Money expert Clark Howard says if you do that, you'll be late!
Shopping for Deals? Now Is the Time
Clark says retailers are moving the cycle of the holiday shopping season earlier and earlier.
“I told you that it was going to be a year in which Christmas deals would start much earlier,” Clark says. “And now I can give you a real clear view of how early: October is the new November!”
Amazon, Target and Walmart all have announced sales in October. Let's go over the deals from the three retailers.
Amazon
Amazon recently announced its Prime Early Access Sale, which gives loyalty program members a head start on holiday deals.
Amazon's big sale will run October 11-12, 2022. To take advantage of deals such as 80% off on select Fire TV smart TVs, you'll need to be a Prime member. For more details and to see a few items already discounted, check out amazon.com/earlyaccess.
Target
Amazon isn't the only retailer kicking off the holiday shopping season much earlier this year. Target has announced that its Deal Days will be October 6-8, 2022.
Target says its Deal Days will have the store's Holiday Price Match Guarantee, which means any purchase made between October 6 and December 24 will qualify for a price adjustment if the store drops its price on the item. Learn more.
Walmart
Walmart is planning a "Rollbacks and More" Savings Event for October 10-13, 2022. A Walmart representative told Team Clark that we'll see sales "across electronics, home, toys, fashion and more."
In addition to the savings event, Walmart.com recently launched its Flash Picks section, which features limited-time deals you'll find only on the web.
Browsing the section, I was able to find a portable generator regularly listed for $1,300 on sale for $1,099. I also discovered a stir-fry pan with a regular price of $34.97 going for $12.88.
Walmart says that effective October 1, it has expanded its returns policy for the holiday shopping season. Clark calls it "the most liberal return policy Walmart has ever had." Here are the details:
- Extended return period: Eligible purchases, including electronics and Marketplace items, made on or after October 1 can be returned through January 31, 2023.
- Curbside returns: The retailer says you won't have to go into the store to drop off returns.
- Home pickups for returns: Walmart+ members will be able to use the app to have items picked up and returned (not available through all Walmart locations).
Final Thoughts
Clark wants you to be smart about finding deals: Make sure that you comparison shop to get the lowest price!
Read our guide on how to get the best deal possible online. And follow Clark Deals to see the very best deals from these sales.
The post Why October Is the Best Month To Shop at Walmart and Amazon appeared first on Clark Howard.