Pre-Holiday Deals in Stores and Online
NEIRAD enilno edition
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A s I opened up my The New York Times Sunday Styles Section this morning a full page Barney’s advertisement jumped out at me stating in huge, bold font “50 PERCENT OFF SALE,” before the holidays I asked myself? How unusual! However due to the economic downfall this year many high end stores are reducing prices immensely. Store are slashing prices in anticipation of a recent economic indicator report that said holiday sales are expected to go down 20% from last year. They also predict it will be the weakest season in six years.
Last Thursday, November 20th the New York Post had two pages of Manhattan stores with preholiday sales around the island. Sales are not only evident in stores but also online; Saks Fifth Avenues’ Web site has a designer sale with many fall and winter items up to 40 percent off. Bergdorf Goodman’s Web site, which usually emphasizes on avant-garde clothes, shoes, and accessories now highlight on 50 percent off savings throughout the site.
Not only will upscale stores be slashing prices but also stores such as Kmart, Wal-Mart, and Target are highlighting store sales.
Many are probably thinking that with stores online and around the country lowering prices sales will help increase store profits, although according to the Courier Post Online, “The National Retail Federation forecasts sales will rise a cheerless 2.2 percent. America's Research Group, which has correctly predicted holiday sales in 16 of the past 17 seasons, expects a 1 percent decline.” According to CNBC 2008’s fall in holiday sales are the first to decrease in 23 years.
But how will pre holiday sales be affecting Darien High School students? Senior Katie Marren states, “I’m going to keep my spending to a minimum because I’m trying to save money.” Senior Jake Seymour remarks, “This holiday season’s sales won’t affect me because I like to get small, thoughtful gifts for my family and friends. I’ll probably end up getting my sister a sweet hat from the thrift shop.” Marren also comments, “I think people this holiday season (family and friends) are going to be a little more conservative, but I don’t think its going to be a huge difference as opposed to last year.”
Despite the economic downfall and stores sales, the holiday season is all about giving, so I suggest readers to take advantage of the holiday sales many stores have to offer.
