sm1kla

My husband has been watching for deals on water/fire safes for a while now. They never go on sale. Walmart/Sams have a variety of sizes. We've also seen them at places like Ollies and Big Lots. It all depends on what size your looking for.

It always amazes me when people do not give gift receipts. I always tape/staple it to the item. I think it's more upsetting to return something to the store and get the lowest markdown price for the item. We all work hard for our money, why should retailers take it that easy.

If you have just a bed frame, you can simply paint a headboard on the wall. Use stencils or decals to decorate it. Check out HGTV or DIY network websites. She's only 5 in a couple years you will be redecorating again.

Spencer gifts also sell the leg lamps- It may be easier make the leg lamp crate. A wood crate will also be more durable than using styrofoam or anything like that.

I will be too, but it is shocking to find out how many people are last minute shoppers. Traditionally, the Saturday before Christmas is the biggest shopping day of the year. I'm assuming that this year will have some surprising last minute deals in due to the fact that Christmas is on a Monday.

My Walmart still had a bunch of leftovers last light when I was there. They had several spongebob & dora tv combos. I think I read several people looking for them.

I've threatened my older nieces & nephews. If they want another gift from me, they will keep the secret. My kids are the youngest-nobody ruined it for them, they will not ruin it for my kids.

With any luck, maybe there will be enough leftovers to be next years Secret 8. (sarcasm)

Price matching deals would be great. What about the ability to forward a forum page to a friend who is not a member? There were several threads that I wanted to share with others who are not members (maybe this functionality is already available & I just didn't find it).

I shopped at http://shop.littlearth.com/ this year for my stepdaughter who is 15. It is a tough age. She isn't pink & girlie, she likes video games and stuff from Hot Topic. I refuse to buy another video game. Little Earth has a bunch of different stuff- we bought her a belt and the Happy Trails Super Cyclone purse. I was disappointed that they didn't have something for an iPOD. (I boought a K. Lianna shoulder bag for myself too) They are currently running a 20% off through Dec 10.

I took a vow several years ago to NEVER go to BB on Black Friday ever again. The money that I saved on the my PS2 bundle was spent when I had to pay regular priced items because I missed the doorbuster specials at all the other stores. In my opinion, a trip to BB is overrated on BF.

I have a family dinner Christmas Eve for 25+, I took on the responsibilty for my mom & dad who have done this for 40 years. After dinner, we exchange family gifts only. My step daughter gets all of her gifts then too since she is with her mom on Christmas day. My kids do not get any Santa gifts until Christmas morning.

My longest line was at Bath & Body Works. We waited 30 minutes tops. The line was very long, it weaved through the store to the door. I put my hubby in line as soon as we got to the store. The associates kept the line ORDERLY, there were no line cutters & no irrate customers.

That blows if it is true. What will they put in the space?

Same here.

Did anyone pick up items for Toys for Tots? I got 2 of the large doodle monsters at WM, 2 Barbies & the Cabbage Patch doll. My kids have been using their shopping allowance ($5) each week and selecting smaller items to donate at school.

Presents then a big breakfast. The boys play, while hubby & I make breakfast.

I'm not bashing WM because of their quantities-limited quantities are part of BF. If there weren't limited quantities, the sale would not be as exciting. I think the majority of us disgruntled WM shoppers are disappointed with the selection of merchandise this year. BF is the same day every year - negotiations with suppliers start well in advance, along with assessment of current inventories. WM dropped the ball.

I don't see a problem with employees pre-shopping as long as it's done within reason. If it's an item that is in demand, limited/sparce quantities (PS3, Wii, laptops, etc) or the item that the madmob outside the door is waiting for then no those items should not be able to be purchased. However, items that they get pallets of should be offered to employees.

My Walmart still had a bunch of stuff on Saturday. Makes me wonder why I got up at 4 am. I almost didn't go the WM this year. The only reason I did is so they would PM & I love the rush. Next year if I'm not impressed with their ad, I won't give in to my temptation and will be heading elsewhere.

WM was terrible this year. Their secret sale was a poor attempt to increase consumer expectations & foot traffic. As the media continues to report sales they continue to say WM's reported sales declined. Anyone looking for a job in marketing? I'm sure WM will be looking for a new EVP.

Mine was organized too. It was set up the same way it has been in the past. All the pallets were placed in the main isles. I usually enter the store through the grocery side and walk around-all the newbies go directly to toy dept & then get stuck. Just a tip for next year.

I took a vow several years ago to NEVER go to BB on Black Friday ever again. The money that I saved on the my PS2 bundle was spent when I had to pay regular priced items because I missed the doorbuster specials at all the other stores. In my opinion, a trip to BB is overrated on BF.

Walmart has always been identified as the retailer for the poor, redneck, backwoods, etc. I'm sure you have heard'em all. They also have a bad reputation as a big box retailer, they move in there goes the neighborhood, say goodbye to mom & pop local stores. They aren't gaining market share like they once were when they began expanding. Every retailer needs to continue to gain loyal customers or they just cannabolize their other sales. (same shoppers buying different items, but not spending more money) Ideally as a retailer you want to gain appeal to higher-income shoppers, who obviously have more money to spend, and are more likely to make more impulse purchases-Target does this very well. Although their prices are competitive with Walmart on everyday things. Their marketing strategy isn't everyday low prices, they market their innovative brands like Isaac Mizrahi. Higher-income demos do not identify well with Walmart because of the reputation.

This is for mall-based stores, Walmart wouldn't be included in this projection. It would be interesting to see what they are considering as total sales in this story, it could include commodity items like gum and bottled soft drinks-which would show a higher consumer spend. Our mall was busier much early this year. There is a shift in how retailers are marketing & consumers are spending. This year is an example of that. For decades discount department stores like Walmart & Kmart owned BF and had a considerable percent of the market share. As BF is becoming more mainstream, specialty retailers are also looking to capitalize on holiday sales.