Best Buy, Walmart Among Black Friday Sales to Come Early This Year

Nov. 3, 2009— -- Realizing that they will need all the help that they can get this recession plagued year, many big retailers like Wal-Mart, Sears and Saks are starting their Black Friday sales early.

Black Friday, or the Friday after Thanksgiving, used to be considered the beginning of the holiday shopping season, the time of year when many retailers see their red ink turn to black, as yearend sales push them into profitability.

"Larger retailers who do typically offer large Black Friday savings will try to do their best to win the shoppers out there," said Kathy Grannis, media relations manager of the National Retail Federation.

But winning shoppers' dollars will be tougher this year.

A National Retail Federation survey shows that consumers are expected to spend less during the 2009 holiday season. According to the survey, U.S. consumers plan to spend an average of $682.74 on holiday-related shopping, which is a 3.2 percent drop from last year's $705.01.

That's why some retailers are rolling out their black Friday sales early, but it's unclear how widespread the practice will become, said Grannis.

"Historically a lot of retailers prefer to wait until the last minute [to reveal their sale promotions] because of competition," she said.

For those looking for early Black Friday sales, there are a number of Web sites that post daily updates including Black Friday @ Gotta Deal and Black Friday Ads.

Here are some of the early Black Friday sales that we found:

Saks Fifth Avenue

Saksfifthavenue.com is also offering 10 percent off the first order to all new subscribers who shop online. This in addition to their free shipping promotion on orders over $150 until Nov. 8.

Sears

One deal Sears is offering is the Zenith 42" Widescreen Plasma HDTV for $499.99, saving about $150.

Deals on Books, Toys and Electronics

Wal-Mart, Amazon, Target (Books)

"I think that people expect price drops from Wal-Mart as well as consumer electronics," said Lori Wachs, a retail analyst. She also emphasized that retailers are more prepared this year, acquiring less inventory and looking at their cost structures.

Wal-Mart (Toys)

The latest toy rollbacks include popular toys like Buzz Lightyear Talking Action Figure at $29, interactive toys, favorite games and more with 20 percent or 30 percent savings.

Toys 'R' Us

You can get a $10 Toys 'R' Us gift card with any purchase of $75 or more.

Dell (Wii)

Best Buy

Many of these pre-Black Friday deals, such as Wal-Mart and Sears, will last throughout the holiday season, while others may not. Despite recent reports that consumer spending has dropped, the retail industry is not completely suffering yet.

"Things in retail land have picked up a little bit in the past month or so," Wachs said. "September numbers leave us some room for encouragement; this season won't be as disastrous as last year's."