For the last few weeks, some of the biggest retailers – Amazon, Target, and Walmart – have been preparing for early holiday sales. While Target’s Circle Week sale is underway, and Amazon and Walmart’s sales are set to start next week, many consumers may be wondering why this time of year is ripe with big discount opportunities.
Placer.ai broke down some of the biggest trends in the retail landscape this year and learned that consumers are playing the waiting game when it comes to big purchases. Things like electronics and home furnishings haven’t been flying off the shelves so far this year.
However, many early holiday sales plan to include some of these bigger-ticket items, making it the perfect time for shoppers to strike before the rush of the holiday season is in full swing.
Additionally, stores like Target and Walmart have been experiencing slower traffic than usual throughout the year. However, when both stores ran major sales earlier this summer, shoppers came out, indicating that major sales are likely to get consumers’ attention.
More sales
While the sales at Target, Walmart, and Amazon are sure to offer big purchases at a lower price, consumers should also know about some of the other big deals going on throughout the month of October.
Experts from DealNews compiled a list of some of the biggest sales consumers can expect throughout the month of October, some of which include:
Macy’s: Clearance and Closeout sale with up to 80% off
Kohl’s: 80% off several categories, plus an extra 20% off certain purchases, 10$ off orders of $50, and up to 79% off Halloween items
Best Buy: 48-hour Flash Sale
Skechers: 50% off
BJ’s Wholesale Club: WOW Days Savings Event October 10-12
What’s worth buying?
According to DealNews, it may also be a good time to make certain purchases you’ve been considering: camping gear, anything Halloween related, grills, seasonal produce, jeans, and plants. Based on sales and discounts from years past, October is the prime time for these often-used items to be discounted.
Other items to consider purchasing: lawn mowers, patio furniture, major appliances, new cars, and snow tools. While none of these are guarantees, there are discounts to be found on these items on Amazon, Best Buy, Samsung, Home Depot, Wayfair, Macy’s, and more.
However, it may not be the best month for other purchases. DealNews encourages consumers to avoid buying: winter clothes, the new iPhone 15, gift cards, TVs, laptops, and electronics.
The biggest reason? Most of these items are going to go on sale as the holidays get closer. If you can wait until Black Friday, you’re likely going to get the best prices on these items.
Planning dinner? Try pork or seafood
If you’re thinking about what to whip up for dinner this month, pork and seafood might be your most affordable options. According to the Urner Barry report, October is both National Pork Month and National Seafood Month.
Overall, pork prices were over 7% lower in September 2023 compared with September 2022. Pork tenderloin is averaging at $4.69 discounted across the country, which is comparable with prices last year at this time, while pork shoulder retailed at an average of $2.16 discounted.
When it comes to seafood, frozen shrimp, which is always popular among consumers, is averaging $7.68 discounted, which is 7% lower than last year. Fresh salmon is at $11.31 discounted, down from $11.72 at this time last year, and fresh cod is priced at $8.98 discounted, which is also lower than in 2022.
Score freebies
On top of all of the October sales, consumers can also prepare for freebies! DealNews has highlighted two holidays this month that come with some free snacks – National Taco Day, October 4, and National Dessert Day, October 14.
Last year, Chronic Tacos, Chuy’s, On the Border, 7-Eleven, Rubio’s Coastal Grill, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop offered discounts or free tacos on National Taco Day. Similarly, McAlister’s Deli, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, and Potbelly offered specials for National Dessert Day.
The first week of October is also MyPanera Week – seven full days of discounts on specific menu items at Panera Bread for rewards members. Consumers can get free delivery, discounts on menu items and other special sales and promotions through October 7.