The holiday season approaches, bringing the annual dilemma of when to buy gifts. Whether you’re an early bird shopper, a Black Friday enthusiast or a last-minute purchaser, understanding holiday shopping trends can ease your stress. NBC News is tracking online prices of five popular holiday gifts across major retail platforms to provide insights for shoppers.
Experts from Consumer Reports, Wirecutter and Wired have identified five items expected to be bestsellers this season:
Apple AirPods Pro 2 for electronics
Magna-Tiles for toys
Ninja 12-cup programmable coffee brewer for kitchen appliances
Reebok Club C sneakers for apparel and footwear
TCL 65-inch TV for televisions
These items are being monitored weekly on major retail websites, including Amazon, Target and Walmart, from Amazon’s Prime Day in July through the holiday shopping period. This tracking will show when each item hits its lowest price, aiding shoppers in decision-making.
Even if these specific items aren’t on your list, watching their prices can be helpful. NBC News found that many retailers align their promotions with Amazon’s sales calendar. If the price of a tracked product drops, it could signal similar discounts across related categories.
Shoppers can find deals on the highlighted products at various retailers. AirPods Pro 2 are available at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Apple. Magna-Tiles can be found at Amazon, Walmart and the Magna-Tiles website. The Ninja Coffee Brewer is sold at Amazon, Target and Home Depot. Reebok Club C’s are offered by Amazon, Walmart, DSW, Zappos and Reebok. The TCL TV is available at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Macy’s and TCL. Keepa, a price tracking tool, can be used for all these products.
This year’s holiday shoppers face a unique economic landscape. While inflation has slowed to a more normal rate, many consumers are still adjusting to higher price levels. A PwC survey found that 59% of consumers say inflation will influence their holiday shopping decisions.
Despite these concerns, consumer sentiment has improved, reaching a five-month high in September. Overall spending is projected to increase by 7%, with the average shopper expected to spend around $1,638 this holiday season. Adobe Analytics predicts total holiday spending will exceed $240 billion, an 8.4% increase from last year, driven largely by electronics, apparel, furniture and home goods.
Adobe forecasts that the best discounts will be available during Cyber Week, from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday. However, optimal buying times vary by product category. Thanksgiving Day is ideal for toys, appliances, furniture and sporting goods. Black Friday is expected to offer the lowest prices on televisions. Cyber Monday should bring significant discounts on general electronics and apparel. The best deals for computers are predicted for Saturday, Nov. 30.
Discounts are expected to start around 18% in November, peaking at up to 30% during the Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday period before softening throughout December, though remaining favorable for consumers.
Major retailers like Target, Walmart and Best Buy have already launched their early holiday sales in the first week of October. Amazon is hosting a second Prime Day on October 8 and 9, expected to offer some of the year’s lowest prices on popular items. NBC News’ price tracking data shows that the previous Prime Day in July provided the best prices for Bluetooth headphones, kitchen appliances, TVs and shoes.
With robust early discounts expected this year, consumers are likely to respond more positively than in previous years, given the heightened price sensitivity in the market.
Being informed about optimal shopping times and products to watch can significantly enhance your holiday shopping experience. By leveraging price tracking and understanding retail trends, you can maximize your holiday budget and find the best deals on your gift list.
