Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Saturday, October 12, 2013
(INDIANAPOLIS) - If you’re saving up and holding out for the Black Friday bargains, one expert is suggesting the best deal isn’t next month, but right now.
The holiday shopping season is starting even earlier this year.
More frightening than those spooky decorations is that lurking in the background: lights and wreaths are on display, and its just the beginning of October.
Christmas, for retail stores, seems to creep earlier every year. But it's more than decor. Retail experts say deals on toys and electronics will start early this year too. In fact, one market research study found nearly half of stores will roll out holiday campaigns, and sales, before Halloween.
That means forget Black Friday. The time to bag bargains is now.
"The retail season has already begun," said Richard Feinberg, Purdue professor of consumer sciences and retailing.
"In promotions and advertising that begin as early as September, retailers are using key words and phrases that signal holiday shopping for consumers. Door buster sales aren't just for the Friday after Thanksgiving. They're for any Friday in October now."
Part of the reason for the rush to the holiday rush is the calendar. Retailers have one less weekend this year between Thanksgiving and Christmas to capture shoppers' attention.
Some experts say Hoosier shoppers won't be spending as much this year because of unemployment and underemployment.
But that's another reason stores don't want to run out of time. Many are cutting prices now and offering incentives like early layaway, without fees.
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