In 2011 consumers are starting their Christmas shopping earlier than ever, as Black Friday websites already launched their offers.
According to a new report, nearly 40% of holiday shoppers are already buying gifts, and some consumers have even finished their Christmas shopping.
Experts say frugal shoppers are cashing in at fall clearance sales and pre-holiday events.
However, anyone holding out for Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals still stands to save.
In 2010 the average consumer saved nearly 25% on Black Friday purchases.
Experts also said that it is easier than ever to find the retailer with the best deal. That’s because many Black Friday websites are already posting holiday hours and sale products.
“In 2009, we didn’t even launch what was then BlackFriday2009.com until November 2,” Brad Wilson, editor and chief of BlackFriday2011.com, told 9NEWS.
“So this year, we were two or three weeks ahead of that and it was primarily because retailers are getting so much farther ahead of it putting out ads and early Black Friday and early Cyber Monday sales. And then consumers, we have people on our Facebook page in September and October saying, <<Hey, when is this going to start? When is this going to start?>>”
TV and laptop deals under $200 are going to be hot on Black Friday 2011.
Brad Wilson predicts there are several items that are going to be hot this Black Friday.
The editor expects to see TV and laptop deals under $200. Brad Wilson also says tablet prices will fall this holiday season, due in large part to the release of the new, lower priced Amazon Kindle. And he says Digital SLR cameras will also come down in price as digital point and shoot cameras, a popular gift in years past, are made obsolete by smartphones.
Brad Wilson also expects a repeat of one of last year’s most popular promotions, $3 kitchen electrics.
If you need more information or tips on how to prepare for a Black Friday shopping trip, you can visit BlackFriday2011.com.
