While the upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales promise enticing discounts, shopping experts caution that these may not be the best prices of the year. Amidst rising consumer expectations, this year’s holiday spending is expected to reach record levels, with more people than ever planning to participate in the five-day shopping extravaganza that spans from Thanksgiving Day to the following Monday.
As revealed by the National Retail Federation’s annual survey, the Thanksgiving week is anticipated to witness a surge in sales as consumers aim to capitalize on the weekend’s deals. However, according to Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst at DealNews.com, it is important to note that these deals may not offer the optimal savings. In fact, analysis from WalletHub’s holiday shopping survey suggests that 35% of items at major retailers will not provide any savings compared to their pre-Black Friday prices. Additionally, a separate study found that 98% of Black Friday deals were available at the same or even cheaper prices throughout the year.
Traditionally, Black Friday has been associated with rock-bottom prices for fall clothing, televisions, and smartphones. However, Ramhold advises caution when purchasing toys, as further discounts may be available later in the season. For items such as exercise equipment, cosmetics, jewelry, bedding, furniture, and mattresses, the best deals are often found during other holiday weekends such as Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.
To ensure you secure the lowest prices of the season, experts recommend several strategies. Utilizing price-tracking browser extensions such as CamelCamelCamel or Keepa can help you monitor price fluctuations and alert you when a price drops. Additionally, stacking discounts by combining credit card rewards with store coupons and leveraging cash-back sites like CouponCabin.com or Rakuten can further maximize savings. Furthermore, apps like Fetch allow you to earn points by photographing receipts, which can then be redeemed for gift cards at popular retailers.
In conclusion, the landscape of holiday spending is ever-evolving, and consumers must navigate through the allure of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to make informed purchasing decisions. By adopting a fresh approach that takes advantage of price-tracking tools, stackable discounts, and strategic timing, shoppers can ensure that they secure the best deals while optimizing their overall savings.
FAQ
Are Black Friday and Cyber Monday really the best times to find the lowest prices?
While Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer enticing discounts, shopping experts caution that these may not always be the best prices of the year. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of items on sale during these events do not offer any savings compared to their pre-Black Friday prices. Additionally, many deals available during the Thanksgiving week can be found at the same or even cheaper prices throughout the year.
What items should I avoid buying on Black Friday?
While Black Friday is a great time to find rock-bottom prices on fall clothing, televisions, and smartphones, experts advise caution when purchasing toys. Unless it’s a highly sought-after item that may sell out, it can be advantageous to wait until December when further discounts may be available. Other items such as exercise equipment, cosmetics, jewelry, bedding, furniture, and mattresses tend to be marked down more in January or during other holiday weekends throughout the year.
What strategies can I use to secure the lowest prices during the holiday season?
To maximize your savings, experts recommend utilizing price-tracking browser extensions, such as CamelCamelCamel or Keepa, to monitor price changes and receive alerts when prices drop. Stacking discounts by combining credit card rewards with store coupons and leveraging cash-back sites like CouponCabin.com or Rakuten can further enhance your savings. Additionally, apps like Fetch allow you to earn points by photographing receipts, which can be redeemed for gift cards at popular retailers.