Putting the carts before remorse
BRANDON —
Shoppers showed you never can put out the Black Friday door-busters too early, crowding in for cheap Xbox games and $199 big-screen TVs as retailers opened their doors as early as 9 p.m. Thursday.
Next year, the really ambitious may be eating their Thanksgiving dinners at the stores.
The first real glimpse of sales figures for the top shopping day of the year may come Sunday in a survey from the National Retail Federation.
Meanwhile, veteran store managers said they were impressed with the early traffic at traditional Black Friday powerhouses such as best buy and JCPenney.
Their Brandon stores opened earlier than ever, with best buy cracking its doors at midnight and JCPenney going with a soft opening at 3 a.m.
Katie Schifferli of Sarasota showed up at the Brandon best buy at 11:30 p.m. Thursday for the midnight opening, woefully late. She saw a line stretching out the building, so she made a beeline for a breakfast spot instead.
“I think the lines for the 12 o’clock opening were much worse, because I think people are more willing to stay up,” Schifferli said.
Her husband is eyeing a new TV and they’ll get a laptop, as well.
Big sellers at best buy included a 42-inch Sharp LCD TV for $199, a $39.99 Toshiba Blu-ray disc player and a 55-inch Samsung LED TV for $999.99, store manager John Downey said.
At least 50 people crammed the Apple store at Westfield Brandon around 10 a.m. Friday, grabbing discounts in a store not known for sales.
The biggest price breaks were on big-ticket iMac and MacBook computers. the iMac starts at $1,098 and was offered at a $101 discount Friday.
The sale was a rare find for Mike and Kathy Hayes of Lithia, who found themselves “sucked into” Apple. They picked up a cover for their iPod for $30.
“We probably wouldn’t have gotten this if it hadn’t been on sale,” Mike Hayes said.
Retailers hope shoppers will spend more this year despite Florida’s continuing unemployment problems and growing fears about Europe’s debt crisis. the National Retail Federation expects holiday sales to rise 2.8 percent compared with last year.
That’s far behind last year’s 5.2 percent increase, but still a little better than average.
In Hillsborough County, sales tax collections have risen every month this year compared with last year, according to Florida Department of Revenue data. People seem more willing to spend this year.
Several shoppers said the crowds seemed lighter than usual by mid-morning Friday, maybe because so many midnight shoppers had gone home. That could make future Black Fridays less of a hassle for people who don’t like all the crowds.
In Wesley Chapel, the Shops at Wiregrass was fairly quiet Friday morning, with sparse crowds and uncluttered sidewalks — a major change from the mall’s first Christmas season in 2009.
Where were all the people?
“Walmart,” said Debra Virgilio, who came from Brooksville with her daughter and granddaughters to shop at Build-A-Bear Workshop and Victoria’s Secret.
Virgilio said she didn’t miss the crowds.
“It makes it easy to get around,” she said.
A few miles north, parking was tight at the Grove in Wesley Chapel, home to big-box stores including Toys R Us, best buy and Michaels.
Outside best buy, a trash can overflowed with empty water bottles and half-eaten food, testament to the campers who lined up well in advance to get Black Friday deals.
Inside, the aisles were full but the crowd was civilized.
Mall and superstore workers must get used to ever-earlier hours. JCPenney was going to open at 4 a.m. Friday, but wound up opening at 3 to accommodate a line of customers, store manager Connie Lant said.
Toys R Us set the early standard this year by opening at 9 p.m. Thursday, while Walmart debuted door-buster sales at 10 p.m.
National superstores get the most attention, but some small shops have begun getting into the Black Friday act too.
At tiny Read More Comics in Brandon, people lined up Friday for a 5 a.m. opening. the store knocked 50 percent off the price of comics and 35 percent off comic hero statues until 8 a.m.
Read More Comics started opening early on Black Friday three years ago and customers now mark it on their calendar.
Said store employee Shawn Scott, “We’re at about seven times what we do on a normal Friday.”
Putting the carts before remorse
Related Websites
Categories: News and Events Tags: beeline, big screen tvs, Black Friday, new tv, powerhouses, sarasota
Five great Cyber Monday deals
Happy Cyber Monday! I’ve always preferred this “holiday” to Black Friday, as it allows me to shop in my preferred garb: bathrobe and slippers. (Tried that on a Black Friday once; I am no longer welcome in the mall.)
Indeed, this is arguably this biggest shopping day of the year for the ol’ Cheapskate, as all the deals are, by definition, online. I’ll be discussing some of my favorites live today on CNET’s Holiday Help Desk, which airs at 3 p.m. ET, noon PT.
In the meantime, here are some assorted Cyber Monday goodies to tide you over:
1. Today only, and while supplies last, Newegg has the Samsung E2420L 24-inch LCD monitor for $129.99 shipped when you apply coupon code CMBFET3. Okay, technically it’s a 23.6-inch monitor, one that offers full 1080p resolution and VGA/DVI inputs.
2. also at Newegg, you can score a Haier L42C1180 42-inch HDTV for $299 shipped. That’s not quite the $199 Sharp 42-incher that best Buy had on Black Friday, but at least you don’t have to sacrifice a night’s sleep and risk bodily harm. And any way you slice it, $299 is a killer deal on a 42-inch TV.
3. also also at Newegg (didn’t really intend to make this an all-Newegg post), grab the G.Skill 8GB laptop RAM kit for $24.99 shipped. That’s an insanely cheap way to give your laptop a performance boost, especially if it has only 2-4GB of RAM at present. (Do note, however, that if you’re running a 32-bit version of Windows, the extra RAM is wasted. You need a 64-bit OS to take advantage of more than 4GB.)
4. this isn’t the best Flip Video deal I’ve seen, but it’s right up there–and a great stocking-stuffer. PC Connection has the Flip Video UltraHD 4GB pocket camcorder for $44.99, plus around $6 for shipping. this model shoots 720p video and includes an HDMI output for connecting to your TV. It’s new, not refurbished.
5. Today only, and while supplies last, Sellout.woot has the refurbished TomTom XXL 550 5-inch GPS for $54.99, plus $5 for shipping. That’s the lowest price I’ve ever seen–by a lot–for a 5-inch GPS. And it even has a six-month warranty, twice what you usually get on a refurb. You also get TomTom’s Latest Map Guarantee, meaning you get to download one map update free of charge.
Have you found any killer Cyber Monday deals? If so, let’s hear about ‘em in the comments!
Related Websites
Categories: News and Events Tags: airs, Black Friday, bodily harm, noon pt, tv 3
When a kid I wanted a Schwinn for Christmas. Today’s kids want an iPad. Imagine next gen’s wishes. – mcculley design lab
As Black Friday and the holiday season approaches, Apple appears to be the consumer electronics brand to beat. a recent Nielsen survey shows kids’ holiday gaming and electronics appetites are whet by a number of top-selling Apple devices – with the iPad leading the pack.
Consistent with U.S. kids’ 2010 wish lists, the Apple iPad is the most desired consumer electronic among kids ages 6-12 for holiday 2011. in fact, the iPad increases its stronghold, with nearly half (44%) of kids expressing interest in the product, up from 31 percent in 2010. Two other popular Apple devices – iPod Touch (30%) and iPhone (27%) – round out kids’ top three, with computers and other tablet brands each appealing to a quarter of younger consumers.
Many kids will also ask for gaming devices this year, with two products that offer unique gaming technologies – Nintendo 3DS (25%) and Kinect for Xbox 360 (23%) – leading the way. Given the 3DS’ spring 2011 release date and the surge in Kinect interest versus last year (up from 14%), parents can expect both devices to be frequently requested this holiday season. Beyond these, older Nintendo DS models continue to resonate with young gamers (22%), while the PlayStation 3 (17%) and Xbox 360 (16%) edge out the Nintendo Wii (11%) as the most desired gaming consoles.
Among consumers ages 13 and older, appeal for the iPad (24%) has also broadened relative to last year (18%), and exceeds that of computers (18%), 2010’s top item. further, it appears the iPad has successfully paved the way for other tablet offerings, as a notable 17 percent of adults/teens also express interest in non-Apple tablets.
Related Websites
Categories: Technology Tags: apple ipad, Black Friday, holiday gaming, holiday season, nielsen survey, xbox 360
Nexus S Questions Answered by Best Buy
As the Nexus S is quite soon going to be available at best Buy, and more than just a couple people are interested in it, the store decided to field a few questions about the device. some of the details you might already know, but a few are oddities and result in facts the rest of the world’s been unaware of up till now. Prices, financing, contracts, display models, accessories, and more!
Some of the facts that result of this Q and a are thus: the release date of Nexus S is indeed Thursday, December 16, 2010. It can be purchased at large best Buy stores, best Buy Mobile stand-along stores (in malls, etc,) through Bestbuy.com, and over the phone at 855-813-2021. NOTE though that there is no overseas shipping at this time. The phone will be available as an unlocked phone with no contract and no activation or locked with a 2-year T-Mobile contract. there are no pre-orders, and will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis via a ticketing system similar to what best Buy used on Black Friday.
Although some stores might still be in the process of getting prepared for the launch (aka you’ll call them up and they’ll have no idea what they’re doing,) Nexus S will indeed be available at ALL best Buy locations. there IS a limit to the amount of phones a single person can buy: 2, and that goes for activated units and units purchased outright. at the moment, best Buy cannot comment on their inventory numbers, so good luck.
Check out the rest of the questions in the official Q&a list from best Buy below:
The Google Nexus S smartphone, manufactured by Samsung, is one of the hottest mobile devices of the holiday season. questions have been pouring in ever since the Nexus S was officially announced, so we’ve collected and categorized some of the most frequent customer concerns for easy reference.
THE BASICSWhen will the Google Nexus S be available to purchase? The Nexus S will be available Thursday, December 16, 2010
Where can I buy the Nexus S? The Google Nexus S can be purchased at best Buy stores, best Buy Mobile stand-alone stores, Bestbuy.com and through our dedicated call center (866-813-2021).
What carrier(s) are available for the Google Nexus S? The Nexus S is available with T-Mobile service or as an unlocked phone with no contract and no activation.
What features and specs does the Nexus S come with? Visit Google’s Nexus S page for a full list of specs and features.
Are there two different versions of the Nexus S, locked and unlocked?No, there is only one Nexus S. It is available locked with a 2-year T-Mobile contract or unlocked with no contract.
Where can I get more information? Check back here frequently as we update with more information. You can also like best Buy Mobile on Facebook and follow best Buy Mobile on Twitter.
BUYING THE NEXUS SWill best Buy be taking pre-orders for the Nexus S? There will be no pre-orders on the Nexus S. Units will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis on launch day. we will use a ticketing system much like we do on Black Friday to allocate inventory and keep the process organized.
Will my local best Buy be carrying the Nexus S? I talked to the staff there and they didn’t know. Sorry for the confusion. we are still in the process of getting all of our stores prepared for launch. The Nexus S will be available on launch date in both locked and unlocked versions at all best Buy stores, best Buy Mobile stand-alone locations and online.
Will best Buy Mobile stores that don’t usually sell T-Mobile carry the Nexus S, since it’s an unlocked device? Yes. there will be inventory in all stores, as well as available for purchase online as a T-Mobile device and shipped to home.
Can I buy the Nexus S at a T-Mobile store? No, T-Mobile stores will not be carrying the Nexus S at launch. best Buy stores, best Buy Mobile stand-alone stores and bestbuy.com and are currently the only points of distribution.
Will your stores have displays for the Nexus S so I can get a feel for the size, screen and other features? Yes. every best Buy and best Buy Mobile location will have either a mock or live unit for display purposes.
Will there be a limit on numbers of phones per order/customer? Two per customer is the limit. Same rules apply to activated units and units purchased outright.
If I recently purchased another phone at best Buy and want to exchange it for the Google Nexus S, can I? Yes, but only within our standard return and exchange period of 30 days. we regret that we cannot make exceptions to this policy, even if the Nexus S is not available within the 30 day limit.
What will Nexus S stock levels be like? We cannot comment on inventory at this time.
Are there any accessories available for Nexus S on launch? Yes. we will have a host of accessories available on launch.
Is no-interest financing available for the no-contract Nexus S?Yes. we have 18 month financing available for anything purchased in store over $429.
PLANS, CONTRACTS AND NETWORKSDo the same prices apply to new purchases and upgraded contracts? Yes. The Nexus S can be purchased for $199.99 with a 2-year new or upgrade activation or $529.99 as an unlocked phone with no contract and no activation.
If I purchase a full-price $529 Nexus S, will I be locked in to a 2-year contract? No. Outright device purchases won’t require a contract.
Will the Nexus S work on networks outside of the United States? The Nexus S is compatible with Global Networks GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900. Please note that all best Buy purchases are intended for use in the United States only.
Will an unlocked Nexus S work with carriers other than T-Mobile?Yes, but it won’t run on 3G with all carriers. Speed and power will be reduced on non-3G networks.
If I’m unable to upgrade and renew my account, can I still add a new line to my plan and get the Nexus S? Yes, however, you will need to change your account over to a family plan if you are currently on an individual line. Note: pricing for various activation types is not confirmed yet.
Can current T-Mobile customers purchase the Nexus S locked for T-Mobile for the $199 price? Yes, with a qualifying upgrade activation. Customers must be upgrade eligible in order to qualify.
Would I be able to upgrade to the Nexus S even if I have a family plan on T-Mobile? Yes. this would be considered an upgrade activation.
How much will it cost to add a line with my Nexus S purchase?Adding a line will cost $249.
Does the Nexus S support T-Mobile’s 4g network? No. The Nexus S is a 3G device and does not support HSPA+ data.
Can I purchase a locked, T-Mobile Nexus S without a contract? Yes, locked phones without a contract can be purchased for $529.99.
If I buy a phone with a contract, am I required to get voice and data plans?Yes. Voice and data are required.
Will the Nexus S follow the same plans T-Mobile currently offers? Yes, T-Mobile’s standard plans apply.
SHIPPING AND SUPPORTCan I purchase the Nexus S online and pick it up at a local store? In-store pick-up for online Nexus S orders will not be available, at least for the first week of sales. Home delivery will be available.
Will the Nexus S be available in Canada? The Nexus S will not be available in Canada at this time, nor can we currently ship Nexus S orders to Canadian addresses.
Is the Nexus S available for overseas shipping? No, not at this time.
Can I order the Nexus S from a non-U.S. location and have it shipped to an address in the United States? Yes, but keep in mind that all best Buy purchases are intended for use in the U.S. only. Here is some information on our international ordering policy.
Will T-Mobile handset insurance still apply for this handset?T-Mobile will not be selling the phone so they will not be offering their insurance. we recommend best Buy’s Geek Squad Black Tie Protection ($9.99 per month).
[Via best Buy Mobile Blog]
)
View full post on Android Community
Nexus S Questions Answered by Best Buy
Related Websites
- Child Web Models – Entering the World of Modeling
- The rest of the world watches our moral compass « Coast Guard Report
- Finding the right International Shipping Company for online shopping i
- How To Find “Hidden” Federal Contracts: Network :: Women on Business
- Can Nexus S Boost Google? « Note of the Day
- T-Mobile launching 4G Tablet in 2011
- Brain Oddities: Spelling is Irrelevant to Comprehension | The Big Picture
- Gimme Candy » Anatomy Models Are A Great Teaching And Learning Resource And Not Just Toys
- Google Nexus S UK Now Available To Pre-Order – Geeky Gadgets
- SM Malls Bares Plan to Build a New ‘Supermall’ in Iloilo City
Categories: Technology Tags: Black Friday, contracts, models, nexus, rest of the world, ticketing system
Black Friday Stampede Kills Long Island Man – Jdimytai Damour
Need I say more….. What is this world coming to? A 34 year old Wal-Mart worker Jdimytai Damour gets killed in Valley Stream as a rush of Black Friday shopper’s stomp over him to get deals on this year’s “hottest” gifts. I say hottest because they were selling a Plasma TV, an upright vacuum, a digital camera and DVD’s.
Not only did one man die but three other’s were also injured in the onslaught. Patron’s as some newspapers call them broke down the store doors in an attempt to get inside. Wait a minute…. A patron? More like animals on a feeding frenzy. These people should be arrested or at the very least ashamed of themselves. The really sad part about all of this is that no one even stopped to help this guy they just kept walking over him.
I can’t say I don’t love a good deal but when it’s at the expense of someone’s life I’d think twice. How could these “patrons” keep shopping after all of this?
My heart really goes out to the family of Jdimytai. Have our eyes glazed over so much that we forget who we are and what the holiday season is all about. I hope all of you involved get to watch the news this year on your new Plasma TV.
The guilt and bad karma will live with you forever.
Categories: News and Events Tags: Black Friday, Green Acres Mall, Jdimytai Damour, Valley Stream, Wal-Mart, Worker Killed
