Yahoo Finance What to buy — and what to avoid — on Black Friday
Do you believe that holidays are best spent with friends and family, that they’ve become too commercial, and that they shouldn’t be about buying more stuff?
The Internet is perfect for letting you maintain that holier-than-thou stance on Facebook and Twitter while indulging in some retail therapy from your sofa (Or your desk at work. We won’t tell!).
Most of us are feeling optimistic this year, with 86 percent of shoppers saying they’ll increase their holiday budget by about $200 this year to an average of $600.
“But while they may be spending more, our survey indicates that Canadians are also likely getting more for their dollar by utilizing clever shopping strategies,” says Sari Friedman, Marketing Director at ebates.ca in a release, adding that spending is expected to be up across nearly all categories as compared to last year.
According to ebates.ca, a website that offers cash back on purchases through retail partners, 59 percent of Canadians say going to the mall is their least favourite way to shop. Instead, a whopping 82 percent will do at least some online shopping, up from 76 percent last year.
In the U.S., 90 percent of people surveyed plan to shop either online or in stores over Thanksgiving weekend. Clothing and shoes were the top items on wish lists (62 percent for adults and 60 percent for teens) of the more than 1500 people surveyed, says Kevin H. Johnson, CEO of Ebates.com. Accessories (41 percent for adults) and sweets (37 percent for teens), home electronics (33 percent for adults) and accessories (35 percent for teens) were top picks in the American survey.
What are we buying?
The top items are clothing and accessories (76 vs. 67 per cent in 2015), electronics (61 vs. 55 per cent), books (56 vs. 54 per cent), toys (53 vs. 46 per cent), health and beauty (52 vs. 43 per cent) and sports and exercise gear (31 vs. 21 per cent), according to ebates.ca.
How are we buying it?
Shopping online is more convenient than browsing brick-and-mortar stores, but you still need to plan ahead. Buyers are saying they stay up late on Black Friday and Cyber Monday to be ready to snap up the best deals as they’re released online, and 60 percent shop with retailers that offer coupons, claims Ebates.
What to buy on Black Friday
According to website BlackFriday.com, the best deals will be found on mainstream and bargain laptops, 4K TVs and budget TVs, small kitchen appliances and mid-generation game consoles — i.e. avoid the newest models and “you can still enjoy the latest games – but at a fraction of the price.”
“Assuming that you aren’t looking for a high-performance laptop, Black Friday is the best time of year to make a laptop purchase,” says Melissa Martin in an email. “In general, 15-inch laptops with modern processors are the best deal and your best bet.”
“You’ll find the best deals on devices that are one generation behind the current model,” said Martin, adding that Apple devices are often on sale or bundled with store gift cards, and retailers like Best Buy and Walmart will always have lower prices that the Apple Store.
What NOT to buy on Black Friday
If you can wait until January, don’t buy winter outerwear yet, the best deals come after Christmas, says Martin.
Bedding and linens are also discounted more in January, and of course holiday decorations are cheapest right after the holidays.
While computers can be found at bargain prices in late November, if you’re looking for a high-end laptop you’ll want to wait until July or September says Martin.
And once you’ve eaten your way through the season, burn off that turkey, pie and jumbo box of chocolates with a treadmill or indoor bike in January too — retailers are happy to help you keep your New Year’s resolutions.
Hottest Toys for 2016
Hatchimals
FurReal Friends Torch
My Blazin Dragon
Paw Patrol – Zoomer
Star Wars Black Series Collector Figures
Barbie Dreamtopia Rainbow Cove Princess Castle
My Little Pony Explore Equestria Crystal Empire Castle
Num Noms Lipgloss Truck Craft Kit
NERF N-Strike Modulus Tri-Strike Blaster
Fisher-Price Think & Learn Code-a-pillar
Source: BlackFriday.com
