With inflation boosting the price of everyday items and the consumer price index up 8.2% over last year, shoppers are expected to tighten their purse strings this holiday season. In response, retailers are slashing prices to encourage spending. In a survey of 150 retail executives, more than a third said their companies are deeply discounting to get rid of excess inventory, as well. The upshot: You don't have to wait until Black Friday for big savings.
Target has already started offering "Black Friday" deals, and Walmart is hosting three Black Friday events beginning Nov. 7. After holding its annual Prime Day sale in July, Amazon added a Prime Early Access Sale in early October with similarly deep discounts.
Gallery: 30+ Holiday Gifts to Buy Early
With forecasters predicting flat holiday sales due to inflation and retailers trying to unload inventory, a perfect storm may be brewing for consumers who do their holiday shopping early. Spreading out purchases could also make them easier to pay off. So forget Black Friday. Items on your list might be on sale already.
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