Biz Buzz: Want to get a head start on holiday shopping and save? October deal days are here

BRAINERD — Those looking for fall shopping deals or who want to get an early jump on holiday shopping may find options next week and save money.

It’s Prime Day on Tuesday, Oct. 8, and Wednesday and Amazon Prime members can find exclusive offers and steep discounts on countless items, CNET reported. Savings may be found on anything from AirPods or AirTags to smart devices like light bulbs that can change colors and be operated from a smartphone to vacuums to TVs to memberships for music or food.

The Prime Days — called Prime Big Deal Days — includes limited sales, flash deals and Black Friday-level deals, CNET noted.

Not to be outdone, Walmart also has a Holiday Deals sale event for the same time period. Walmart’s Holiday Deals starts Tuesday and continues through Oct. 13. Walmart stated there are deep savings across electronics, home, fashion, toys and more. Just like Amazon, those who are Walmart Plus members get additional perks such as early access. Walmart stated nearly 50% of consumers start holiday shopping as early as August and September.

Courtesy of Walmart

In a news release, Walmart stated to meet customers where and how they’re shopping, the retailer was offering “customers a holiday head start with savings starting in October, including its first Holiday Deals event of the season and the return of its inflation-free holiday meal — weeks earlier than previous years.”

“We know many of our customers are beginning to prepare for their holiday celebrations early, and we’ve adapted our approach to best meet their needs,” said Latriece Watkins, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for Walmart U.S., in a news release. “We’ve worked hard to lower prices across our most exciting assortment ever, and we’re thrilled to give customers more of what they want this holiday — more time to prepare and more opportunities to save all season long.”

Walmart highlighted sales on a Roku TV, Bissell carpet cleaners, Lego Disney Stitch Toy Building kit, gaming chair, air purifiers, travel duffels, tool sets — even a heated fleece hoodie. Walmart states 25 of the 66 top toys are less than $25 and there are home and fashion deals for less than $5.

“Whether customers prefer to shop online, through the app or in-store, customers can trust that their items will arrive on time, even for those last-minute gifts,” Walmart stated.

Target Circle Week is Oct. 6-12. It is free to join Target Circle. Target lists deals including kitchen appliances up to 50% off. Target also lists hundreds of new toys and exclusive products that are $5 and $10 “must-haves.”

Target Circle Week will feature deals on products to help customers prepare for the holidays, save on fall favorites and everyday essentials, Target reported.

“Consumers are getting ready for one of the most exciting times of the year, which is why we’re leaning into the magic of Tarzhay like never before — with an assortment, value and experience only Target can deliver,” said Rick Gomez, executive vice president and chief commercial officer for Target, in a news release. “From only-at-Target exclusives to the return of Target Circle Week and great deals every day, our plans are unmistakably Target and will add extra sparkle and delight to the holidays.”

Target stated for gift-givers, more than half of the store’s holiday toys are under $20 and thousands of stocking stuffers are under $5.

“In addition, the retailer’s front-of-store Bullseye’s Playground value section will feature 50 gifts for the family under $5. More than half of Target’s owned brand holiday food & beverage assortment is under $5, and items like gingerbread houses and activity kits bring fun to any gathering. To make the holiday shine, 80% of Target’s Wondershop holiday items will be priced at $10 or less.”

Target reported it will be hiring about 100,000 additional seasonal team members.

Both Walmart and Target pointed to their options to order and pickup at the stores. Minneapolis-based Target will also offer a Deal of the Day program with new deals offered each day of Target Circle Week.

Additional retailers are also joining in so check with a favorite retailer to see what October deals they have and this year get some holiday shopping in early to reduce stress and then remember to also shop local stores for unique items and support local businesses while filling those shopping lists with plenty of time to just relax and enjoy the upcoming holiday season.

RENEE RICHARDSON, Brainerd Dispatch managing editor, may be reached at 218-855-5852 or

renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com

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