Bucks County's Black Friday guide: Hours, deals, tips and more for your holiday shopping needs
America's favorite shopping day is almost here. With inflation on the rise and supply chain issues still looming, what will Black Friday look like this year?
Many major retailers such as Target, Walmart and Amazon began rolling out their Black Friday deals as early as mid-October. These include savings on electronics such as computer monitors, headphones and TVs as well as toys and games that may be hard to come by as the gift-giving season approaches.
As sales are being extended, many deals will most likely begin the Sunday leading up to Thanksgiving and last all week.
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Hours of operation for stores in Bucks County, Montco
Here are the Black Friday hours for some of the major shopping centers across the Delaware Valley. All of the following locations are closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Oxford Valley Mall: 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Neshaminy Mall: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Philadelphia Mills: 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Quakerbridge Mall: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Willow Grove Mall: 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.
King of Prussia Mall: 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Looking to shop small? The many main streets of Bucks County and Peddler's Village in Lahaska will host special hours and events from Friday through the weekend. The local vendors and businesses are the perfect place to get your holiday shopping done while supporting small shops. Peddler's Village is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Black Friday.
Will the savings be worth it?
Last year, we reported that the strategy of Black Friday used by both retailers and consumers may have permanently changed since the rise of online shopping and COVID-19's ever-present alteration of our daily interactions. The hours at many of the major retailers have been limited to "normal" hours and many of the best deals can be found online without leaving your living room.
While this year may be the closest we have gotten to a pre-pandemic Black Friday, there is still a presence looming over the day: inflation.
The latest October consumer price index reports concluded that the prices for goods have increased by 7.7% since October 2021, a slight decrease from the previous month, but still high enough to concern shoppers. If anything, this year's Black Friday events will be a litmus test for just how much consumer behavior has been influenced by the historic global inflation we have experienced.
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Here are some tips and tricks going into next week
First, make a list and stick to it. Get a head-start by doing research as early as possible by checking ads and comparing them with typical prices. Supply chain dynamics are constantly changing, so to ensure your purchases are shipped in time for the holidays it's important to start soon.
Stores such as Walmart, Gap, Kohl's and Target have formally stated that they are sitting on too much inventory from seasons past due to supply chain issues. This could be good news for holiday shoppers, as some products may be further discounted to clear out retailers' inventory.
Many retailers are taking advantage of the holiday season to reward loyal customers. Check on any store credit cards or membership plans at your favorite brands to see if there are any rewards or savings that can be used.
Keep your receipts and review any return and exchange policies for any items on your list. Target is offering a price match guarantee for any item purchased before Dec. 24. If you see a product you already purchased go down in price, there's a chance of getting some money back.
Each day of the holiday weekend is tied to a specific product or category that may experience the best deals. Thanksgiving Day is the best day to buy electronics. Black Friday is the best day for televisions. Saturday will have the biggest discounts on toys. Sunday will see the best deals for sporting goods. Cyber Monday is best for furniture shoppers.
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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County's best Black Friday deals and money-saving tips