Why wait until November to start your holiday shopping when there are plenty of advantages to getting it done in October? In fact, 48 percent of shoppers plan to kick off their holiday spending by Halloween, according to a recent Bankrate survey. This trend is gaining popularity, and retailers are taking note. Black Friday may have been the traditional start to the holiday shopping season, but in reality, the shopping rush has been creeping up earlier every year. The pandemic accelerated this shift, with major retailers like Amazon launching sales as early as October, well before Black Friday rolls around.
Amazon’s Prime Big Deals Day, starting October 8, offers early-bird shoppers a chance to snag discounts on everything from electronics and beauty products to home goods and kitchen gadgets. It’s not just Amazon jumping on the early shopping bandwagon—big players like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy are all rolling out major sales events this month. Target’s Circle Week sale kicks off on October 6, Walmart’s Holiday Deals event runs October 8-13, and Best Buy is hosting a 48-hour flash sale October 8-9. These October deals provide a great opportunity to save big and get ahead of the holiday shopping madness.
In addition to these scheduled sales, October is also a prime time to shop for seasonal items that are discounted before the holidays. Fall clothing, denim, smart thermostats, Halloween costumes, and outdoor entertainment essentials like grills are all popular items that go on sale around this time. Not only do these items make great gifts, but you can also grab them at a discount before prices rise closer to the holiday season. With inflation still weighing on many shoppers’ minds, getting these deals early is an appealing strategy for those looking to save a few extra bucks.
Holiday shopping stress is real, and the financial strain is hitting hard for many Americans. Bankrate’s survey reveals that nearly 30 percent of shoppers are worried about affording gifts this season, and some even expect to go into debt to cover the costs. Between gift-giving, holiday parties, charitable donations, and other festivities, the end-of-year expenses can add up quickly. Getting a head start on your shopping allows you to budget more effectively and spread out the financial burden, so you’re not hit with a massive bill all at once in December.
For those worried about missing out on Black Friday deals, many retailers offer price-matching policies that let you get the best price, even if you buy early. If an item you purchased in mid-October goes on sale at a lower price later in the season, most retailers will refund the difference or provide store credit as long as you provide the receipt. This way, you can start shopping early without the fear of missing out on bigger savings later. Plus, starting early gives you time to pick thoughtful gifts without the rush, helping you avoid the frantic last-minute dash and crowded stores in November and December. You’ll have a much more peaceful shopping experience when you get ahead of the game.
