All articles tagged with #holiday shopping
Amazon's October Prime Big Deal Days (Oct 6-7, 2026) featured significant discounts on toys, particularly LEGO sets, with markdowns up to 40% on popular franchises like Harry Potter and Star Wars.
Walmart’s week-long 'Fall Deals' event runs from October 5 to 11, offering discounts of up to 50% on home goods and 40% on tech without requiring a membership. The sale coincides with Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days, prompting competitive pricing on major items like LG OLED TVs and Apple AirPods. While Walmart+ members receive perks like free delivery, all shoppers can access the markdowns, which include significant cuts on appliances, beauty products, and seasonal fashion.
Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days 2026 began on October 6, offering 48 hours of exclusive discounts for Prime members. The sale features significant markdowns across tech, home, kitchen, and beauty categories, with early deals already live. Key items include a 75-inch TCL TV at 40% off, an Arlo security camera at 58% off, and various kitchen appliances and wellness products. The event serves as the first major holiday shopping opportunity before Black Friday, requiring a Prime membership to access the full selection of time-sensitive offers.
Amazon’s October Prime Big Deal Days, scheduled for October 6-7, 2026, have already begun with significant early discounts. While the main event is exclusive to Prime members, early deals are accessible now, offering savings on high-demand tech and fashion items. Key highlights include a $600 discount on the 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 Max, bringing its price to $3,499, and a 51% reduction on Gap baggy jeans. Tech enthusiasts can also find the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus at an all-time low of $37.99, while fashion shoppers benefit from 40-50% cuts on basics like Hanes tees and Calvin Klein underwear. Analysts note that while some prices are at historic lows, others, such as large-screen TVs, may drop further once the official sale begins. Shoppers are advised to monitor inventory closely, as early deals often sell out before the main event.
Amazon has initiated early discounts for its second annual Prime Big Deal Days, scheduled for October 6-7, 2026. The sale offers significant markdowns on tech accessories, large-screen TVs, and beauty devices, serving as the first major holiday shopping opportunity. While MacRumors highlights deep cuts on charging stations and monitors, The Cut focuses on beauty tools, indicating a broad range of discounted categories. Prime membership is required to access these deals, which are time-sensitive and may change before the official event.
The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points on September 16, marking the first increase in three years. This move raises the cost of variable-rate credit card debt, potentially increasing the price of holiday shopping for consumers who carry balances. While savers may benefit from higher yields, the rate hike adds financial pressure during a season already marked by cautious consumer spending and elevated inflation.
Toys 'R' Us is opening 120 new standalone stores in the U.S. this holiday season, bringing its total to 160 locations. The expansion, led by partner Go! Retail Group, targets a market where adult and teen buyers now drive the majority of toy sales. A new store is also planned for the North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville.
Toys 'R' Us is opening 120 new standalone stores in the U.S. this holiday season, bringing its total to 160 locations. The expansion, led by WHP Global and Go! Retail Group, features popular brands like LEGO and Pokémon, along with new 'Creator Studios' and travel retail locations, marking a significant comeback since the 2017 bankruptcy.
Toys 'R' Us is opening 120 new standalone stores in the U.S. this holiday season, bringing its total brick-and-mortar presence to 160 locations. The expansion, led by WHP Global and Go! Retail Group, features curated products from major brands and new 'Creator Studios' for content creation. While the company emphasizes broad consumer appeal, market data indicates a significant surge in sales driven by adult collectors and nostalgia, marking a major comeback for the retailer following its 2017 bankruptcy.
Toys 'R' Us is opening 120 new standalone stores in the U.S. this holiday season, bringing its total footprint to 160 locations. The expansion, led by Go! Retail Group, targets a market where adults now account for 55% of toy sales. New stores will feature curated brands, cafes, and 'Creator Studios' for influencers.
US retail sales rose 0.6% in November—the strongest gain since July—led by auto purchases and robust holiday shopping; excluding autos, sales rose 0.5%. Ten of 13 categories posted gains, indicating a still-resilient consumer entering the holiday season, aided by promotions and higher gasoline receipts.
The 2025 holiday shopping season revealed resilient US consumer spending, with a 3.9% increase driven by low-cost options and discounts, despite economic concerns like slowing hiring and rising inflation. This strong retail performance, especially in budget-friendly categories, suggests consumer confidence remains robust, supporting overall economic growth, which expanded at a 4.3% annualized rate in Q3.
Many grocery stores such as Aldi, ShopRite, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods will be open on New Year’s Day 2026, though hours may vary by location, while some stores will be closed for the holiday. Shoppers should check with their local stores for specific hours.
Retailers are increasingly charging restocking fees for holiday gift returns, with 72% of merchants implementing such fees this year, up from 66% last year, prompting shoppers to be aware of policies, keep receipts, and return items promptly to avoid extra costs.
Most major U.S. retailers close or have reduced hours on Christmas Day, with some stores like Walgreens, CVS, and 7-Eleven remaining open, often with modified hours. It's advisable to check specific store hours online or by calling ahead before visiting during the holiday.