ShipMatrix President Satish Jindel said.

For people looking for something unique to add to their Christmas wish lists, analysts and financial managers say they should consider shares of stock -- a gift that has the potential to keep on giving.

“Gifting stocks can be a great way to teach children or grandchildren about saving and investing, or a fun way of creating interest in the stock market, a company, or a particular industry,” says Eva Victor, director of wealth planning at Girard, a wealth management firm in the Philadelphia area.

One of the greatest advantages of gifting stock to a child is the tax benefit. Under the annual gift exclusion, individuals are allowed to give up to $15,000 annually (for 2020 and 2021) to any number of recipients without incurring a gift tax.

How to buy and gift stock

Giving stock isn’t something that requires a master’s degree, but there are some rules to pay attention to so you stay on the right side of the law.

If you’re thinking of giving stock to a child, Bankrate turned ConsumerAffairs onto a few options for how to make things as easy as possible:

• Purchase stock specifically for a child. That can be done simply by using a custodial account over which you have control. A minor child should have a custodial account, while an of-age child may have a regular account. “While you could transfer the stock as physical certificates, it’s merely a novelty and pricey to do so, too,” said James Royal, Bankrate.com analyst and author of “The Zen of Thrift Conversions.”

• Give stock from an existing investment account. Bankrate suggests contacting your broker to help make the transfer electronically or by stock certificate. Again, the recipient should have a brokerage account to receive the stock.

• Give stock with an app. Many online brokers offer apps that allow you to give stock.

The sky is NOT the limit

If you’re sitting on a pile of cash and looking for the tax break of the century, there are some definite upsides, but you need to get a hold of yourself because there are legal thresholds that could cause tax headaches if you go over the limit. 

Under the annual gift exclusion, you can safely give stock to any number of children (or anyone for that matter) without incurring a gift tax as long as you don’t go over the $15,000 limit per year. 

“A couple (meaning a husband and wife separately) could gift up to $30,000 to every child and grandchild under this exclusion,” says Victor. “Any unused annual gift exclusion doesn’t carry over to later years.”

The IRS offers a full set of FAQs on gift taxes. If you’d like to find out more, those answers are available here.

This year, Cyber Monday spending was widely expected to smash records -- and it did just that. 

According to a report from Adobe Analytics, consumers spent $10.8 billion online on Monday, setting a record for the biggest online shopping day in U.S. history and beating last year’s $9.4 billion Cyber Monday record. 

Adobe, which analyzes website transactions from 80 of the top 100 U.S. online retailers, said consumers got some of the biggest discounts on computers (28 percent), sporting goods (20 percent), toys (19 percent), appliances (20 percent), and electronics (27 percent). 

With the pandemic still keeping people at home, many consumers purchased toys and electronics to keep family members entertained. Some of the top sellers in the toy category included Lego Sets, vTech Toys, and scooters. In the electronics category, top sellers included Apple AirPods, Apple Watches, HP & Dell Computers, and Chromecast.     

Key insights

Adobe said it expects online shopping and curbside pickup to continue to be used more often this holiday season compared to years past. On Monday, Adobe said the number of orders placed online and picked up curbside was up 30 percent from a year ago.

“Throughout the remainder of the holiday season, we expect to see record sales continue and curbside pickup to gain even more momentum as shoppers avoid crowds and potential shipping delays,” said Taylor Schreiner, a director at Adobe Digital Insights.

The firm said a significant percentage of Cyber Monday purchases (37 percent) were made on smartphones, continuing a trend that has emerged over the past few years. Researchers noted that early discounts offered by retailers during the weeks leading up to Cyber Monday didn’t have a major impact on the day’s spending totals. 

“Cyber Monday continued to dominate the holiday shopping season, becoming the biggest online shopping day in US history, despite early discounts from retailers,” Schreiner said.

With many consumers still apprehensive about shopping in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic, spending for online shopping during Black Friday hit a new record. 

An estimated $9 billion was spent online the day after Thanksgiving, according to a report from Adobe Analytics. That figure represents a 22 percent increase from the previous online spending record of $7.4 billion, set in 2019. 

Adobe researchers said Friday’s online sales total takes the title of second-largest spending day in U.S. history, behind Cyber Monday last year. Consumers spent $6.3 million per minute (or $27.50 per person) online on Black Friday 2020.

Digital devices were hot items

There was a 25 percent increase in spending on smartphones compared to last year, according to the report. Forty percent of all online sales, or $3.6 billion, was spent on these devices. 

“New consoles, phones, smart devices and TVs that are traditional Black Friday purchases are sharing online shopping cart space this year with unorthodox Black Friday purchases such as groceries, clothes and alcohol, that would previously have been purchased in-store,” said Taylor Schreiner, a director at Adobe Digital Insights.

Sales of personal care products surged 556 percent, and online spending on pet products rose 254 percent. Popular items included Hot Wheels, Lego sets, Apple AirPods, Apple Watches, Amazon Echo devices, and Samsung TVs.

More consumers also utilized retailers’ in-store and curbside pickup options. The report found that the use of these options increased 52 percent from last year.

This year’s Cyber Monday shopping event is expected to become the biggest day in online sales in U.S. history. Adobe expects online sales to total between $10.8 billion to $12.7 billion.

While Black Friday may represent the official start to the holiday shopping season for many consumers, there are many people who are already scouring online sites to get good deals on products for their friends and family. To help in that effort, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has published a blog post with various tips to keep in mind. 

Shameka Walker, an attorney with the FTC’s Division of Consumer & Business Education, says that holiday shopping has taken on a new shape this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Because of COVID-19, it’s likely that we’ll be going online to look for those perfect gifts. With so many deals around and what seem like eternal ‘Black Friday’ sales, it’s important to keep some online shopping tips in mind,” she said. 

Holiday shopping tips

Walker says one of the most important things to do if you’re planning to shop from home is to make sure your computer is outfitted with up-to-date antivirus software. Computer security, in general, is something that the FTC takes very seriously, and it has published a comprehensive list of things consumers can do to make sure their cybersecurity is up to snuff. 

ConsumerAffairs also has several resources focused on helping consumers protect themselves against threats like identity theft.

Other tips Walker provides include things that consumers can do when doing their actual shopping to ensure that they’re getting the best deal and keeping themselves safe. They include:

• Taking time to compare products. If you know that there’s a product out there that you’ll want to get for the holidays, don’t be content to buy it from the first source you look at. Shopping around can allow you to save money that can be used for other gifts or to sock away for a rainy day. 

• Checking out sellers. Going hand-in-hand with comparing products is the necessity of checking out who is selling you a product. Sites like ConsumerAffairs can allow you to look up reviews about a company to ensure that you’re buying from a legitimate source. 

• Looking for coupon codes. There’s more than one way to get a good deal. While steep discounts are always nice, finding an eligible coupon can be another way that you can increase your savings. 

• Paying by credit card. Paying for online purchases with a credit card gives consumers protection under the Fair Credit Billing Act. This allows you to dispute certain charges and limits the amount of money that a hacker or scammer can potentially steal from you in the event of a cybersecurity lapse. 

• Using secure checkout. You’ll want to make sure that the site you’re using to buy a product is protected by enhanced security protocols. One easy way to check for this is by checking the site’s URL and seeing if it starts with “https.” The “s” in that case stands for “secure,” which means you can have more confidence when it comes to entering your information. 

• Keeping records of transactions. Keeping a running tab of the products you’ve ordered will give you an easy checklist once packages start coming in. If you notice there’s something missing, you can contact the vendor early on to resolve the issue.

Whether you’ve been planning your holiday shopping for months or are waiting until the holiday season is officially upon us, it’s never too early to start thinking about gift ideas. Now, a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago is giving consumers a leg up on shopping this holiday season. 

According to their findings, giving an experience-related gift rather than a material item is the best option for long-term happiness when it comes to older kids. 

“What this means is, experiences are highly coveted by adolescents, not just expensive material things, like some might think,” said researcher Lan Nguyen Chaplin. “Don’t get me wrong. Young children do love experiences. Entire industries (e.g., theme parks such as Disneyland) are built around this premise. In fact, young children are ecstatic throughout the experience. However, for experiences to provide enduring happiness, children must be able to recall details of the event long after it is over.”

Memories last a lifetime 

The researchers analyzed four previous studies that explored how kids’ happiness differed when they received a material item versus when they received an experience-related gift. For kids between the ages of three and 17, the researchers learned that an experience wins out in terms of lasting happiness. 

They explained that young kids can appreciate the things right in front of them, so while they’d certainly enjoy an experience gift, the happiness they feel is limited to the length of the event. However, as kids age and their memories get stronger, material goods become less important and having memories of experiences leaves a bigger emotional impact. 

Ultimately, both types of gifts -- material things and experiences -- will make kids happy. However, if parents and loved ones are looking for creative ways to give older kids a lasting memory, opting for an experience could be the better choice. 

Additionally, for parents looking to give an experience to little ones, the researchers recommend documenting those special moments. Having a tangible way for kids to look back and reminisce on important days and events can help them create that connection with family members and appreciate the time spent together. 

“Take pictures or videos of family walks, playing in the snow, and birthday parties,” said Chaplin. “Children are likely going to appreciate those experiences more if there is something to remind them of the event. Additionally, they’ll be able to learn the social value of shared experiences.” 

Black Friday might lack some of the excitement and dramatic savings of past years, but Walmart, Target, and Amazon -- the three heavyweights in the retail space -- will still make it worth consumers’ while to shop.

At Walmart, the Black Friday online deals start tonight at 7 p.m. ET and continue at midnight ET on Friday, with stores opening up at 5 a.m. local time. Walmart’s ad circular highlights the following deals:

• Fitbit Inspire 2 --  $69.

• 70-inch Vizio 4K TV --  $478.

• Nintendo Switch Bundle --  $299.

• AirPods Pro --  $169.

• Apple Watch Series 3 --  $119

Thanksgiving will be a big online shopping day

Target’s latest Black Friday ad offers discounts on smart products for the home, toys, electronics, games, toys, and apparel. Some of the deals went live at Target.com on Sunday, but the bulk will be available on Thanksgiving day.

Target stores are closed on Thanksgiving but will open as usual on Black Friday. Here are some of the deals listed in Target’s circular:

• $70 off Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1-inch

• $70 off Fire HD 10 Tablet 

• 50 percent off most board and card games

• $400 Target gift card with purchase of Samsung Note20 5G, Galaxy s20+5G, or Note10+

New deals each day

Amazon, which offered a sneak peek at its Cyber Monday deals earlier this week, has been putting up new deals each day since Friday and will continue the offerings through Black Friday itself. 

Its deals cover a wide range of categories, from health and beauty products to smart devices for the home. Deals include:

• $149.99 for the Ring Video Doorbell 3 and an Echo Show 5

• $129.99 for the Fire HD 10 Kids Edition tablet, a $70 savings

• Up to 30 percent off on select Adidas activewear, backpacks, and more

• Up to 40 percent off on Gillette and Venus razors, refills and more

• Up to 30 percent off on STEM toys from Learning Resources

Despite the expected high volume of shipping resulting from this year’s massive shift to online shopping, Amazon says Prime members in the U.S. can shop a selection of over 10 million items eligible for Prime Free One-Day Delivery with no minimum purchase, and millions of items available for Same-Day Delivery in 47 major metropolitan areas. 

Despite the fact that many Americans are ignoring health officials’ advice and plan to gather for a holiday meal, many more will stay home on Thanksgiving and safely “visit” friends and family by phone and Zoom.

But everyone has to eat, and if there is no enthusiasm to cook for one or two people, there are plenty of restaurants -- from fast-food to full service -- open on Thanksgiving day. Most offer takeout or delivery.

The list below, compiled by USA Today, includes national restaurant chains that have said they will be open at some locations, though hours may vary from those posted online. Some local, independent restaurants may also be open.

• Applebee's

• Bertucci's (stand-alone locations)

• Black Bear Diner

• Bob Evans

• Boston Market

• Bravo! Italian Kitchen 

• Buca di Beppo 

• Burger King

• Capital Grille

• Cracker Barrel

• Del Taco

• Denny's

• DoorDash

• Dunkin'

• Einstein Bros. Bagels

• Famous Dave's (only corporate locations)

• Fogo de Chão

• Golden Corral

• IHOP

• Jack in the Box

• Maggiano's Little Italy

• McDonald's

• Metro Diner

• Morton's The Steakhouse

• Pollo Campero 

• Postmates

• PT's Taverns

• Ruth's Chris Steak House

• Papa John's

• Popeyes

• Smokey Bones BBQ 

• Sonic Drive-In

• Starbucks

• Steak 'n Shake

• Uber Eats

• Waffle House

• Wendy's

Many people who plan to cook at home on Thanksgiving apparently are serving a smaller gathering this year. NPR reports that turkey farmers have fielded many requests for “the smallest turkey you have” over the last week.

This year, thanks to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Black Friday has been extended from just one day to most of the month of November. Deals are increasing this week as the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season approaches.

According to BestBlackFriday.com, most retailers are staging week-long sales promotions that lack the “OMG doorbuster” deals from previous years. But the savings are there, especially when it comes to technology and gadgets.

The iPhone 12 is reportedly high on many people’s gift lists this year. Other tech items consumers say they want to find under the tree are video game consoles, which got a workout as people spent a lot more time at home during the pandemic.

BestBlackFriday’s survey of consumers about what tech gifts they valued most found that 17 percent asked for a Playstation 5. Another 9 percent wanted an Xbox Series X/S.

Fourteen percent requested smart devices for the home, and 7 percent hoped for a foldable phone in their stockings.

Just three retailers

The survey also shows that 64 percent of consumers planned to do the bulk of their shopping at three retailers -- Amazon, Walmart, and Target.

"We're seeing that U.S. consumers are prioritizing electronics purchases and flocking to online marketplaces as many face new `stay at home' orders," said David Sykes, Head of U.S. at Klarna, a payments and shopping service. "Recent Wish List data from the Klarna app echoes these trends, showing that shoppers across all age demographics are particularly interested in personal electronics, footwear and home items as we enter the holiday season."

Klarna’s survey of consumers also reveals a gift list top-heavy with technology products. The top 10 requested gifts are:

1. Apple AirPod Pro

2. Nike Air Force 1

3. Nintendo Switch

4. Gramercy Kitchen Glass Food Storage Containers

5. Vans Canvas Old Skool

6. MacBook Pro

7. Apple iPhone 12

8. Apple Watch Series 5

9. Adidas Superstar Athletic Shoe

10. Food Network Acacia Wood Salad Bowl Set

Electronics sale growing faster than other categories

Consumers have already made a lot of electronics purchases. Klarna's app data showed that the share of wallet in the electronics category grew by 15 percent in the week ending November 15 when compared to the previous week - the most of any category during the comparison period. 

The company said this was especially pronounced among Gen Zers and baby boomers, who increased their share of wallet in the category by 19 percent and 21 percent week-over-week, respectively.

It’s all well and good for Amazon to trumpet its Cyber Monday deals and its improved fulfillment processes, but in a follow-up to the rollout of its Cyber Monday price busters, the company is also pushing its customers to consider using alternative pickup locations and consolidate deliveries.

Amazon is urging holiday shoppers to use brick-and-mortar retail locations and neighborhood “hubs” to pick up their packages as it reinforces itself for a spike in online orders. Hub locations include self-service kiosks like Amazon lockers, and most of the people-hosted pickup counters are located inside or near local retail stores. Added up, Amazon says those hubs and lockers can be found in more than 900 cities and towns across the U.S. 

“This year many customers and their families are opting to stay home so the challenge of keeping those special gifts under wraps from family, friends or loved ones is going to be greater than ever,” John Felton, vice president of Amazon’s global delivery services, said in a statement.

“We’re helping customers keep their orders a surprise this year and have a number of ways we’re providing them more flexibility, control and convenience over their deliveries—whether that’s ordering to an alternative pickup location, tracking their package en route to their home, or consolidating their deliveries to a single day so they can plan ahead.”

How to use Amazon’s delivery alternatives

Amazon’s reason for suggesting alternative delivery or pickup is pretty straightforward. For one thing, it saves the company lots of money since it can lessen the number of last-mile delivery trips to get a package to a specific address. The “last mile” part in the delivery chain is a huge link because it’s rather labor-intensive and expensive.

Some of Amazon’s own FAQs about alternative delivery to hubs and kiosks include:

How do you use it? “To use an Amazon Hub location simply find a convenient location and add it to your Amazon address book or search for it when prompted at checkout. Then, select it as your delivery address,” the company says.

Then, once a parcel has been delivered, Amazon will email the customer a collection barcode. All that's left at that point is to visit the selected Locker or Counter to collect the parcel. Once a customer gets to a Locker, they will scan the barcode to access their delivery. If they’re using a counter location, the store assistant will scan the barcode before handing over the parcel.

What is the difference between Locker and Counter? Lockers are simply self-service kiosks where customers can collect or return their Amazon parcels at a time that's convenient for them, 24/7. Counters can be found at retail locations such as convenience stores; parcels at these locations will be handed over by a staff member in store.

How much does using Amazon Hub cost? There is no transaction fee associated with shipping to an Amazon Hub, but there is one caveat: Amazon Hub locations aren't eligible for Release-Date Delivery.

How long do I have to pick up my parcel? There’s some flexibility in pickup times, but it doesn’t last forever and it varies between Lockers and Counters. Customers have 3 calendar days to pick up their parcel from a Locker and 14 calendar days to pick up their parcel from a Counter. If you're not able to collect your parcel within this time frame, it will automatically be returned for a refund.

How do I sign up for the service? Amazon customers who opt in for the alternative delivery options have to do one very important thing at checkout online: search and select the most convenient location for them when prompted. 

Can you return an item to an Amazon Hub location? Absolutely. 

Will Alexa blow my cover? Good question. Amazon says that its Alexa device will keep mum on who an item is for, even if a customer asks, “Where’s my stuff?” or checks their delivery update notifications. If a customer likes, they can also mark an item as a gift during checkout and Alexa will not reveal the names of those items either. 

“Customers who want to be extra cautious of keeping those gifts under wraps or are worried they might forget to mark an item as a gift during checkout can also change their settings for item names in the Alexa app to hide all titles,” the company suggested.

And what is “Amazon Day”?

Another fair request that Amazon is asking its customers to consider is receiving all of their deliveries as a single delivery on a specific day that it’s dubbed “Amazon Day.” The company says Amazon Day is free to Prime members in the U.S. If they so choose, Prime members can opt to receive all of their orders on one day of the week, often in fewer boxes, to reduce the number of packages and deliveries.

Eligible items can typically be ordered for Amazon Day delivery up to two days before a customer’s chosen day. Interested consumers can learn more here.

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Editor's Note: The headline of the story has been modified to clarify that Amazon's alternative package delivery options are not being offered due to any existing "delivery crunch."

With the number of COVID-19 infections continuing to climb, a Deloitte poll has found that more than half of consumers (57 percent) are anxious about shopping in stores over the holidays. 

Deloitte conducted the survey between October and early November and found that the percentage of consumers who are anxious about shopping in stores has only increased since September. Deloitte officials said the figure is likely even higher now.

“My guess is that percentage is probably even higher now,” said Rod Sides, Deloitte vice chairman and U.S. leader for retail, wholesale and distribution. The pandemic is “driving folks online and changing behavior,” he said.

Deloitte said consumer anxiety stemming from the health crisis is likely to fuel an increase in online spending this holiday shopping season. Sixty-one percent of consumers are planning to shop online this Black Friday, according to the poll. 

Shaping shopping behaviors

Although the days following Thanksgiving are typically big days for group shopping trips, Deloitte found that this year is likely to be different. Around 60 percent of consumers said they’re either “unsure” or “have no plans” to shop with family and friends this week. 

“We’re not going to have a meaningful vaccine rollout, even with the great news this week, in time to have people feel comfortable from a holiday perspective,” Sides said. “So I think this one is going to turn out to be predominantly online.”

Nearly two-thirds of consumers (74 percent) said they plan to shop online during the week of Thanksgiving in order to avoid crowds, according to the survey. That’s up from 62 percent a year ago. 

The poll results come as health officials urge Americans to avoid traveling and mingling with people outside of their household this Thanksgiving holiday period. The U.S. has reported a million new cases of COVID-19 per week for the past few weeks.   

Aware of the health risks of shopping in stores, a number of retailers have already started rolling out Black Friday-like deals. Walmart has planned three Black Friday-esque shopping events, and Target’s Black Friday sales have been going on for weeks now. Other retailers that have launched early deals in stores and on their websites include Macy’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Best Buy.  

With many retailers taking a pandemic-led breather on Black Friday, Cyber Monday is predicted to be a big bargain stand-in. Amazon is planning ahead for the event by giving shoppers a sneak peek into everything from savings to stocking stuffers.

Actually, Amazon’s Cyber Monday isn’t a Monday-only thing. It starts Thanksgiving weekend, lasting three days from November 28 through November 30. On top of shopping deals, customers will also have the chance to support small businesses through recently launched collections at amazon.com/supportsmall. 

In a news release announcing the event, Amazon said it’s committed to making it easy for consumers to save this holiday season with free shipping on “millions of items.” That’s made possible through an improved processing system that the online retailer was forced to review in the wake of unexpected fulfillment problems brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The company also touted some new research from ecommerce analytics firm Profitero that found Amazon to be the “lowest price online retailer.”

What’s on sale?

For those of you who’ve already got your pencil out, here’s a selection of Amazon’s Cyber Monday deals covering several categories. For the complete list of what’s on sale, Amazon has published a press release with more information here.  

Fashion

• Savings of up to 30 percent on select seasonal fashion trends, including bright puffers, plaid and printed loungewear, and cozy fleece.

• Savings of up to 50 percent on CUBCOATs fashion hoodies.

• Shoppers can save as much as 30 percent on Nautica men's and women's apparel.

• Deals of up to 50 percent off on Cole Haan men’s and women’s shoes.

• Savings of up to 40 percent on Lands' End apparel.

Beauty, Health, and Personal Care

• Savings of up to 35 percent on razors from Braun, Gillette, and more.

• Shoppers can save as much as 47 percent on whitening kits and oral care from Oral-B, Crest, and more

• Save 50 percent on 23andMe Health + Ancestry Personal Genetic Service Kit.

Amazon Devices

As you might expect, Amazon’s own devices are getting the royal sales treatment. This year’s Cyber Monday deals in that category include:

• The all-new Echo is $30 off at $69.99. As an extra bonus for consumers with Amazon Music Unlimited, those who purchase a select Echo device now get six months of the premium, ad-free streaming tier for free.

• The all-new Echo Dot Kids Edition is $21 off at $38.99.

• The all-new Fire TV Stick Lite is $12 off at $17.99.

• Ring Video Doorbell 3 is $60 off at $139.99.

• Kindle Paperwhite is $45 off at $84.99. New Amazon members can also enjoy 2 months of Kindle Unlimited for $0.99.

Toys & Games

• Cyber Monday shoppers can save as much as 30 percent on Baby Alive, Littlest Pet Shop, and more.

• Savings of up to 30 percent on Playskool and more preschool toys.

• Shoppers can save as much as 30 percent on NERF.

• Savings of up to 30 percent on Hasbro Games.

• Save up to 30 percent on Disney toys and home products.

Household, Kitchen, Office, Smart Home and Home Improvement

• Save 47 percent on select Bissell floor care products.

• Savings of up to 45 percent on select Instant Pot products.

• Deals of up to 30 percent off on select Cuisinart products.

• Shoppers can save as much as 30 percent on Ashley Furniture.

• Savings of up to 35 percent on iRobot 675 Roomba Vacuum.

Electronics

• Save up to 30 percent on Smart Home Security Cameras.

• Savings of up to 15 percent on weBoost Signal Boosters.

• Shoppers can save as much as 40 percent on Jabra Headphones.

• Savings of up to 40 percent off select video games, including Just Dance 2021.

Major Appliances, Lawn & Garden and Tools

• Save 15 percent on GE Profile Nugget Ice Maker.

• Cyber Monday shoppers can save as much as 10 percent on select GE Compact Refrigerators.

• Save 20 percent on select Worx Tools.

• Shoppers can save as much as 30 percent on select BLACK+DECKER Products.

• Savings of up to 20 percent on select SKIL Tools.

Sports & Outdoors

• Shoppers can save as much as 15 percent on select Intex Airbeds.

• Savings of up to 25 percent on select baseball and softball equipment.

• Save up to 20 percent on select kids bikes, adult bikes, helmets and more.

• Select golf clubs, balls, and accessories are on sale with savings of up to 60 percent off.

Automotive

• Save 50 percent on Tire Installation.

• Savings of up to 30 percent on Select NOCO Products.

• Shoppers can save as much as 20 percent on Select Gator ETX Roll Up Truck Bed Tonneau Covers.

Amazon Gift Cards

• Savings of 20 percent or more on select gift card brands, including Gap, H&M, Petco, and more if purchased from November 26 through November 30. 

• Gift card users can receive a $10 bonus with their reload of $100 or more through Amazon Reload if they are replenishing their Amazon Gift Card balance for the first time from now through December 31. 

• Gift card shoppers can receive a $15 promotional credit with the purchase of $50 or more in Amazon Gift Cards from now through December 20. Promotional credits expire on February 6, 2021, and other restrictions may apply.

Whole Foods Market and Grocery Items

For grocery shoppers, Amazon’s Cyber deals for its Whole Foods Market last a bit longer -- from November 27 to December 1. Shoppers can find deals on customer favorites, including organic honeycrisp apples ($2.99/lb), Animal Welfare Certified air-chilled organic chicken wings ($2.99/lb), and all probiotic supplements (25 percent off). 

Prime members can also enjoy an additional 10 percent in savings, both in-store and online, and everyone can save up to 30 percent on holiday beverages.

Special limited-time deals

It may not be something on every shopper’s deals knowledge base, but Amazon has another deal site -- Woot! -- that promises to deliver dozens of additional, limited-time discounts for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The site is offering free shipping for Prime members and daily doorbuster deals. 

At Amazon Warehouse, shoppers can save an extra 20 percent on select quality pre-owned and open box items for the kitchen, home, office. This includes major appliances, furniture home décor, and more.

A new car is one of the big-ticket gifts people sometimes give themselves or a family member, but shoppers looking for a Black Friday bargain may have to look a little harder this year.

Industry analysts say dealers have less wiggle room and are likely to stay closer to the sticker price. Because of the pandemic, new car inventories are running low.

The pandemic forced the closure of U.S. assembly plants for about six weeks in the spring. As the factories reopened and the industry tried to catch up, demand for new and used cars accelerated. People who normally relied on public transit and ride-sharing suddenly found they needed a car.

Edmunds, an automotive data company, reports the average discount from MSRP for new vehicles dropped to $2,046 in October, nearly 23 percent less than last year. Because of a shortage of 2020 models, Edmunds predicts that more than half the cars sold this month will be 2021 models, which will carry fewer incentives and discounts.

‘Mostly just hype’

"This Black Friday is looking much different in terms of sales compared to the blowout bargain events promoted in years past," said Jessica Caldwell, Edmunds' executive director of insights. "Although automakers are doing a good job of broadcasting a 'buy now' message to shoppers with holiday advertising campaigns, they're mostly just hype.”

The reality, says Caldwell, is that there is less of a transition phase between model years as 2020 draws to a close. For that reason, the dealers feel like they’re firmly in the driver’s seat.

“Dealers and automakers aren't facing the overwhelming pressure to sweeten deals to clear out their lots," she said.

Shoppers aren’t going to find things are much more accommodating on the used car lot. Cox Automotive recently reported used car prices gained momentum throughout the summer as demand increased and inventories shrank. 

Higher prices for used cars too

“Higher wholesale prices were supported by strong retail demand and below-normal levels of supply that eased in September as seasonal demand normalized and supply increased modestly,” Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jonathon Smoke said last month.

Supplies of used cars rose slightly at the beginning of November but remain about 3 million units lower than at the beginning of 2019.

New car shoppers with a fairly recent model to trade in may find they have slightly more bargaining power since dealers are actively seeking to replenish their used car stocks. Research the trade-in value of your vehicle using Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book and negotiate that price just as firmly as the new vehicle price.

National used car dealers Carmax and Carvana purchase vehicles directly from consumers. NPR recently reported that a Maryland consumer sold his 2014 Volkswagen Jetta, which he purchased in 2016, for $1,800 more than he paid for it.

With November nearly halfway gone, consumers across the U.S. are gearing up to face Thanksgiving during a pandemic. While holiday gatherings will doubtless look different this year, retailers are still offering special deals to help people save money on holiday essentials. 

One such retailer, BJ’s Wholesale Club, has announced that it will be offering a coupon to members that they can use to get a free frozen or fresh Butterball turkey. The in-store coupons are being offered while supplies last from November 14 through November 25. 

The company said BJ’s members can take advantage of the free turkey deal by buying three qualifying items from a list of over 80 products that can be found at BJs.com/FreeTurkey. The offer is supposedly one of many that will be offered in the coming weeks.

“We’re helping our members give thanks this holiday season by offering incredible savings on everything from fresh food and groceries to entertaining items and household essentials," said Michael Leary, BJ’s senior vice president of GMM, perishables, grocery, and beverages. "We’re committed to providing our members outstanding value in an easy one-stop holiday shop. That’s why we’re excited to announce our free turkey promotion to help members stress less and save even more this Thanksgiving,” 

Also included in a company press release was BJ’s upcoming holiday schedule. The retailer said it will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but it will be opening its doors for deals on Black Friday starting at 7 a.m. Consumers who want an even bigger jump on deals can shop for items on BJs.com starting at midnight on Thanksgiving. 

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed just about everything this year, including the way consumers will do their holiday toy shopping. Experts at the industry trade publication The Toy Insider say the pandemic presents twin challenges this year.

"It's more important now than ever to go into your holiday shopping with a game plan — not just to shop safely, but also to avoid the disappointment of a sold-out toy," said Laurie Schacht, chief toy officer at The Toy Insider. 

Social distancing is easy if you shop online, but remember millions of other consumers probably have the same plan. Schact says shipping delays and supply chain glitches are good reasons to get an early start.

"After you check everyone off your holiday list, we also advise that you think about stocking up on games and activities to keep kids and families entertained inside as the weather gets colder and we're being advised to stay home,” she said. “These types of items sold out in the spring, so get ahead of the rush while you can."

This year, Schact says parents need a strategy before they start shopping for toys. Do your research to find the best, age-appropriate toys. Don’t forget to look for reviews on sites like ConsumerAffairs.

Time is of the essence

Don’t hesitate. When you see the toy you want, grab it. It might not be there if you wait. 

Retailers are offering deals all season long to cut down on the big crowds that normally show up on Black Friday. The Toy Insider says hot toys are sure to sell out quickly, and there's no guarantee that a toy will be discounted later on, as they have in past years.

Know what the hot toys are and what they should cost. Target offers this Hot Toy Guide, broken down by ages. It also has a handy section for Top Toys under $30, which is helpful for staying on budget. 

RetailMeNot’s Hot Toy Guide spans most of the major retailers, not only cluing you into the in-demand toys but also helping with price comparisons. 

Knowing the MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price) will help you avoid overpaying for a toy. This year especially, experts say there could be more third-party sellers or "toy scalpers" who hike up the price of hard-to-find toys, especially right before Christmas.

Hot toys

On RetailMeNot’s hot toy list this year are:

• Star Wars The Child Animatronic Edition, for kids age five and up, selling for $59 at Amazon

• Pets Alive Fifi the Flossing Sloth, for kids age three and up, marked down to $19.88 at Amazon

• CuliGirls, for kids age three and up, selling for $9.99 at Amazon

The Toy Insider has also published a guide to holiday toy shopping that you can find here. It has a special section on STEM toys, such as Botley 2.0, the coding robot, for ages five and up.

Before buying any toy, industry experts say you should make sure the toy isn't a knockoff, which could pose safety issues and may not perform the way it should. Look for the correct name and spelling of the product and its manufacturer to make sure you're buying the real thing.

The 2020 holiday season will be unlike any in recent memory. No large parades, no office parties, and even extended family gatherings may be a rarity.

With the disruption to traditional routines caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the economic uncertainty it has produced, a survey by the personal finance site Debt.com found 60 percent of U.S. consumers plan to spend less on the holidays this year. 

But the factors listed above many have little to do with it, the study authors say. Spending will be down because the pressure’s off.

Thirty-seven percent of those who are spending less say they feel less pressure to buy gifts because holiday celebrations are going to be virtual this year. Another 23 percent said they don’t expect friends and family to spend as much on them because of the pandemic. Debt.com Chairman Howard Dvorkin calls it “Grinch logic.”

"I've spent nearly three decades counseling Americans on how to save more and spend less, but that's nearly impossible to do during the holidays," Dvorkin said. "No matter how blunt they are about their debts, they'll blow their holiday budget.”

‘No one wants to be the Grinch’

Dvorkin says Americans fear only one thing more than landing deep in debt and that’s the fear their family and friends will think they’re cheap.

“Everyone wants to be Santa Claus, and no one wants to be the Grinch," he said.

The findings may come as a rude awakening for retailers, who have already begun their holiday sales push. The National Retail Federal estimates the average consumer spent $1,000 on the holidays last year but Debt.com found that 73 percent of consumers say they’ll spend less than $500. Only 2 percent say they’ll spend more than $1,500.

Without a doubt, a sizable portion of the reduced holiday spending will be related to cutbacks in travel. Fewer people will travel for the holidays, either to see family or to enjoy a vacation.

Holiday travel booking are down

Right after Labor Day, when holiday travel tends to be booked, CNBC reported advance reservations for Thanksgiving were off by 16 percent, while Christmas bookings were down 35 percent and New Years’ Eve reservations were 33 percent lower.

Only 30 percent of consumers said they will spend less this year because they’ve lost income. To make those dollars go farther, personal finance experts recommend making a holiday budget and sticking to it. 

Other ways to avoid debt is to aggressively price-check before you guy and don’t forget to use your credit card rewards.

Best Buy has released its Black Friday ad circular and begun offering deals on many popular items, well in advance of the official kickoff of the holiday shopping season.