UNDATED (WTAQ) – Black Friday bargains can already be had, as Wisconsin retailers spread out their deals.
Still, shopping groups say the day after Thanksgiving remains the busiest of the year.
The International Council of Shopping Centers expects 41 percent of Americans to hit the stores on Friday. “Small Business Saturday” and “Cyber Monday” have also become more popular.
Like Black Friday, the online bargains have spread throughout November. Web sites for the Wisconsin-based Kohl’s and Boston Stores started offering their Black Friday doorbusters Monday online.
Wells Fargo economist Brian Jacobsen of Menomonee Falls predicts a 3.4 increase in holiday sales. That’s slightly below the National Retail Federation’s prediction of 3.7 percent.
Unlike a year ago, Jacobsen says there’s virtually no inflation — and as a result, some gift items might cost less this holiday season.
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)