The Dirty Secret of Black Friday 'Discounts'

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Just in case anyone here is thinking of camping out in front of the Walmart (which I doubt). Hat tip: SFist.com

12 Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Wake Up At 5 A.M. To Shop On Black Friday
http://sfist.com/2013/11/26/12_questions_to_ask_yourself_before.php

The Dirty Secret of Black Friday 'Discounts'
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304281004579217863262940166

How Retailers Concoct 'Bargains' for the Holidays and Beyond
By Suzanne Kapner
Updated Nov. 25, 2013 7:19 p.m. ET

When shoppers head out in search of Black Friday bargains this week, they won't just be going to the mall, they'll be witnessing retail theater.

Stores will be pulling out the stops on deep discounts aimed at drawing customers into stores. But retail-industry veterans acknowledge that, in many cases, those bargains will be a carefully engineered illusion.

The common assumption is that retailers stock up on goods and then mark down the ones that don't sell, taking a hit to their profits. But that isn't typically how it plays out. Instead, big retailers work backward with their suppliers to set starting prices that, after all the markdowns, will yield the profit margins they want.

The red cardigan sweater with the ruffled neck on sale for more than 40% off at $39.99 was never meant to sell at its $68 starting price. It was designed with the discount built in.
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Write to Suzanne Kapner at [e-mail]

[Le Taz Hot]

1. At one time you could actually get some pretty good bargains.

I remember Penny's, one year, had Levis on sale for $15.00 each for two hours only on Black Friday. However, I've noticed the last few years the discounts weren't really discounts at all but what the store would normally charge.

[maced666]

2. Buyer beware

Some off-brand TV's have caught my eye as actual deals but even those identified can be had online. Deals do exist, and in the past you could get me up early on Friday for this or that item.
But going out on Thanksgiving DAY - leaving shortly after noon to go get in line? You can have it, I'm staying home, watching football and spending the day with extended family.
No deal is worth such precious time.

[hlthe2b]

3. I intend to use the occasion to do things that will not be crowded...

Dog park, grocery store, maybe get my tires rotated....

Let the crowds rumble over ridiculously minimal or manufactured savings... I'll enjoy the peace.