CLEVELAND — For many, Thanksgiving means spending time with family and friends, eating hearty turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes. But for others, the holidays are spent strategizing how to score the best deals on Black’s Friday. This year’s Black Friday will be a little different, thanks in part to an increase in early online deals.
Couponing with Rachel blogger Rachel Krych said that due to changes in shopping habits caused by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past few years, many retailers started offering Black Friday deals on their websites much earlier. He said that he came to do so.
“Online shopping has exploded in the last few years, and I think stores are seeing it,” says Krych. “So they are doing business both in stores and online.”
One store offering an early sale is Walmart, which has a “Deals for Days” sale that started on November 7 and runs through November 28, Krych said. Wednesday. Krych said practice seems to be the only year.
“We announced hundreds of deals every Monday and hit online a few days before they actually hit store shelves.
Walmart isn’t the only major retailer to pre-sell online this year. Target launched its Black Friday sale earlier this week and is offering price matches through December 24th. Electronics retailer Best Buy also offers discounts on thousands of products online.
These online deals are faster than in-store finds, but timeliness is key to getting the perfect gift at the perfect price.
Krych says knowing what products you’re looking for and knowing when and where to shop is the best way to get the deals you want at online sales events.
“Like a store, you have to get there early to get the best-selling items,” says Krych. “One of the things I suggest people do is do their research and look at all the stores online.”
If you shop the old-fashioned way and plan to head to the store in person on Friday, Krych said the same advice applies.
“The biggest thing I want to do is plan, know when the store opens, and get there as soon as it opens,” says Krych. “That way you can grab the deal you want.”
Speaking of deals, Krych said customers will get more savings this year if they buy the right product in the right place. Traditional items discounted this year include televisions, winter clothing, and small kitchen appliances. But by shopping among big box stores, local small businesses, and even drugstores, consumers can find more unique items.
When it came to finding an unexpected deal, Krych said he would check the baggage aisles.
“With more travel, people are going to need a refresher in their luggage sets,” Krich said. “Hard-sided luggage is a big thing.”
