WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog/media/feedlogo.gif WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Say hi to Mom and Pop: Shop local on Black Fridayhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/25/say-hi-to-mom-and-pop-shop-local-on-black-friday/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/25/say-hi-to-mom-and-pop-shop-local-on-black-friday/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/25/say-hi-to-mom-and-pop-shop-local-on-black-friday/#commentsFiled under: ,

The ramp up to Black Friday has been more energetic this year than any I can remember. There's a near insatiable thirst for discounts and door busters and retailers are more than willing to do whatever it takes to satisfy that thirst.

I've been covering national big box retailers for nearly 15 years now, and the volume of discounts this Black Friday is simply astonishing. All the national retailers like Best Buy, Target, Toys R Us and Walmart are rolling out new deals so fast it's difficult to keep track (although WalletPop does, check out our Black Friday listing). But there's more to retailing than national chains, and it's important to remember that mom and pop shops need to ring their registers too. This year, more than ever.

Continue reading Say hi to Mom and Pop: Shop local on Black Friday

Say hi to Mom and Pop: Shop local on Black Friday originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Black FridayBlackFridayfeaturedMom and pop shopsMomAndPopShopsretailshop local movementshop locallyShopLocallyShopLocalMovementLaura HellerWed, 25 Nov 2009 08:00:00 ESTNew Black Friday deals at Toys R Us online ... and on the gohttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/23/new-black-friday-deals-at-toys-r-us-online-and-on-the-go/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/23/new-black-friday-deals-at-toys-r-us-online-and-on-the-go/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/23/new-black-friday-deals-at-toys-r-us-online-and-on-the-go/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are being announced or leaked at such a rapid rate its getting difficult to keep track. Of all the retailers, Toys R Us may well be the most aggressive with the deals and now it is expanding online discounts for the big day, with free shipping, bonuses with purchase, and some special payment plans.

There's even an online layaway program called Bill Me Later. Through Saturday, November 28, new Bill Me Later customers will receive $10 off purchases of $30 or more, with no payments for up to 90 days. In addition, all customers who opt to use Google Checkout will receive $10 off purchases of $60 or more.

Continue reading New Black Friday deals at Toys R Us online ... and on the go

New Black Friday deals at Toys R Us online ... and on the go originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Bill Me LaterBillMeLaterBlack FridayBlackFridaydealsfeaturedkids and moneyKidsAndMoneysaving moneySavingMoneyshoppingToys R UsToysRUsLaura HellerMon, 23 Nov 2009 05:00:00 ESTMore Black Friday Now deals at Sears and Kmarthttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/19/more-black-friday-now-deals-at-sears-and-kmart/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/19/more-black-friday-now-deals-at-sears-and-kmart/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/19/more-black-friday-now-deals-at-sears-and-kmart/#commentsFiled under: , ,

kmartSears and Kmart are going on the third week of early Black Friday promotions, with door-buster deals all weekend leading up to the actual Black Friday.

Continue reading More Black Friday Now deals at Sears and Kmart

More Black Friday Now deals at Sears and Kmart originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Black FridayBlack Friday 2009Black Friday dealsBlack Friday SalesBlack Friday shoppingBlackFridayBlackFriday2009BlackFridayDealsBlackFridaySalesBlackFridayShoppingshoppingLaura HellerThu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:00 ESTBlack Friday begins at midnight, Nov. 26 at Toys R Ushttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/19/black-friday-begins-at-midnight-nov-26-at-toys-r-us/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/19/black-friday-begins-at-midnight-nov-26-at-toys-r-us/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/19/black-friday-begins-at-midnight-nov-26-at-toys-r-us/#commentsFiled under: ,

Forget the 5 a.m. start, Toys R Us stores will open at midnight on Thursday, Nov. 26. Just in time to finish digesting that Thanksgiving meal.

As Toys R Us points out in an announcement, that's 25% more time to grab Black Friday deals.

Toys R Us' Big Book is out and most Black Friday deals are leaked but the toy retailer will make a preview available of more than 100 previously unadvertised prices on Black Friday deals as of 12:01 Wednesday, Nov. 25, and start shopping in stores just 24 hours later.

But while stores will be open, some but not all, of the doorbusters won't begin until 5 a.m.

Zhu Zhu hunters be appraised, the first 100 people in line on Black Friday will each be given a ticket for the opportunity to purchase a Zhu Zhu Pet (with a limit of one per household). Toys R Us, said in a statement that 1000's of Zhu Zhu Pets will be arriving regularly throughout December.

Continue reading Black Friday begins at midnight, Nov. 26 at Toys R Us

Black Friday begins at midnight, Nov. 26 at Toys R Us originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Black FridayBlackFridayShoppingToys R UsToysRUsLaura HellerThu, 19 Nov 2009 07:00:00 ESTShop outside and still save onlinehttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/18/shop-outside-and-still-save-online/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/18/shop-outside-and-still-save-online/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/18/shop-outside-and-still-save-online/#commentsFiled under:

According to the National Retail Federation, 42.4% of the U.S. population plans to shop for gifts online this holiday season. It's convenient, makes for pain free price comparisons, and saves a good bit of money in sales tax.

Savvy readers have mastered the art of collecting coupon codes online and know never to shop a national retailer's Web site without first checking for discounts.

But there are some things about physically shopping that can't be replaced. The social aspect of spending the day out with family, pairing up with a favorite shopping buddy, and adding lunch or spa visit to make holiday shopping more than just braving the crowds.

Continue reading Shop outside and still save online

Shop outside and still save online originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cyber mondayCyber Monday 2009cyber monday dealsCyberMondayCyberMonday2009CyberMondayDealsOnline shoponline shoppingonline shopping tipsOnlineShopOnlineShoppingOnlineShoppingTipsshoppingLaura HellerWed, 18 Nov 2009 15:30:00 ESTThe War on Christmas begins with boycottshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/18/the-war-on-christmas-begins-with-boycotts/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/18/the-war-on-christmas-begins-with-boycotts/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/18/the-war-on-christmas-begins-with-boycotts/#commentsFiled under:

Each year, it seems, the holiday season starts earlier. The decorations, the music, the Black Friday deals. So it makes sense that the finger pointing and accusations that retailers are anti-Christmas starts earlier too.

That first shot was fired by the American Family Association, calling for "a limited two-month boycott of Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic, the three stores owned by San Francisco-based Gap Inc., over the company's censorship of the word "Christmas."

The War on Christmas is on.

Except as Los Angeles Times columnist Dan Neil points out, the Gap did use the word Christmas in it's ads.


Continue reading The War on Christmas begins with boycotts

The War on Christmas begins with boycotts originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Christmaschristmas shoppingChristmasShoppingcommercialcommercialsGap Inc.GapInc.Laura HellerWed, 18 Nov 2009 13:30:00 ESTReading the fine print on retailer's return policieshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/18/reading-the-fine-print-on-retailers-return-policies/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/18/reading-the-fine-print-on-retailers-return-policies/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/18/reading-the-fine-print-on-retailers-return-policies/#commentsFiled under:

Holidays are all about food, family and receiving gifts that you know you will never use -- with a smile. Of the $437.6 billion consumers plan to spend this holiday season, $42.7 billion worth of items are likely to be returned to stores, according to retail trade association, the National Retail Federation.

But this year, the annual pilgrimage to the return counter may prove a little less satisfying. Last year, the bad economy and gloomy sales forecasts led retailers to loosen up return policies, but 2009 is shaping up to be quite different -- 15.9% of retailers say they are tightening the rules, according to the NRF.

That makes reading the fine print on return policies even more important. Here's our roundup of retailers' return policies and our assessment of which ones are naughty or nice.


Continue reading Reading the fine print on retailer's return policies

Reading the fine print on retailer's return policies originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Laura HellerWed, 18 Nov 2009 06:00:00 ESTVideo game deals, layaway and more at Toys R Us this weekendhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/17/video-game-deals-layaway-and-more-at-toys-r-us-this-weekend/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/17/video-game-deals-layaway-and-more-at-toys-r-us-this-weekend/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/17/video-game-deals-layaway-and-more-at-toys-r-us-this-weekend/#commentsFiled under: ,

According to the Consumer Electronics Association, video games are the third most desired product this holiday season, and electronics retailers aren't the only ones angling to capture sales. Toys R Us is launching layaway, trade-ins and even more sales on video game hardware.

Toys R Us has been introducing new deals at a furious pace leading up to Black Friday, and beginning Friday, Nov. 18, the chain is expanding its layaway program to video game hardware (except in Maryland). Placing a product on layaway requires a deposit of 20% of the total, including taxes and a $10 service charge. Items must be paid for in full by Dec. 6.

The retailer began taking trade-ins of video game software in October, and will now accept hardware, as well. Bring gaming devices to a Toys R Us store and have the hardware scanned at the service desk to determine value. Accept the offer and you'll be issued a gift card for the value that can be redeemed immediately in store or online.

Continue reading Video game deals, layaway and more at Toys R Us this weekend

Video game deals, layaway and more at Toys R Us this weekend originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>featuredholiday shoppngHolidayShoppnglayawayshoppingToys r usToysRUsvideo gamesVideoGamesLaura HellerTue, 17 Nov 2009 22:00:00 ESTWant Coke? Not at Costcohttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/17/want-coke-not-at-costco/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/17/want-coke-not-at-costco/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/17/want-coke-not-at-costco/#commentsFiled under: ,

Costco wholesale clubs won't be selling Coca-Cola products any longer. The chain is reportedly dropping the brand due to a dispute over pricing.

Neither Coke nor Costco offered more explanation, but Bloomberg news quotes a statement from Costco's Web site that states, "At this time, Coca-Cola has not provided Costco with competitive pricing so that we may pass along the value our members deserve."

That statement is no longer accessible under the Coke product listing, which simply says the item is no longer available. But a Costco representative confirmed Monday to news outlets that the chain won't be carrying products from Coca-Cola.

Brands included: Coke Classic, Cherry Coke, Black Cherry Vanilla Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite and Squirt, Dasani Water and Vitamin Water along with sports and energy drinks.

Want Coke? Not at Costco originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cokecostcocostco wholesaleCostcoWholesaleLaura HellerTue, 17 Nov 2009 12:30:00 ESTGift cards deals to die forhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/13/gift-cards-deals-to-die-for/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/13/gift-cards-deals-to-die-for/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/13/gift-cards-deals-to-die-for/#commentsFiled under: ,

To give, or not to give a gift card? No matter how impersonal it may seem, this holiday season it's a proposition that will be hard to resist. Retailers are stepping up offers that include gift cards as bonuses or dangling free cards with purchases.

They're doing so for good reason: Gift cards will be the most requested gift during this year's holiday season, according to a recent report by the National Retail Federation. According to the NRF's survey, 55% of adults in the United States want a gift card this year. Retailers have definitely taken note. Research firm First Data expects retailers to use cards as promotional tools this season more than ever before.

Continue reading Gift cards deals to die for

Gift cards deals to die for originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>economizergift cardsGiftCardsgiftsholiday dealsholiday shoppingHolidayDealsHolidayShoppingretailersstoresLaura HellerFri, 13 Nov 2009 16:15:00 ESTWii deal alerthttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/13/wii-deal-alert/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/13/wii-deal-alert/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/13/wii-deal-alert/#commentsFiled under:

WiiToys R Us is offering Wii consoles for $99 from Friday, November 13 through Sunday, November 15. There's a catch; it must be purchased as part of a Wii "starter bundle" that includes batteries, accessories, games and storage, bring the tally to $249.

Here's what you get:
  • Ultimate Gaming Ottoman
  • Any four Gear Monkey video game accessories
  • Mario & Sonic at the Olympics Games for Wii
  • 20-pack of Toys "R" Us "AA" batteries
And a Wii. A Toys R Us spokeswoman tells Walletpop the $99 Wii qualifies as an unadvertised deal, since it's not included in the retailer's weekly circular. It is being promoted with email blasts and at the store level.

Continue reading Wii deal alert

Wii deal alert originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Toy R Us sale on Wiitoy saleToyRUsSaleOnWiiToySaleWii saleWiiSaleLaura HellerFri, 13 Nov 2009 10:30:00 ESTWalmart Black Friday: Discount giant to keep stores open 24-hours on Black Fridayhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/11/the-crush-stops-here-walmart-to-keep-stores-open-24-hours-on-bl/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/11/the-crush-stops-here-walmart-to-keep-stores-open-24-hours-on-bl/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/11/the-crush-stops-here-walmart-to-keep-stores-open-24-hours-on-bl/#commentsFiled under: ,

News crews everywhere must be very disappointed. In an effort to avoid the stampeding crowds on Black Friday, Walmart will keep most stores open for 24 hours, beginning Thanksgiving through the end of the following day.

Sales begin at 5 a.m. on Black Friday, but lining up and rushing the doors won't be part of this year's festivities.

Walmart is busily implementing safety precautions after last year, when a store employee was trampled to death in Valley Stream, N.Y. Walletpop has been providing some fun tips on how to handle Black Friday, but not getting killed is certainly top of that list. With bargain hunting at a fevered pitch, Black Friday safety is more important than ever.

Walmart hasn't yet identified which stores will be open for those Black Friday hours, but those normally open for 24 hours will not have any changes. The retailer announced it is developing a plan with safety experts in the sports and entertainment fields to develop better ways for shoppers to get into, and navigate the store, including around promotional displays.

Maybe this Black Friday will more closely resemble a shopping event than the running of the bulls.

Continue reading Walmart Black Friday: Discount giant to keep stores open 24-hours on Black Friday

Walmart Black Friday: Discount giant to keep stores open 24-hours on Black Friday originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Black FridayBlackFridayfeaturedopen 24 hoursOpen24Hoursshopping stampedesShoppingStampedesWalmartLaura HellerWed, 11 Nov 2009 18:00:00 ESTBlack Friday Now deals, making our listshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/11/black-friday-now-deals-making-our-lists/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/11/black-friday-now-deals-making-our-lists/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/11/black-friday-now-deals-making-our-lists/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sears and Kmart are taking holiday promotions to a whole new level, starting Black Friday Now with door buster quality deals each weekend through Christmas.

And, they are leaking each week's deals to Walletpop.

This Saturday, Nov. 14 from 7 a.m. to noon, Sears Black Friday Now items include:
  • $119.99 Kodak 12mp Digital Camera 3X zoom 3.0 (reg. price $149.99)
  • $99.99 Eviant 7-inch Handheld LCD HDTV (reg. price $129.99)
  • $499.99 Kenmore dishwaher 2/Turbo Zone (reg. price $612.99)
  • $129.99 Countertop Microwave (reg. price $199.99)
  • $29.99 4pc Embroidered/Jacquard Comforter Sets (reg. price $79.99)
  • 50% off on Craftsman 302-pc Mechanics Tool Set
  • $99.99 Craftsman 1/2HP Chain Drive GDO (reg. price $139.99)
  • $39.99 DieHard Battery Charger (reg. price $64.99)
  • $39.99 /49.99 Misses Wool coats (reg. price $99.99 /$150)
  • $9.99 Canyon river Blue and ToughSkins (reg. price $15.99-$17.99)
  • $49.99 Mens Covington suit Separates (reg. price $120-$150)
  • 60% off 30 3 pc cold weather access sets for her
  • various Up to 75% off entire stock of Gold Jewelry
  • $349.99 Kingsman 7.5 Pool Table (reg. price $499.99)

Continue reading Black Friday Now deals, making our lists

Black Friday Now deals, making our lists originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Black FridayBlack Friday dealsBlack Friday SalesBlack Friday shoppingBlackFridayBlackFridayDealsBlackFridaySalesBlackFridayShoppingLaura HellerWed, 11 Nov 2009 14:45:00 ESTDVD wars come to online retailershttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/07/dvd-wars-come-to-online-retailers/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/07/dvd-wars-come-to-online-retailers/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/07/dvd-wars-come-to-online-retailers/#commentsFiled under: ,

First books, now movies, the price wars between the biggest retailers just keep getting hotter. Walmart, Target and Amazon are all slashing pre-order pricing on some hot new releases like "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince."

Walmart said Thursday it would reduce prices for soon to be released DVDs to $10 at Walmart.com. Target and Amazon quickly followed, threw in free shipping and forced Walmart to drop its prices down to $9.98. Keep in mind, the deals are for online pre-orders of movies not yet released.

All this price cuttings seems like a great deal for consumers, but is it really? Highly competitive pricing can't be sustained for long, or extended to the entire category. Retailers simply can't sell things at a financial loss indefinitely. They do it to increase traffic, turn up the marketing machine, get a lot of press and sell other, more profitable items.

Continue reading DVD wars come to online retailers

DVD wars come to online retailers originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Amazon dvdsAmazonDvdsDVDsfeaturedonline dvd salesonline shoppingOnlineDvdSalesOnlineShoppingprice warsPriceWarstechnologyWalmartLaura HellerSat, 07 Nov 2009 10:00:00 ESTRecession tales: Housing bust has improved sense of communityhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/04/recession-tales-housing-bust-has-made-our-neighborhoods-better/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/04/recession-tales-housing-bust-has-made-our-neighborhoods-better/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/04/recession-tales-housing-bust-has-made-our-neighborhoods-better/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Once upon a time, two or three years ago, when the housing market was robust and homes sold in a matter of days, people seemed to move a lot.

Or ,even if they didn't move, they thought they might. Everything seemed so temporary. We had "starter homes" and people were "trading up." Homes were financial investments rather than investments in something far less tangible -- our community.

If there's one side effect of the recession that warms my heart, it's the fact that people are less mobile, less likely to move so much.

Homes aren't selling, employers aren't recruiting and paying relocation costs at the same high rates, and people are settling into their homes with the knowledge it's going to be awhile before moving becomes an option.

Continue reading Recession tales: Housing bust has improved sense of community

Recession tales: Housing bust has improved sense of community originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>communityrecessionLaura HellerWed, 04 Nov 2009 15:00:00 ESTToys R Us pop-up stores bring big dealshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/04/toys-r-us-pop-up-stores-bring-big-deals/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/04/toys-r-us-pop-up-stores-bring-big-deals/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/04/toys-r-us-pop-up-stores-bring-big-deals/#commentsFiled under: , ,

crayola crayons Toys R Us is popping up all over, with Holiday Express Shops now open in 2,500 Babies R Us stores. To celebrate, the retailer is already hosting holiday sales. There will be coupons, gifts with purchases and daily specials through Nov. 25, while supplies last.

Continue reading Toys R Us pop-up stores bring big deals

Toys R Us pop-up stores bring big deals originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>babies r usBabiesRUsCrayolacrayonsDisneyfisher pricefisher-priceFisherPriceholidayholiday shoppingHolidayShoppingkidskids clothingKidsClothingLittle TikesLittle Tikes Cozy CoupeLittleTikesLittleTikesCozyCoupepixarshoppingtoystoys r usToysRUsLaura HellerWed, 04 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST'Hot' products to avoid onlinehttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/03/hot-products-to-avoid-online/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/03/hot-products-to-avoid-online/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/03/hot-products-to-avoid-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Retail theft is on the rise, but not from hard pressed consumers looking to make ends meet. Rather, organized groups or gangs are hitting stores, stealing large quantities and reselling the goods, often online.

Anyone looking for a deal should be wary, a lot of those too good to be true prices, really are. Popular product categories like electronics are popular "hot" items, but health and beauty products and pharmaceutical items are increasingly being stolen and resold.

The National Retail Federation issued a helpful alert this week along with a detailed list of products, including many popular brand names.

Continue reading 'Hot' products to avoid online

'Hot' products to avoid online originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>retailstolenLaura HellerTue, 03 Nov 2009 15:30:00 ESTAmerica learning to love Walmarthttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/29/america-learning-to-love-walmart/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/29/america-learning-to-love-walmart/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/29/america-learning-to-love-walmart/#commentsFiled under:

Walmart has come a long way in terms of cleaning up its image, but hating the company is still something of a national pastime. At least, if you go by the comments Walletpop readers leave on most Walmart themed stories. But is our collective dislike for the Walmart empire still going strong?

Fortune's Hank Gilman gives thoughtful consideration to the issue this week. Gilman outlines the many practices that made Walmart "the most evil company on the planet" -- like hard to obtain health benefits, union busting activities, or main street decimating predatory practices.

"But that was then," Gilman writes. "Now the masses don't seem all that concerned about the biggest retailer in America stomping us all like the aliens did in Independence Day."

Continue reading America learning to love Walmart

America learning to love Walmart originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>shoppingTargetwalmartLaura HellerThu, 29 Oct 2009 17:00:00 ESTSears' Black Friday 2009 party starts on Friday with doorbusters and dealshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/29/sears-black-friday-2009-party-starts-on-friday-with-doorbusters/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/29/sears-black-friday-2009-party-starts-on-friday-with-doorbusters/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/29/sears-black-friday-2009-party-starts-on-friday-with-doorbusters/#commentsFiled under: , ,

sears xmasSears is greeting our collective obsession with deals with open arms. Rather than waiting until after Thanksgiving, Sears is offering doorbusters each week until Christmas. Starting this Friday, October 30.

According to the company, the sale starts this week on Friday at 5 p.m. and extends through Saturday at noon because of Halloween. Beginning the following week, "Black Friday Now" continues on Saturday mornings through Christmas. New doorbuster values start each Saturday at 7 a.m. and are valid through noon.

Here's a sample of what to expect this week:
  • 50 percent off (save $200) Craftsman(R) 302-piece mechanic's tool sets
  • $79.99 (reg. $259.99) 3/8 ct. tw. diamond stud earrings
  • $174.19 (reg. $259.99) 7 1/2 ft. Wakefield Christmas tree with 700 Never Out(TM) clear or multi lights
  • 50 percent off all DieHard workboots (reg. $75.00) and $19.99 (reg. $39.99) on all Covington low-shaft boots
  • $399.99 closeout (reg. $699.99) ProForma XP elliptical 16-in stride length
A sneak peak at the following week's deals reveals a 42" Zenith Plasma TV for only $499 (reg. $649.99). Can't make it to the store? Sears is offering pre-ordering starting October 29 at Sears.com.

Sears actual Black Friday sales list is also up perusal on Black Friday Info.

Continue reading Sears' Black Friday 2009 party starts on Friday with doorbusters and deals

Sears' Black Friday 2009 party starts on Friday with doorbusters and deals originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>black friday 2009black friday dealsblack friday salesBlackFriday2009BlackFridayDealsBlackFridaySalessdarssearssears black fridaySearsBlackFridayLaura HellerThu, 29 Oct 2009 09:45:00 ESTWalmart wants you to know it's the cheapesthttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/25/walmart-wants-you-to-know-its-the-cheapest/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/25/walmart-wants-you-to-know-its-the-cheapest/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/25/walmart-wants-you-to-know-its-the-cheapest/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"We will not be beaten on price," says Eduardo Castro-Wright, vice chairman of Wal-Mart Stores and head of the U.S. division. Castro-Wright was speaking to analysts yesterday, trying to reinforce Walmart's low cost message and describing how it plans to cut prices each week leading up to Christmas.

Does this mean you can expect incredible deals at Walmart this holiday season? Yes, and no.

"You can expect some fantastic bargains at Walmart, but you can expect fantastic bargains at all sorts of other retailers, as well," says one retail insider, who prefers not to be named. "Come on, who in the retail industry didn't expect Walmart to make a lot of noise about their pricing in advance of the holiday season? This is what they do, it's really all they know how to do."

So why did roughly 1,400 news outlets pick this story up? Because the statement was media bait.

Walmart's competitors are getting much better at matching or beating prices, as evidenced by the pricing study done this summer by retail consultants McMillan/Doolittle and reported exclusively by Walletpop. In that study we compared prices on a list of identical items. Target and Walmart were about equal in price, with Target actually $1.35 cheaper than Walmart, but close enough to call it a draw.

Analysts -- the people who issue buy, sell or hold ratings on retail stocks -- know that big retailers are achieving price parity and Walmart executives were speaking to analysts, trying to reinforce their dedication to low prices.

But they were also speaking directly to you, the consumer. Low prices are what distinguishes Walmart, and it doesn't want shoppers to forget it. Strategically cutting prices on gift and seasonal items leading up to the holidays isn't new. In the past, Walmart would talk about rolling back prices as the holiday got nearer. "But now, they want more credit for being the price leader," says our source. "And they're screaming it from the roof tops."

Walmart wants you to know it's the cheapest originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>economizerholiday shoppingHolidayShoppingretailsaving moneySavingMoneyshoppingWal-Mart StoresWal-martStoresWalmartLaura HellerSun, 25 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST