WSJ Article: "Holiday Sales, Sure -- But Don't Expect Steals"

[Brad]

The economy is weakening, crude oil is near all-time highs and subprime mortgage woes are snagging home-buyers and Wall Street traders alike. Time for aggressive Christmas markdowns?

 

Not so fast. The annual stare down between consumers and retailers isn't a guaranteed win for consumers this year, industry watchers say.

Full article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119500071588192076.html?mod=dist_smartbrief

[fairydustcrissy]

unfortunately that seems to be the case judging by the ads this year

[freesia39]

you know i just told the fiance that i didn't think prices would be slashed and he tried to argue with me that they would.

 

I WIN! BWHAHAHA.

[heavenlyvalo]

You know I hate to say this but these ads could be wrong. Sometimes retailers leak false ads. I hope thats the case for some stores.

[pogiporkchop]

that was an interesting article

[kubla77]

Boo, retailers! Another WSJ article says that some are predicting that consumer spending on electronics will be up 2% this year. I say that they will be DEAD wrong and regret it if they continue their stinginess. My prediction is that BF will be really bad this year with the sagging economy, and we will only stand to benefit in 2009 when they create better deals to lure consumers back.

[blakes_mommy]

You know I hate to say this but these ads could be wrong. Sometimes retailers leak false ads. I hope thats the case for some stores.

I wish that were true, but I have been here a a few years, they are all right....

Just another bad year!

[cwikel]

I guess the writer couldn't find any 20% off Kmart coupons. Man he must be pissed :)

[angiemartin]

I guess the writer couldn't find any 20% off Kmart coupons. Man he must be pissed :)

Funny cwikel!! Being the WSJ, maybe they should point out that those coupons can be used for leveraged buys of Sears merchandise at Kmart?

[cassgurlie04]

But the question for the retailers will be............ if they DONT slash the prices, will they still see and increase in sales or will they see a decrease. Consumers only have a certain amount of money to spend and will wait for the bargains.

[happysunshine28]

But the question for the retailers will be............ if they DONT slash the prices, will they still see and increase in sales or will they see a decrease. Consumers only have a certain amount of money to spend and will wait for the bargains.

The sad thing is Christmas wont wait for the bargains, so retailers have the upper hand.

[cassgurlie04]

The sad thing is Christmas wont wait for the bargains, so retailers have the upper hand.

I didnt think about it that way....... So again the retail giant wins :yuck:

[angiemartin]

The sad thing is Christmas wont wait for the bargains, so retailers have the upper hand.

Gift cards, gift cards, gift cards. No, it's not the same but they let you wait for deals

[shanni]

Consumers only have a certain amount of money to spend and will wait for the bargains.

That is not true, people like US will wait, others will just go buy.

[andyw06]

I was getting really ramped up for this years BF, a new BB and Staples opening in my area. But after seeing the ads, I think my bed seems like the best deal for me. I had wanted a new laptop, but am not enticed by the offerings shown so far. Oh well maybe I will go out and sell doughnuts to the masses in line instead and then buy a better laptop.

[shanni]

Sell coffee and hot cocoa too!

[cassgurlie04]

That is not true, people like US will wait, others will just go buy.

yea thats who i was refering to when i posted my first comment..... that I will wait, as most others who know what a good deal is. others will just blow money like they have no brain

[theresamax]

I think the scariest part of the article is that stores have less inventory stocked and that means less toys to clearence at the end of the season. Bye Bye Targets huge toy clearence:(