Story Published:
Nov 22, 2007 at 10:25 AM PDT
Story Updated:
Nov 23, 2007 at 5:23 PM PDT
UNDATED - Doors opened early Friday morning to most retail outlets and bargain hunters snapped up deals on what some say is the busiest shopping day of the year.
Stores opened as early as 4 a.m. and a few even opened at midnight - or earlier.
In Portland, Fred Meyer stores opened at 5 a.m. for their traditional "sock sale." Bins full of comfy footwear were quickly set upon by dozens of customers lined up outside in clear but cold and windy November weather.
The annual sock sale dates back decades and still draws customers, according to workers at Fred Meyer. After picking up some socks, customers moved on to bargains in other areas. Electronics are expected to be a strong category this year.
The problem this year for retailers is sluggish sales in a sliding economy. The housing market problems, record high gas prices, weak U.S. dollar and the so-called 'credit crunch' are all expected to hurt consumers' budgets this holiday season.
Inventories are low, so if you're planning on shopping later this week you need to know exactly what you're looking for, where to find it and you need to get there early.
Sales circulars stuffed into Thanksgiving Day newspapers used to be well-guarded secrets. Now you can see almost all of them online at Web sites like www.bfads.net and www.gottadeal.com.
Pre-Black Friday leaks of the biggest bargains started with Wal-Mart. The company even threatened to sue several Web sites but has now released the information on its own. This year, some notable Wal-Mart Black Friday sale items include:
- A Polaroid 42-inch LCD HDTV for $798. That's $400 off.
- A Sony Cybershot camera for $79.87 – a $50 savings.
Elsewhere, JC Penney's flier included hundreds of door-busters like a 1 karat gold diamond ring for $499. Macy's is selling Claiborne men's leather jackets for $99.99 and Hannah Montana singing dolls for $14.99.
Before you shop, check out Web sites like www.couponcabin.com. and www.wow-coupons.com. You may be able to save even more money. But check the fine print because some stores won't let you use the coupons for certain products.
Also pay attention when you get to the register. Many Black Friday deals come with expensive warranties that are not included in the advertised price. And some stores have special return policies for Black Friday sales.
Midnight Madness
Black Friday Web Sites
Coupon Web Sites
You
