Tag: Black Friday and Cyber Monday (Shopping)

Prices for Some Goods Are Actually Falling This Holiday Season

American shoppers, burned by more than two years of rapid inflation, are getting some welcome relief this holiday season: Prices on many products are falling. Toys are almost 3 percent cheaper this Christmas than last, government data shows. Sports equipment is down nearly 2 percent. Bigger-ticket items are also showing price declines: Washing machines cost […]

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Shoppers, Facing Holiday Spending, Turn to Loyalty Programs

Chrissy West is taking a new approach to her Christmas shopping this year. When buying gifts for her family, she plans to finance them by cashing in her Ulta loyalty points. A makeup aficionado who enjoys buying lip gloss and blush, Ms. West has racked up hundreds of loyalty points at Ulta, the beauty retailer. […]

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Is the Holiday Shopping Season Going to Be a Success? The Answer Is Murky.

Eager for bargains, American consumers filled their shopping carts last weekend with holiday gifts. But it isn’t yet clear if that means this will be a successful season for retailers. Early readings of spending over the Thanksgiving weekend suggest that consumers spent more than they did last year — but that’s only because prices are […]

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There’s a Lot Riding on Black Friday and Cyber Monday

The consumer is back — but for how long? Black Friday and today’s Cyber Monday shopping bonanzas hold outsize political significance this year with the retailing events emerging as key recession and inflation indicators. So far, so good. Bargain hunters turned out in force for Black Friday sales, and Cyber Monday is forecast to be […]

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How Workers for Amazon, Target and More Make Your Shopping Possible

The holidays are a hectic time of year for everyone. But for those working in the retail and logistics industries, it’s the busiest time. From selecting the carols that play in the store to deciding the most eye-catching places to display toys to getting those Amazon packages to your doorstep on time, there are thousands […]

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Black Friday Isn’t What It Used to Be

Black Friday was once a hallmark celebration of American consumerism. Lately, it has lost some of its thunder. It’s true that shoppers looking for big discounts can still line up early at Macy’s or Best Buy on the day after Thanksgiving, in hopes of snagging a bargain. But for many, the bargain has already been […]

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As Holiday Shopping Season Begins, Retailers Worry

Christina Beck is approaching this holiday season cautiously. Ms. Beck, a 58-year-old administrative director at a school, makes lists of gifts she plans to buy for her family and friends and sticks with it. But her spending this year will be kept in check by the high cost of food in grocery stores and restaurants, […]

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Navigating the Black Friday Travels Sales and Deals

As inflation continues to sting, more travelers are expected to hunt for bargains this year, and the industry is responding by offering deals across the travel landscape, from hotels to cruises and tours. “Despite inflation and higher prices, we continue to see a strong preference for experiences with travel,” said Brett Keller, the chief executive […]

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Navigating the Black Friday Travels Sales and Deals

As inflation continues to sting, more travelers are expected to hunt for bargains this year, and the industry is responding by offering deals across the travel landscape, from hotels to cruises and tours. “Despite inflation and higher prices, we continue to see a strong preference for experiences with travel,” said Brett Keller, the chief executive […]

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How the N.F.L. Used Supercomputers to Solve Its TV Schedule Problems

The announcement of the N.F.L.’s opening matchup is meant to be a curtain raiser for the regular season. But when this year’s season opener was announced in May, the participants were the ones who raised their eyebrows. As is the norm, the first game will feature the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. […]

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