Are you all set to complete your holiday shopping list? There's no reason to wait until Black Friday for some of the items you're planning on buying, as stores are putting up items on sale for the whole month.
"It isn't Black Friday. It isn't even Black Friday weekend or Black Friday week anymore," said retail sales analyst Marshal Cohen, via Cnet. "It's going to be Black November."
While big drops in prices are expected every Black Friday, the Monday before Thanksgiving will already see electronic stores selling goods at 17 to 18 percent discounts, according to Fox News. However, don't expect dealers to offer discounts on newly released gadgets or big television sets. It's the older, cheaper models that will go on sale, according to A Mitten Full Of Savings.
Other than electronics, items consumers can best purchase with great deals before Black Friday include patio furniture, camping gear and cars since stores are beginning to clear their inventory for the year to make room for next year's merchandise, according to ABC Action News. Jewelry could also be discounted at 20 to 25 percent before Thanksgiving weekend.
Right before Columbus Day, apparel stores already started offering 40 to 80 percent discounts on jeans, shoes, sneakers and accessories, according to the Times Union. On the other hand, it's best to hold off buying toys until two weeks after Thanksgiving as prices will still go lower, according to the ABC Action News report. You might not even have to actually go to the store to purchase discounted items, as these are likely also offered at the retailers' online sites. If you're looking to snag winter clothes, it's best to buy them off-season when they're at their cheapest.
The move to offer discounts earlier than Black Friday comes as retailers are starting to notice a trend among consumers in the past few years who no longer think shopping during this event is worth all the trouble. Some stores are also opting to close on Black Friday to give everyone - salespeople and shoppers alike - the time to enjoy Thanksgiving.
