Yes, the economy is a bit better. Compared to a year ago, the market is up and employment is holding steady. So is this what the Christmas retailers have been waiting for?
No, not really. Employment rates aren’t dropping they way they were, but they’re not climbing either. Shoppers are still cautious. And so, say industry experts, 2010 is shaping up as another big discounting year at the major retail chains.
No, not really. Employment rates aren’t dropping they way they were, but they’re not climbing either. Shoppers are still cautious. And so, say industry experts, 2010 is shaping up as another big discounting year at the major retail chains.
To get shoppers in and merchandise out, there’s no other way. Price cuts are already underway, a barely interrupted extension of back-to-school season. Among those items showing the biggest markdowns through the fall: denim clothing, toys and winter wear like sweaters and flannel shirts.
Most major retailers began heavy discounting in October. Specific sales often vary from week to week, so the latest deals may differ from what will be out there later in November and in December. But don’t expect the overall level of discounting to change much as Christmas draws closer--most of it on mass-market gifts like kitchenware, jeans and kids’ stuff.
Most major retailers began heavy discounting in October. Specific sales often vary from week to week, so the latest deals may differ from what will be out there later in November and in December. But don’t expect the overall level of discounting to change much as Christmas draws closer--most of it on mass-market gifts like kitchenware, jeans and kids’ stuff.
Denim
Abercrombie & Fitch touted 40% off jeans in October; most are now $10 off, along with jeggings. A Gap special allowed customers to trade in their old denim and get 30% off 1969 jeans; Facebook fans could get an extra 10% reduction.
Winter Outerwear
Sweaters at Old Navy, some normally priced as high as $39.50, were going for $10, while $10 to $15 fleece vests were marked down to $5.
Flannels
During parts of October, they've been going for 40% off at Hollister, with various sales elsewhere.Toys
The $69 Homestyle Kitchen at J.C. Penney is now $29. Amazon.com is showcasing a host of 20% to 70% off sales on items like Buzz Lightyear dance figures, Matchbox trucks and Star Wars indoor flying sets.
Flat-Screen TV Sets
A soft year for manufacturers, so look for sub-$500 prices for the 42-inch class. Best Buy is already offering the Samsung 42-inch set for $499, a $100 discount.
Computers
Industry followers say Walmart has lots of PCs to dump onto the market, which should trigger price reductions at most outlets. Walmart is currently selling the HP Black Pavilion desktop for $448, down 50 bucks.
Jewelry & Accessories
Go to musicboxattic.com and find several $200-plus music boxes and jewelry boxes for $129 to $139. Various fine jewelry at Macys.com is marked down by hundreds of dollars.
Baby Clothes
Tyke winter jackets at Macys.com are marked down to $48 from $80, while dresses and pants sets are 25% to 40% off.
Kitchen Gadgets
Check out J.C. Penney's "Red Zone Clearance," offering up to 80% off on items like copper cookware sets and press cook pans for burgers and pancakes.
Home Furnishings
Sears has several mattresses marked down by hundreds, and a $649.99 Country Living leather recliner going for $399.99. Bed-in-a-Bag sets (basically comforters with matching with pillows, sheets, etc.) are on sale all over the place, including Target and Linens 'n' Things.