Each year it seems as if retailers push to advertise each holiday season earlier and earlier. Halloween decorations appear in August and Christmas decorations start showing up in September. This is partly in response to consumers starting their shopping earlier than ever before due to higher prices on goods and services. Consumers are being more strategic about when and how they shop to maximize their dollars.1
As a result, Christmas shoppers are looking for sales starting this month. Retailers are responding to their demands, especially since mediocre holiday sales are predicted in November and December due to consumer uncertainty about the state of the economy.2
Many retailers are claiming to have sales as good as those found on Black Friday starting in early October. Both Home Depot and Lowes currently have large Christmas yard decorations on sale. Amazon will hold a Prime Days event next month. The dates have yet to be announced but sales are expected across all categories. But there will be "Lightning Deals" again, which often offer deep savings. These sales are typically for a limited time or quantity and are expected to be on many giftable items.
In general, September is also a good time to buy iPhones, big and small appliances, mattresses, gourmet coffees and bicycles.
For popular new toys and electronics, the best deals will be found on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Black Friday takes place the Friday after Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday takes place the Monday after Thanksgiving. In recent years there has been a third day added to promote good deals, Green Monday. Green Monday is the second Monday in December; this year it will be December 11. It is usually the last day to get gifts shipped to people without express delivery charges. Last-minute shoppers will find a variety of items at good prices to send to family and friends.
Now is also a good time to get lower rates on airfare and hotels. From now to October 15 airfare is the lowest it is expected to be all year. Prices are expected to drop even further in January.3
There are no solid hacks to finding the best price with airfare, but often flying on a Tuesday or late at night is cheaper. The general rule for getting deals on both airfare and hotels is to be flexible with your dates.
Due to the high travel demand that has continued this year, it might not be wise to wait for a last-minute deal because none may exist. You can also expect hotel rates to climb higher and higher as the holidays approach.
1. https://www.axios.com/2023/08/14/christmas-decorations-early-holiday-shopping-season
2. https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/16/business/holiday-sales-2023-forecast-coresight/index.html
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