As early holiday sales launch across major retailers, experts are advising shoppers to adopt a strategic approach to maximize savings. The focus should be on purchasing items such as toys, small appliances, home goods, and Amazon devices now, while delaying purchases of electronics, winter clothing, and seasonal gear until later sales events, notably Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Retail giants including Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Kohl’s are rolling out significant discounts ahead of the holiday season. According to Stephanie Carls, a retail expert, “Toys are always the first category to sell out during the holiday season, and this year, parents are starting earlier than ever.” Carls emphasized that shoppers should prioritize toys, along with small appliances like air fryers and coffee makers, which are also seeing substantial discounts this week.
Key Items to Purchase Now
Sales insiders indicate that this week presents an opportune time to buy home goods and decor. Carls highlighted that “this is one of the best times to buy Amazon devices,” referencing popular products like Fire Sticks, Echo speakers, and Kindles, which are being heavily discounted during current promotional events.
In contrast, consumers should hold off on purchasing electronics, particularly televisions. Samantha Gordon from Consumer Reports noted, “We do tend to see better sales on them around Black Friday.” She suggested that if shoppers are considering a TV purchase for the holidays, waiting until Black Friday would likely yield better prices. Similarly, shoppers are encouraged to wait on winter clothing and seasonal gear, which are expected to see further markdowns during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
Verify Deals and Track Prices
In the current retail landscape, it’s crucial for consumers to verify price histories to ensure they are securing genuine deals. Gordon pointed out a common tactic where retailers may temporarily raise prices before a sale to create the illusion of a significant discount. “A lot of retailers will drop the sale price that has been available for the last few weeks or months and make something full price again right before a sale starts,” she explained.
To aid in this process, several websites track Amazon prices, allowing consumers to view price histories and receive alerts on price drops. One such platform, Rakuten, is currently running its Big Stack promotion, offering shoppers a chance to earn 10% cash back on purchases.
As the holiday shopping season approaches, experts urge consumers to navigate the early sales with care. By focusing on specific categories now and deferring other purchases, shoppers can enhance their savings and make informed decisions as they prepare for the winter gift-giving season.