Tuesday, November 1, 2011
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Merchants to Make Merry with Holiday Promotions, Not Bigger Discounts Retailers already are getting into the holiday spirit in anticipation that shoppers will spend more than they did last year. But you won't see many sales pop up earlier -- or be any bigger -- than last season, though retailers will be enticing online shoppers with more promotions like free-shipping deals and giveaways, according to the National Retail Federation. Here's what to expect: Toys: In the absence of a new must-have gaming system this season, popular items will include the latest videogames, such as "Battlefield 3" (released last week) and "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3" (out Nov. 8). If you're not looking for the newest releases, GameStop sells refurbished videogames at a 10% to 20% discount. Other hot toys this year: Interactive robot dolls called Fijit Friends; Barbie Hairtastic Printables, which come with printable hair extensions; Nerf Vortex Nitron Blaster; and Star Wars Ultimate FX LightSaber. As usual, big retailers such as Best Buy, Wal-Mart Stores, Target and Toys "R" Us will offer the widest availability and selection, says Daniel Butler, vice president of retail operations for the National Retail Federation. But don't expect early deep price cuts, though some retailers will offer limited-time discounts. For instance, Target will release its toy catalog today, which includes more than $350 in coupons. If buying online, keep in mind that Target ended its partnership with Amazon.com in August so shipping costs may vary. Wal-Mart typically doesn't offer additional holiday discounts, except for small "rollbacks" on items that could change week to week, according to a company spokeswoman. Meantime, eBay is launching as soon as this week an app that works on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad that allows consumers to check Toys "R" Us product availability. You scan the UPC bar code of a product or a shelf label and the app will tell you if the product is available at other local Toys "R" Us stores. You can then pay for it via eBay's PayPal online pay service and choose in-store pick up or home delivery. If you're looking for educational toys, you're likely to find a better selection at independent physical and online stores such as fatbraintoys.com and educationaltoysplanet.com. But prices may not be as competitive and, if shopping online, you may not get free shipping. Electronics: One of the biggest items this holiday season will be tablets. You'll find fairly stable prices on tablets, and smartphones, across retailers. But some stores, including Best Buy, will try to reel in customers with extras such as free gift cards to app stores, says Shawn DuBravac, chief economist and director of research for the Consumer Electronics Association. Mr. Butler says you can expect to see 15% to 30% discounts on electronics such as TVs and notebook PCs. TVs suffered from slow sales over the summer months, he says, so there will likely be some deeper discounts this season. E-readers have become "more prevalent" in stores -- you can even find them at some Walgreen pharmacies -- Mr. DuBravac says. There's also more competition at different price points for Barnes & Noble's Nook, Amazon.com's Kindle and Sony's Reader. You can get a Kindle for as low as $79. Clothing and Accessories: Expect discounts of 20% to 40% on clothing and accessories through mid-November, Mr. Butler says. After that, you'll likely see discounts of 50%. With jewelry, the drops in the prices of gold and silver futures over the past few months won't have an impact on jewelry prices this season, experts say. But December accounts for 35% of the diamond business, so you'll likely see some sales. (Source: The Wall Street Journal, 10/30/11) Click here to email to client
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