Borders Group is giving discount on best sellers on Black Friday

Members of Michigan Retailers Association are going to give 50% or more discounts. freep.com reports:

…members say they are expecting a 1% decline in holiday sales compared with last year. Many are already discounting 50% or more and 45% of them have added lower-price items to appeal to cash-strapped consumers.

Ann Arbor-based Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE:BGP) started to send special savings coupons to its 30 million loyalty program members. This will go on through the current holiday season. This gave them a two-day jump on Black Friday deals. Members will get:

50% off on selected bestsellers.

50% off on Blu-Ray disks.

The deals also include holiday wrap, digital photo frames, DVD box sets and CDs.

On October 6, 2008, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) started its holiday season sales promotion. You will get toys in $10 on Black Friday. Kids coats would cost $4 and Garmin GPS for $97.

Arundel Mills Mall in Hanover will open at midnight on Black Friday. It will offer $2500 worth of gift cards every half hour throughout the evening.

Queenstown based Prime Outlets will open up at 12 a.m. and host a “pajama party.” The first 500 shoppers who will visit guest services wearing pajamas will receive a free goodie bag filled with Jockey brad pajamas and other prizes.

Baltimore based Ruth’s Chris Steak House, a famous restaurant chain,

gave out its Black Friday deal. Diners on Black Friday and Saturday will receive one free petit filet or New York strip steak for purchasing another entrée in Ruth’s Chris Steak House situated in Annapolis, Baltimore and Pikesville.

Related articles:

freep.com

Baltimore Business Journal

eBay is offering “$1 Holiday Doorbusters” on Black Friday

On November 25, 2008, J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (NYSE:JCP) announced that it is going to give the most compelling Black Friday prices ever offered in the company’s history. More than 400 products will be given on deep discounts.

According to Marshal Cohen, Chief Retail Analyst, The NPD Group, Inc., retailers would have to give shoppers the products they want at any price. In his 33 years of service in the retail sector for the first time, he is seeing that shoppers would enjoy 75% off on Black Friday and the week after that.

Online sellers have also become active as they know that some shoppers are going to shop online for better price and free shipping offers. On November 24, 2008, eBay Inc. (NASDAQ:EBAY) introduced “$1 Holiday Doorbusters.” Company officials said that 100 gift items including digital cameras and GPS devices, one luxury item, including a brand-new Chevrolet Corvette, will be listed each day until December 8, 2008 for $1 fixed price.

Related article:

money.cnn.com

Wal-Mart stores Inc. will offer the best deals on Black Friday 2008

Some of the best Thanksgiving and Black Friday deals are offered on big flat screen televisions. Wal-Mart Inc. (WMT), Best Buy Co., Inc.(NYSE:BBY) will have 50 inch plasma television 40% cheaper compared to the price of 2007.

Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M) offering deep cuts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The retailer told its credit-card customers that on Black Friday at 5 a.m. there is going to be lots of morning specials. On November 19, 2008, the stores had “our lowest prices of the season.”

Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE:JWN) is offering “Ultimate Gift Collection” for web buyers. These gift packages are designed by fashion designer Tory Burch, celebrity photographer Sam Jones and artist Ruben Toledo.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) is going to be the winner of this Black Friday. It will give away the best deals among the retailers all over USA. It will be giving away biggest discounts this year. Wal-Mart is offering $4 prescriptions which helped the company to grab the market share from Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT). Bentonville, Arkansas based Wal-Mart will give 16-ounce can of Ocean Spray cranberry sauce for 88 cents at early morning on Black Friday. It will also give 42-inch Polaroid flat-panel television for $598 to the early morning shoppers. This is $200 less than the usual price. Sam’s Club, the subsidiary of Wal-Mart, made special agreements with Nintendo Co., Ltd (TYO:7974) to provide additional games accessories with its Wii game player. Sam’s Club will sell the entire package for $425 on Black Friday.

Kohl's Corporation (NYSE:KSS) in Greensboro is offering 30-40% discounts.

On Black Friday, Sears Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:SHLD) will let customers buy toys, tools and consumer electronics on layaway for the first time in 19 years. Shoppers can buy things on installments.

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Bloomberg

money.cnn.com

Bed, Bath & Beyond Inc. great offer Black Friday 2008

Best Buy Co. Toys “R” US Inc. would open stores at 5 a.m. Out of its total 230 stores around the country, Disney Stores will open up half of them at midnight. Paul Gainer, Vice President and General Manager, Retail operations, Disney store North America, said that compared to last year this is a 5% increase. He said that their main goal is to offer convenience this year. They are going to maximize every opportunity.

Stores at Glendale and Montebello will open up at midnight.

Some stores are not waiting until the Black Friday.San Francisco based Gap Inc. that owns retail subsidiaries like Banana Republic, Old Navy chains, will open up 80 stores on November 27, 2008.

Bed, Bath & Beyond Inc. is offering 20% off from the total bills for shoppers who would come between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

In Macy’s Inc. customers can get a special savings pass that would get them $10 off a $25 purchase from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kohl's Corp., will open up at 4 a.m. and offer 300 early bird deals till 1 p.m. on Friday. This includes 40% to 50% off on designer women’s apparel and 50% off the toys.

Related article:

Los Angeles Times

Sam's Club is optimistic about Black Friday 2008

Sam’s Club, a subsidiary of the retail giant, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE:WMT) expresses optimism about the upcoming “Blitz” Friday aka Black Friday. In an interview with Reuters, Doug McMillon, CEO Sam’s Club said: 

"In the past few weeks, people have been waiting for (Black) Friday and the prices that they're going to see between now and Christmas,…We're going to have enough to take care of blitz morning,"

Due to the ongoing financial crisis, people are not so much excited. The 2008 Holiday season will be the worst for retailers in the last two decades. The October retailers report showed a disastrous result for the retailers. Consumers have become frugal. However, Mr. McMillon sees this as an opportunity for higher sales. He said, shoppers who are now coming to their stores are waiting for Black Friday when product prices will go down. On Black Friday, Sam’s Club will open up at 5 a.m. and offer shoppers free breakfast. Mr. McMillon said that the main advantage of Sam’s Club is that it is a big box retailer and comes with a wide range of products. This is why people would come to their stores.

Mr. McMillon predicts that consumer electronics such as digital cameras, camcorders, and Blackberry smartphone are going to be the top favorites among shoppers. If you are still not interested then here is a motivator for you: Sam’s Club is going to offer Wii Fit video game for under $79. 

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Forbes

Market Watch

Black Friday 2008 or Discount Friday 2008?

Mashed potatos+Turkey = Incomplete Black Friday. So, what more do you need to add in the equation? Yes, Black Friday, the official day to kick start holiday shopping. Over the years, Black Friday has achieved special status among shoppers for getting deep discounts and door buster deals. This year, the retailers are giving more discounts and door buster deals to attract more shoppers. The economic crisis, fuel price rise have made shoppers reconsider and reorganize their shopping plans. Retailers are afraid of poor sales. Los Angeles Times:

This year, however, fewer consumers are in the mood to shop and retailers have been slashing prices for weeks in the hopes of boosting sales. This month alone, luxury retailers Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue have held massive sales, with many items 40% to 70% off, while discounters such as Kmart have offered "early Black Friday" specials on toys and other merchandise.

 side from discounts, retailers are going for early openings; as early as midnight. Walt Disney, KB Toys will open up their stores at 12 a.m. Along with door buster deals, discounts, shoppers will also get perks such as free parking. If you are one of those shoppers who enjoy shopping in stores then Black Friday 2008 is your best time. Wish you all good luck in DEAL HUNTING! 

Related article:

latimesblogs.latimes.com

How to avoid plumbers to save money for Black Friday

Already I wrote about plumber’s Black Friday. Like shoppers and retailers plumbers run around the town instead of enjoying meals with their families because it is their earning season. Unfortunately, the plumbing and cleaning service personals believe that the ongoing economic crisis will affect their business. If you are one of those who do not want to spend extra money on plumbers then here are some tips for you:

• Do not clean those oils on your plates with water. They clog the pipe by solidifying. Wipe the oily pots and plates with towels and throw them in trash and then clean them.
• Do not throw away fibrous waste, poultry skins, celery, fruit and potato peels into the disposal because they can not sufficiently grind them.
• Do not wait to fill up your disposal before turning on.
• Wait ten minutes between showers. It would give time for the slow drains to clear water.
• Do not flush cotton balls, swabs, hair, facial scrub pads in the toilet.
• In order to avoid extra holiday service charge call a plumber before the holidays.
• If you do not have time or money to call a plumber then buy a CLR Power Plumber from Jelmar. A pressurized drain opener the power plumber will clear your drains in seconds. You do not need to use any acids, additives or lye. Hence, it is environmentally safe.

Related article:

Market Watch

Market Watch

Black Friday : also significant to the plumbers

Black Friday is the buzz of the towns but what about Thanksgiving? Do you forget about this festival? What about the Thanksgiving Turkey and all the foods that goes into your stomach and in your drainage systems? The next day after Thanksgiving is not only a big day for retailers but plumbers as well. The excessive food waste clogs sinks and toilets around the country. Hence, the next day after Thanksgiving is also a busy day for plumbers. Like the retailers they also make extra money on this day. Roto-Rooter, the largest plumbing service in USA receives large number of calls and it is the single busiest day of the year for the company. Market Watch reports:

Most Americans take part in Thanksgiving celebrations with eleven or more people. Big holiday meals require a busy kitchen, meaning lots of grease and food go down the kitchen drain into the garbage disposal. Holiday guests require extra showers, wash cycles and toilet flushes. "Often, a house already has partially clogged drainpipes that aren't noticeable until holiday guests arrive and overwhelm the system," said Paul Abrams, a spokesman for Roto-Rooter.

On a typical Friday, calls to Roto-Rooter jumps up by almost 50%. During the Thanksgiving weekend, Roto-Rooter call jumps up by 21%.

During the weekend they stack up a revenue close to million dollars. This year, the plumber service is afraid that the number of emergency calls will decrease.

Related article:

Market Watch

Some interesting facts about Black Friday

Black Friday is creating fever all over USA. The Friday after Thanksgiving is considered to be the day that kicks off the holiday season shopping in USA. All the retailers and departmental stores offer bonuses and “door buster deals” but do not believe every thing you read or hear. Here is why:

• First of all, Black Friday is not Friday but Black Thursday because most of the retailers deals starts from the midnight of Thanksgiving and that is the best time for shoppers to shop.
• Many Black Friday shoppers believe that they would get better deals in the store but that is not true. Driving to the store costs your gas. If one store does not have a “particular product deal” other retailers might have it. If the store from which you are buying is not present in your state then it will save on sales tax this is very good for you if you are buying “large ticket” items.
• The best way to shop is shop online. If you enjoy standing in long cues then it is different but if you are looking for better options then go online. You will get same deals. You do not need to ruin your night’s sleep.
• It is true that some deals finish quickly but there are hundreds of other better deals. If you can not get a particular deal then do not worry, the Cyber Monday is right at the corner.
• It is true that Black Friday deals are best deals. Hence, you should start as quickly as possible.

Related article:

prweb.com

iPod and Video game are hot "Black Friday 2008" items

In a recent poll conducted by reputed American organization, Consumer Reports, it has been found out that more shoppers will be looking for bargains and deep discounts on products on the coming “Black Friday.” American economy is going through a tough time and people are going to spend less but that does not mean they would not go shopping. In fact, 26% of the respondents said that they would go out for shopping on Black Friday which is 5% higher from 2007. cbs4.com reports:

Fighting the crowds and hunting down those blockbuster deals may be a game for the young, the biggest percentage (36%) of those who are planning to hit the malls are between the ages of 18 and 34.

Compared to early years, holiday shoppers are not starting their shopping early. Of the total respondent, only 38% have started their shopping which was 43% in 2006. About 85% of the shoppers are going to hunt for electronic products. Compared to the last season, this is a 15% rise. Out of the total respondents, 46% want to go for video-game system and iPods and 43% will go for MP3 players.

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cbs4.com

Special Black Friday 2008 service offered by Frankfort Avenue Trolley service

For the shoppers enjoyment on “Black Friday,” the Frankfort Avenue Trolley Service at Louisville is going to have a special service on November 28, 2008. Typically, the Frank Fort Avenue Trolley Service runs in the evenings on the last Friday every month. On November 28, 2008, for the holiday shoppers, the trolley will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. This has been decided by the Frankfort Avenue Business Association. bizjournals.com reports:

The free trolley service, operated by Transit Authority of River City, typically runs in the evenings on the last Friday of every month. But on Nov. 28, trolleys will run from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and most stores along the route will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., according to the Frankfort Avenue Business Association.

The Frankfort Avenue Trolleys run from Johnston Street in Butchertown to Frankfort and Stilz avenues. On their way they stop near shops, restaurants and galleries at Frankfort, Mellwood and Story avenues.

Related article:

bizjournals.com

The Pier Shops "Black Friday 2008" passport to indulgence

The Pier Shops, the famous Atlantic city shopping mall, in collaboration with Harrah’s Entertainment Inc. is offering “Caesars Passport to Indulgence” to “Total Reward Members.” Using these passports, members can enjoy a private one hour shopping prior to public opening from November 28^th to November 30^th, 2008. In addition, they will get discounts in all the shops at other Pier Shops and restaurants.

If you are a regular shopper at The Pier Shops and has not become a “Total Reward Member,” you can get them for free. All you have to do is sign up at the “Total Rewards Center” in any one of the four Harrah’s Entertainment casinos. On November 28, 2008, The Pier Shops will open up at 8 a.m. for “Total Reward Members” and at 9 a.m. for general public. On the next two days, The Pier Shops will open up at 9 a.m. for “Total Reward Members” and 10 a.m. for general people. “Total Reward Members” can use their passports any time during these three days. For more information, visit the following links:

http://www.thepiershopsatcaesars.com.

http://www.harrahs.com

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Market Watch

Black Friday 101

The way it looks, the coming Black Friday is not going to be a shopping festival but a desperate effort to sale as many products as possible on the retailer’s part and getting the best deal on buyers part. Yes, it is a war front and the million dollar question is: “Are you ready to put down your fork on the Thanksgiving Day and endure the chilling cold and stand the long queue in front of retail stores to get the best product at a deep discount?”

First of all, retailers have turned the day after Thanksgiving into a national holiday. They are offering great deals on technology products as they are expected to be the top favorite on Black Friday 2008. However, these products will be “hard to find” and they are limited.

In order to get the products you want, you need to do little bit of research by going through various Black Friday websites such as, Bfads.net,

Black-Friday.net, Fat Wallet.com. You should remember that information in these websites is not very much reliable. Retailers can change every thing at the last moment.

The second step is to look into the retail stores and see what products they have and where they are located. You can shop in groups to cover more stores. If you are looking for one particular product you can take another person who will stand at the check out line. You can also have another person at home who will be sitting in front of the computer and keep you updated with last minute deals.

If you are not ready to go through all these hassles, then you should wait for the “Cyber Monday.” You will get the same discount like "Black Friday" but you will not get those “door buster deals.”

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New York Times

Boscov's is expected to open up before Black Friday 2008

Boscov's, one of the last family owned department store chains in USA, is hoping to open up its 39 stores before “Black Friday.” The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August 2008. Out of its total 49 stores, it will have to sell 10 stores. On November 18, 2008, a court hearing was held which cleared major obstacles for the buyout. The regional department store chains which were supposed to be sold to Versa - Capital Management, Inc., a Philadelphia-based private equity firm, for $11 million, will now be bought by Albert R. Boscov, son of the Boscov’s founder, Solomon Boscov, and his brother-in-law, Edwin Lakin. They collected around $300 million from their friends and families. A final sale order will be issued by the court on November 21, 2008. After this, everything will be finalized by November 26, 2008 Philly.com reports:

"That's enough to convince the court that we're for real," the retail hound from Reading said with a smile. His spunk and legendary charm gushed as he fielded questions from a knot of reporters during a recess from the sale hearing - his first public remarks about a deal sure to leave the most savvy dealmakers in awe.

If Judge Gross signs off on the asset-purchase agreement at a hearing Friday, Boscov's Department Store L.L.C. and its 8,000 mostly regional employees will stay in business.

The ten stores which were bought by the executives in a move to expand Boscov’s business proved to be a burden for the company. In his testimony, Boscov’s financial adviser, J. Scott Victor, said that the Boscov’s has the capacity to bring in $12.7 million revenue in its first year compared to its 2007 loss. The main strength of the departmental store chains is its army of loyal customers. Many of the services offered by Boscov’s are not offered by stores anymore. Albert R. Boscov is hopeful that they are going to do great business in the coming “Black Friday.”

Related articles:

AP

Philly.com

Black Friday 2008: The Ultimate Retail War

“Drastic nature calls for drastic measures” this best describes the condition of American retailers. With gas price rise (though it has come down now) and economic crisis, American retailers are expecting a grim “Black Friday 2008” and they are using every last trick in their books to attract consumers even if it means opening up stores at 12 a.m at midnight. For the past few days, I have been covering on Black Friday and I found out that many large retail chain stores are planning to open up a larger portion of their stores at midnight. For example, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) will open up its 100 stores from midnight and the rest 100 from 5 a.m. Same goes for KB Toys, Inc., the largest mall-based specialty toy retailer. Out of its 460 stores, 270 will open up from midnight. Atlanta Journal Constitution reports:

Other retailers are giving away door prizes to early shoppers, all in reaction to economic conditions that analysts say will turn the cheery —- and impressionable —- holiday shopper of Christmas past into a steely-eyed bargain hunter.

“This year, consumers are on a budget, and they mean it,” said National Retail Federation spokeswoman Ellen Davis.

Sales predictions range from downright dire to the modestly glum, and retailers are feeling the pressure, said Candace Collett, a principal with WSL Strategic Retail, a consulting firm.

However, keeping the doors open from midnight is not enough. Aggressive advertising, deep discounts, bonus, door buster deals are going to make a lot of difference in the coming holiday season shopping. Already some of the retailers gave away their special price listings such as Michigan based Meijer gave out their list which contains special prices of 400 items. In addition, some retailers are sending out e-mail alerts. For example, Simon Property Group, Inc

(NYSE:SPG) that operates Discover Mills and other malls are sending out e-mail alerts.

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Atlanta Journal Constitution

Meijer's Black Friday 2008 shopping deals

Stores of the famous Michigan based retailer, Meijer, will remain all through the day of the “Black Friday.” The retailer released its entire special pricing list to catch as many customers as possible on the upcoming “Black Friday.” Jeff Handler, Senior Vice President Marketing, Meijer, said that the ongoing economic crisis has forced people to spend more time to search for the best value in retail and Meijer always strives to provide the best customer service. Mr. Handler said that this year, their aim is to help customers plan their shopping trips and get the best price in the market.Marekt Watch reports:

• Save $420 on a Sylvania 32 inch High Definition LCD TV, selling for only $379.99.
  
• Purchase a new iPOD Nano for $149.99 and receive a $50.00 mail-in rebate.
  
• Select Blu-ray movies only $9.99.
  
• All Lego Bionicle playsets: Buy One Get One FREE
  
• All Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Disney Cars or Speed Racer single pack vehicles: Buy One Get One FREE
  
• 75% off all 10 and 14 karat gold jewelry.
  

Meijer released three different holiday ads to make easy for its customers to find out the best deals. From November 19, 2008 to November 22, 2008, customers can find these ads at the Meijer official website: http://www.meijer.com/home.jsp . On top of the homepage, there is a link titled “Ads, Sales & Alerts,” which gives the customers a list of 400 specific items with special holiday prices. Prices of some products have been slashed more than 50%. The wish-list items include electronics, jewelry and toys. 

Related article:

Marekt Watch

 

Maritz predicts not so exciting Black Friday 2008

Just another grim prediction for the upcoming “Black Friday” to boost retailers’ morale.  Famous travel and marketing research firm, Maritz conducted an online poll on 1,525 respondents on holiday shopping, buying behaviors and gift giving trends from October 14 to October 24, 2008. Here are the some of the findings of the poll: 

The retailers which are going to see the highest number of buyers are: Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, Toys R Us, K-Mart, Kohl's, Sears, Macy's,Circuit City, Victoria's Secret, and Apple Store/iTunes. People are willing to go for big-box retailers because they have the capability to offer competitive prices and comes with a wide range of product choice which makes their stores a “one-stop shopping” center. Buyers are going to choosier. These stores should go for value added benefits like free shipping or any other value added services to ensure their profit.           

Retailers are not gathering up items in fear of inventory build up. Hence, there is a good chance a shoppers might not get everything in one store. However, in order to be competitive, retailers should have a good stock of gift cards, though the projected spending on gift card per people has decreased. Market Watch reports: 

According to the poll, 55 percent of respondents still plan to purchase gift cards this year (compared to 56 percent in 2007 and 54 percent in 2006). The number of gift cards purchased will also remain the same as last year (with a median of four gift cards each year). But the true difference is in the amount spent on each gift card. The average spend on gift cards dropped to $161 from $273 in 2007. Based on the projected overall spend this holiday season, approximately 29 percent of gift giving will involve gift cards, compared to 43 percent last year.

 

Four out of five respondents said that they bought items only when they find a sale. Three out of four respondents are doing pre-shopping research to get the best deals. Seven out of ten already purchased gifts before the season and 65% respondents admitted to cut back the number of gifts per person.   

Related article:

Market Watch