Black Friday Deals 2008
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AP
What to Expect at 22 Retailers
Let the shopping begin! The doors are open on Black Friday, typically the biggest shopping day of the year. Who is going to win big? Who will be struggling? Where can you get the best deals. Click through for all the answers, and also check our liveblog for up-to-the-minute news of the day from all across the country.
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First Up: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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Douglas McFadd, Getty Images
Kohl's
Status: Kohl's is down but not as down as some (like Penney's, which was down 38%)
What will be on sale: Kohl's may have the steepest discounts of the season, touting 300 doorbusters and many items in the store marked off 40% to 75%, including 50% off all toys and 60% off all fine jewelry. The retailer is also offering $10 cash for every $50 spent in the store or online.
Prediction: Kohl's will fill up the store with excited customers in order to boost overall sales.
More on Kohl's deals
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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AP
Wal-Mart
Status: Tough economic times are boom times for the discounter.
What will be on sale: Everything. The retailer will be cutting prices early and often this season -- with pre-Black Friday deals that started in October. Doorbusters from 5am to 11am include $15 Blu-ray discs, $2 DVDs, a $15 Shop-Vac, $10 toys and a $199 X-Box.
Prediction: Wal-Mart will win in holiday sales, but extra-deep discounting will hurt the bottom line.
· See More on Wal-Mart's Deals
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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Scott Olson, Getty Images
Target
Status: Doing well, but still falling behind Wal-Mart
What will be on sale: Target is dropping prices on everything and is leading the way in discount electronics. The big price drop is on a 26" HDTV from Westinghouse for $299, but there's also a $99.99 GPS system, a $69 digital camcorder, video games as low as $7 and $44 iPod dock.
Prediction: Target will be bustling, but probably not busy enough to make it the #1 holiday destination.
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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Getty Images
Best Buy
Status: Even when the economy is doing poor, consumers still want their gadgets
What will be on sale: HDTVs, like this doorbuster: an $899 50" Viera HDTV. Also on sale for early shoppers: a $59.99 digital camera, a $379 Toshiba laptop and Guns n' Roses new album for $11.99. Among the regular sale items are video games, phones, computers and music players.
Prediction: Lines stretched around the block will bring in record sales for the electronics giant.
More Best Buy deals
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AP
Ace
Status: Trying to compete with Lowe's and Home Depot for recession DIYers
What will be on sale: Tools, tools, tools. Some of Ace's deals have already been leaked and show that accessories are also key this year -- like toolboxes. Expect to see doorbuster deals on power tools and many other practical items for around the house.
Prediction: Ace will be facing stiff competition this year as the big box chains worry about the bottom line, so expect better-than-usual deals.
· See More on Ace's Deals
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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Getty Images
Kmart
Status: Struggling and playing major catch-up
What will be on sale: Kmart is splitting up its Black Friday deals this year into Friday and weekend specials. Doorbusters on Friday include $29.99 Jaclyn Smith cashmere sweaters, a $99.99 GPS system, $10 kids winter jackets and buy-one-get-one Lego sets. Saturday is the day for buy-one-get-one Leapster sets, a $39.99 air hockey table and a $49.99 digital photo frame.
Prediction: Kmart will likely draw in a crowd with a careful selection of low-priced loss leaders.
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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Toys R Us
Toys R Us
Status: While the toy industry is facing a poor outlook in sales this fall, one analyst called Toys R Us a "beacon of hope."
What will on sale: Toys R Us just released its massive catalog, and to help parents it selected 19 items and five trends. There are tons of discounts in the catalog already, and more on the way.
Prediction: Many Buy-One-Get-One and Buy-Two-Get-One sales will bring in shoppers.
· See the hot toy list and also the deals in the catalog
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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Carolyn Kaster, AP
Circuit City
Status: Under new leadership, Circuit City will be counting on Black Friday, even as it plans to shut some stores.
What's likely to be on sale: Home theater, games and cameras. A new policy means that prices in the stores will be the same as online, so no reason to wait for CyberMonday.What can you buy? How about doorbusters that include a 42" Samsung HDTV for $699.99 or a $79.99 Samsung digital camera or $2.00 DVDs and CDs.
Prediction: Circuit City may do well, but moving a lot of merchandise may only make stores easier to close.
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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AP
Staples
Status: Weak in the last quarter as consumers restrict spending
What will be on sale: Dan de Grandpre from Dealnews.com confirms several great deals that will be available in store and online, including a Tom Tom GPS unit for $99, a 7" digital picture frame for $39.99 and a 19" LCD monitor for under $100.
Prediction: If the back-to-school drive is any indication, outrageous doorbusters will drive traffic and sales, but low prices may not help the financial outlook.
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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AP
Office Depot
Status: A new credit deal may give the chain deep pockets to offer great deals
What will be on sale: The retailer comes out swinging this year with a $350 HP laptop and a $490 Toshiba one, plus a $15 off coupon for Friday or Saturday. Dan de Grandpre from Dealnews.com recommends that shoppers check online for Office Depot's deals before heading out to the lines since Office Depot will likely offer free shipping with no minimums.
Prediction: It will look to online sales and free shipping to wow shoppers this year!
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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Douglas C. Pizac, AP
JC Penney
Status: Sales were plunging even before a weak back-to-school season
What will be on sale: Doorbusters start at 4am, and include a ton of household and novelty gadgets, like a $99 doughnut maker and $16.88 mens' grooming kit. Jewelry, clothing and kids items are also heavily discounted across the board, like 50% off all handbags and wallets, dresses, most outwear and kids clothes.
Prediction: Doorbusters, like the 88-cent items offered this fall, may do better than any new "fashion" lines that the store adds.
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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Getty Images
Sears
Status: Struggling the most (down 62% last quarter) and trying to stay out of bankruptcy.
What will be on sale: Sears is also going the wholesale discount route, especially for doorbusters, offering 40% to 60% off most categories, with an additional $10 off for every $50 in purchases. As for HDTVs, it's offering a 40" Sony for $1399.99, which is not as low as most expected. It's lowest price HDTV is a 19" Samsung for $299.
Prediction: With price guarantees and 0% financing Sears will still be a busy store.
More on Sears
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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David Rogowski, AOL
Old Navy
Status: Struggling even as consumers head for low-cost brands, down 9% at last check
What will be on sale: Want a pretty good doorbuster? How about just a flat 50% off across the board? The store will also be giving out a free Samsung MP3 player with $20 purchase.
Prediction: Old Navy will draw crowds early.
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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Amazon
Amazon
Status: Riding high on digital sales and low prices Amazon is set up to offer great prices this Fall.
What will be on sale: You'd think Amazon would focus on CyberMonday, but it offers up Black Friday deals as well, including a huge 50% off selection, $8.99 CD box sets and 20% off select baby items.
Prediction: Amazon will use free or cheap shipping and discounts across the board to come out on top of online retailers this Black Friday.
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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Tim Boyle, Getty Images
Home Depot
Status: Trying to rebound after summer store closings.
What will be on sale: Christmas decorations and tools, like 99-cent poinsettas and a $59.97 cordless drill set. Home Depot is trying to lure in economically-stressed homeowners who want to fix up their places on a budget with starter tool sets and gadgets priced under $10, and price drops on more expert tools.
Prediction: Home Depot will do best with small-ticket items and household staples, but will not lift its outlook significantly.
· Read the WalletPop Post
More: Companies' Trade SecretsMore on Black Friday:
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Tim Boyle, Getty Images
Big Lots
Status: Trying to compete with Wal-Mart and Target on one hand, and dollar stores on the other.
What will be on sale: Seasonal decorations, home furnishings, children's toys and food, which has been a growing category for the retailers. Big Lots is trying to play a big Black Friday game this year, sending out legal notices to keep its ads off the web until closer to Thanksgiving.
Prediction: Shoppers may not come at the opening bell, but when they do stop in to comparison shop, they will buy because the prices will be right.
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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Harbor Freight
Harbor Freight
Status: Already a national chain, but trying to expand locations and brand awareness
What will be on sale: Tools, home items and gadgets. Harbor Freight's ad leaked early, perhaps as a way to convince shoppers that there are more options than just Home Depot, Lowe's and Ace. On sale will be items like a tile saw for $149, a solar lantern for $19.99 and even a french fry potato chopper for $5.99.
Prediction: The early bird may help Harbor Freight get the worm, or at least a lot more attention than it would normally get
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren
Status: Suffering along with the rest of the luxury retail sector
What will be on sale: Already-reduced items at factory outlet stores. These locations will open at midnight on November 28 and early (or late) shoppers will get 20 percent off purchases of $150 or more.
Prediction: Outlet shopping at midnight will be especially brisk this year, so gunning for that traffic will pay off.
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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AP
Babies R Us
Status: Hoping to piggyback on the sales of its sibling chain, Toys R Us
What will be on sale: This year's savings catalog breaks down baby gear by price category -- with the focus on value items in the $10, $15, $20 and $25 categories. There's also a pull-out coupon book that the company tallies up at $395 worth of savings. The deals include 15% off diaper bags, various toys, and other baby must-haves, all the way up to $250 off furniture suites.
Prediction: Baby gear isn't such a seasonal category, but the chain should do well on toys and other gift accessories.
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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AP
CVS
Status: Trying to compete in the ever-consolidating drug-store category by keeping customers loyal
What will be on sale: The best deals are for household gadgets like crock pots and grillers at 9.99 with your Extra Care Bucks (ECB), and a slew of buy-one-get one offers on cosmetics, toys and food items. A few items will be free after the ECB instant rebate, like Colgate Total, a universal remote and Aussie hair products.
Prediction: Free beats "on sale" any day.
What will be free
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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Walgreens
Status: Like CVS, trying to compete for last-minute shoppers and keep loyal customers
What will be on sale: Doorbusters include BOGO on Webkinz, scented candles, reader glasses and potted trees. The best deals for gifts are body butter for $1.99 and the Norelco Razor at half price.
Prediction: Walgreens may not be a premier Black Friday destination, but deals may catch stragglers.
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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Halfpricebooks.com
Half Price Books
Status: Struggling against big chains and against online sites
What will be on sale: This may be the most exciting deal so far this year. To start off, stores will be offering 20% off any purchase on top of handing out $5 gift cards, tote bags and 2009 calendars. Finally, any purchase over $30 will net you a $5 t-shirt which proudly proclaims, "Books, read the movie!" These are some excellent deals from a retailer whose prices are already low to begin with.
Prediction: It may just be impossible to beat online sites this season.
Next: What to Expect at ...More on Black Friday:
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Recent Comments
Ryder2400 04:53:27 AM Nov 28 2008
Leoo, I agree with you on the christmas thing. However, the only countries in the world where christianity is the 'dominant faith' are the European countries. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news for ya there.
allisonmarks09 06:40:14 PM Nov 27 2008
Black friday is crazy in stores. I am buying most everything online this year since you can find even better deals and don't have to drive or waste time parking/ waiting. I found a bunch of deals here: http://www.couponwinner.com/promotion.aspx and here http://tgiblackfriday.com/!
Mogulchallenge 12:12:36 PM Nov 27 2008
I just found some really cool deals on www.vonswholesale.com they have deals even cheaper then walmart. Just thought I would mention it.
Juliesanfran3 11:50:15 AM Nov 27 2008
I saw Circuit City's black friday ad on Cityskoop.com. lots of other sales going on, too. if you prefer to shop online, check out cityskoop and dealnews. lots of other sites, too
Snozz Batt 06:12:54 AM Nov 27 2008
Attention Black Friday Shoppers: Whatever you do, please be NICE to the associates who work in the store, especially the CASHIERS! Just because we're behind a counter doesn't automatically make us stupid. We're doing you a favor by selling you the items you want to make your holidays special, and beating up on us and calling us names and being accusatory and verbally abusive is not going to help. You won't get what you want by being a bully.
Millermmtheone 11:51:54 PM Nov 26 2008
UNTILL PEOPLE FEEL SAFE IN THEIR JOBS TO GO OUT AND CONSUME IN THIS 2/3RDS CONSUMER ECONOMY IN THE USA..... DAAA SO TO ALL THE FOX NEWS IDIOTS... AND SO ON I SAY THIS IS A 2/3RDS CONSUMER ECONOMY ! SO WHEN PHIL THE AUTOWORKER AND STEVE THE STEELWORKER AND BILL THE BUILDER AND "FRANK THE REAL PLUMBER " FEELS SAFE ENOUGH TO GO OUT AND BUY THE HOMES , CARS, WASHERS, DRYERS , BIG SCREEN TVs AND SO ON ... IN THIS 2/3RDS CONSUMER ECONOMY IS DOOMED!IN THE USA..! TO ALL THE HARVARD AND ANAL-YST IDIOTS.... WALMART JOBS WILL NOT DO THIS!!! FOOLS... $7.00 PT TIME JOBS DOES NOT PUMP A 2/3rds CONSUMER ECONOMY.. A CAVEMAN KNOWS THAT !!
Millermmtheone 11:42:56 PM Nov 26 2008
WELL TO ALL THE SO CALLED ANAL-YST AND HARVARD GRADS IN ECONOMICS? UNTILL YOU HAVE PHIL THE AUTOWORKER ,STEVE THE STEELWORKER , MEL THE MOLD MAKER, TOM THE RETAILER , TIM THE TEACHER AND SO ON FEELING SAFE IN THEIR JOBS AND FUTURE TO GO OUT AND SPEND IN THIS 2/3RDS CONSUMER ECONOMY WE HAVE HERE IN THE GOOD OLE USA.. WE WILL NEVER GET OUT OF THIS RECESSION ! JOBS GOOD PAYING JOBS THAT WILL LET PEOPLE GO OUT AND BUY HOMES CARS, BIG SCREEN TVs, WASHERS, DRYERS AND SO ON .. DAAAAA.. WHAT A BUNCH OF IDIOTS FROM FOX NEWS LIKE CAVUTO , KUDLOW , CRAMER ,AND ALL THE ANAL-YST BECAUSE THEY ARE ALL ANAL!! YST.. THE TRULY KNOW NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
leoo@mac.com 01:33:02 PM Nov 26 2008
VeroCaz15, around 80% of Americans are Christian, and no other religion even hits 2%. And the proportion of Christians is MUCH higher in many places, rising to be as close to 100% as practically possible. In such an overwhelmingly Christian country, why on Earth shouldn't retailers respect that country's culture and customs, and honor its dominant faith tradition?And besides, exactly who is harmed by being wished a Merry Christmas, or going to a Christmas sale, and how? And what kind of miserable, wretched, fun-ruining Scrooge tries to ruin Christmas for everyone? I just don't get those bitter anti-Christmas zealout who try to stamp it out, but I guess I'm just not that sad.
Mogulchallenge 10:57:45 AM Nov 26 2008
Check out www.vonswholesale.com they have widescreen HDTV, Ipod's, jewelry, fur coats, camera's, cellphones all at a great price.
SGustaf200 09:15:00 AM Nov 26 2008
You can also save more using coupon codes. One site i use is http://www.CouponCorner.com
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