Black Friday Starts Four Weeks Early At Sears
NEW YORK(CBS 2 /1010 WINS) – The holidays are coming early at stores as some major retailers are starting their so-called "Black Friday" sales now.
Sears, Wal-Mart, Target and online retailer Amazon are among some major stores who've started slashing prices in preparation for Christmas.
The early deals are already pushing families to shop, CBS 2's Alexis Christoforous reports.
"It's never too soon to start Christmas shopping," shopper Teresa Taylor said.
Starting now may mean consumers will have more time to hunt for bargains and comparison shop.
"It's better. You can save more money. You can work the circulars," Taylor added.
Sears will start its Black Friday Now Sales event this Friday and continue every Friday and Saturday until Nov. 20.
The company said the customer response last was so positive that the company wanted to extend the deal to two days this year. But despite the positive responses, 1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reports there are mixed reactions from some consumers.
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1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reports
Some shoppers think stores should wait until after Thanksgiving for Black Friday.
"I think we need to give Halloween and Thanksgiving a chance before we worry about Christmas shopping," one shopper said.
JC Penney is cutting its prices, but the retailer won't start until next week.
"That's scary, but our economy needs it," shopper Jill Stimart said.
But Dave from Riverdale said it's just an empty gimmick by retailers.
"I'm still in the trick or treating mood. I'm not in the mood for spending more money for that. There needs to be a little gap in there. Next time they're gonna have the black Friday in July," he said. "I know they're trying to drum up business so good luck to them. There's just so much shopping and so much crap people can buy."
Some retail followers said the sour economy was a contributing factor for the jumpstart, which will benefit shoppers during the holiday season.
"I think smart shoppers will start to buy now," one shopper said. "There will be other interesting offers throughout the whole season."
Careful consumers are making their list and checking it twice. Americans are expected to spend just 2 percent more than last year—the worst holiday shopping season in a decade.
Nearly two thirds of online retailers expect sales to jump at least 15 percent, and four out of five say they'll offer free shipping at some point in the season.
