One the eve, of the eve of Black Friday, marketing analysts say things are looking good for the Christmas consumer.
"In a word (or 2), fantastic bargains," Carlson School of Management Marketing Chair George John said.
"We're leaving about 6 a.m. and we'll go until we run out of money or we drop," Cece Ducote of Rosemount said. She was at the Mall of America the day before Thanksgiving scoping things out.
"We'll have to look at the paper on Thursday and then we'll set our game plan," Ducote said.
To prepare for Black Friday, John suggests you check the store's websites. Stores like Best Buy are advertising their blockbusters online, even before the Thursday newspapers are delivered.
Tech savvy shoppers are also turning to internet sites like www.retailmenot.com for coupons. Other popular sites, like www.dealio.com offer price comparisons and money saving promo codes.
If you don't join the rush of holiday shoppers this Friday, John says, don't worry. "My guess is a lot of people are going to look on Friday and hold back. Look at the sales and then wait for a week, week-and-a-half, you'll see even better sales," John predicted.
(Copyright 2008 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)
