Ready, set, shop: ‘Black Friday’ just the start of numerous special shopping days
With the arrival of Black Friday, retailers are offering big discounts on holiday gift ideas.
An estimated 137.4 million people, or 59 percent, were planning to or considering shopping on Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday or Sunday, according to the National Retail Federation. These estimates are up from the 135.8 million – 58.7 percent – who did last year.
“Black Friday remains one of the busiest shopping days of the year, with Americans planning to take advantage of aggressive in-store and digital promotions over the entire holiday weekend,” Matthew Shay, the president of the National Retail Federation, said via a prepared statement released last week.
“Retailers know consumers are spreading out their holiday budgets to shop throughout the season,” he continued. “While there’s no doubt of the incredible promotions offered during the weekend, the holiday shopping season is long and consumers will look for and expect great deals down to the very last minute.”
According to the National Retail Federation, 21 percent of weekend shoppers planned to shop on Thanksgiving Day, nearly the same as last year’s 22 percent. Black Friday, however, is anticipated to remain the busiest day of the weekend with 74 percent planning to shop today – same as in 2015.
Forty-seven percent are expected to shop on Saturday, with 24 percent doing so specifically to support Small Business Saturday – up from the 22 percent last year. On Sunday, 24 percent expect to shop.
Locally, the Belk on Surfside Boulevard has big discounts for early shoppers.
“Our doorbusters are going to last through Saturday,” store manager Daphne Folsom said.
Having opened at 6 a.m. Friday, the first 150 customers received gift cards.
“There will be a $1,000 winner,” she said.
Some of the deals are a five-piece luggage set for $39.99, comforter sets in all sizes for $29.99 and children’s toys from $9.99 to $39.99, as well as Ralph Lauren and Biltmore towels for under $10.
Folsom noted that there is a $10 coupon for $50 spent on cosmetics and fragrances.
“Our Christmas decor will be 60 (percent) to 75 percent off,” she said.
Fila and L.A. Gear tennis shoes are on sale for $24.99, while Rampage boots are $19.99.
“We have short boots by Sugar that are $29.99,” Folsom said.
“We have various deals throughout the apparel department,” she added.
Asked about the top sellers, Folsom pointed to boots.
“Boots are always a big deal,” she said.
“And we have new little giftables in cosmetics that I think will be a big hit,” Folsom added.
As for Small Business Saturday, the South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Associations have planned the 2nd Annual South Cape Sidewalk Sale from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the South Cape. SCHEA Executive Director Donna Meola pointed out that 25 local businesses will be taking part this year.
“Each location is putting tables outside with balloons to make it a true sidewalk sale,” she said.
“We’re hoping to turn the South Cape into Small Business Saturday,” Meola added.
The participating businesses range from jewelers and art galleries, to consignment and home furnishing stores. There is a computer store, along with automobile tinting and stereos, and candles and crystals.
“Last year, there was only nine participating locations,” she said.
Meola explained that SCHEA did more outreach this year in preparation.
“We most definitely are expecting a larger turnout,” she said of the anticipated crowd. “It’s more opportunities for them to do their Christmas shopping, while keeping it in the Cape.”
Shoppers can also win one of 20-plus prizes by picking up a passport at the Dixie Roadhouse and having 12 businesses mark it. Completed passports are turned in for entry into the giveaways.
“Every location has given a gift certificate or gift basket,” Meola said.
Fun the whole family, Santa will be set up in front of the Dixie.
“We have hired a photographer to take pictures of the children with Santa,” she said.
Meola noted that the holiday photos are free.
In addition, the SWFL Small Business Saturday Expo will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Lee County Civic Center, at 11831 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers. Shop 80-plus small businesses and craft vendors in a family-friendly atmosphere, with live entertainment. No entry fee.
For more information, visit: www.smallbusinesssaturdaymarket.com/.
Shoppers can also visit: www.southcapeentertainment.com/ or www.belk.com.
For more information on the National Retail Federation, visit: nrf.com/.
Belk is at 2342 Surfside Blvd.