UNDATED (WKZO AM/FM) — The holiday shopping season is officially underway, even though for some, it never really stops.
– BLACK FRIDAY DEALS –
Those getting a headstart on their holiday shopping may want to check these stores first.
Wallethub is out with it’s list of the best stores for Black Friday based on their overall discount rate.
Some of the local stores making the top 10 are JC Penney, Kohl’s, Payless, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Macy’s.
But no matter the deal, Analytics and Business Professor at the University of Akron Vanja Djuric told the personal finance site that consumers should do their research first before getting too excited.
She says if a product is not good, don’t buy it, even if it’s cheap.
Jewelry was ranked the top discounted during Black Friday followed by apparel and video games.
– RECORD SHOPPING SEASON –
The National Retailers Association is projecting another record shopping season, with a 4.3 to 4.8-percent increase in sales over last year.
Meagan Holland with the Michigan Retailers Association says 58-percent of their members are optimistic that shoppers will be spending more.
Americans are expected to spend about a thousand dollars each on average, or a total of $720 billion dollars.
– PATROLLING FOR RETAIL FRAUD –
As more shoppers flock to the malls and big retailers, so do the thieves.
Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller says businesses need to think twice about how they’re selling.
He says they like to put big ticket items near the front of the entrance to entice the consumer, but instead it tempts theives to steal.
That’s why they’re making sure store workers and security guards are on the lookout during the busy shopping day that some officers call, “Retail Fraud Day.”
They also ask shoppers to report any suspicious activity as soon as they see it.
