3 On Your Side: Early Holiday Deals
By Jim Donovan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Retailers are already ramping up hiring and putting plans in place for their busy holiday season. But are consumers? 3 On Your Side consumer reporter Jim Donovan has advice for shoppers looking to get an early start.
Before you know it the holiday shopping season will be in full swing.
We're finding that more and more people are starting to shop earlier than ever. Consumers are actually expecting to see deals in the marketplace way before Black Friday," said Sara Skirboll with RetailMeNot.com
Skirboll says there are certain items best purchased now, and others next month.
"I would say if you're starting to look and shop for things now, look for home decor, fall fashion, even toys -- I'd pick those up now because you're going to find great discounts. If you want to save some time, I would look to November and Black Friday for things like home electronics, and even computers," said Skirboll.
With the rise in online shopping options, brick-and-mortar shops will offer a number of incentives, so shoppers may want to make an early trip to the mall to beat the crowds, and see what's in-store.
"E-commerce is certainly growing, but the malls are where it's at. And what we're finding is that one of the big motivators for people to go in-store are things like cash-back rebates," said Skirboll.
And a recent survey of retailers finds that many traditional brick-and-mortar locations will be adding things like gift wrapping stations in store or in the mall to lure shoppers that want to eliminate that extra chore, out of the holiday mix.
