There's still time to pick up a great sparkling wine for your New Year's Eve celebration, and some of our top picks are available for as little as $10. In our tests, we found that "France" on the label doesn't always mean great bubbly in the glass.
Our top two sparkling wines are produced in California. Several of the
lower-rated products, including one of the most expensive, varied in
quality from bottle to bottle.
If you're planning to spend much of the next week returning gifts,
you're not alone. Twenty-one percent of respondents to a recent poll by
the Consumer Reports National Research Center said that they returned
at least one holiday gift last year; 9 percent returned three or more. To
help you navigate the complex maze of issues related to gift returns,
we've created this guide to what we're officially declaring Reboxing
Day — the day you start reboxing those unwanted gifts and hauling them
back to the store. Follow these tips, and you may just be on your way
to a week of happy returns.
• Keep those gift receipts. They're vital for many of the other tips listed below (and while you're at it, make a mental note to include gift receipts with the goodies you hand out next year).
• Don't be surprised if you're turned away if you don't have a receipt. Many stores have gotten stricter about accepting returns without a valid receipt. In addition, new tracking software is enabling many large retailers to keep tabs on individuals' return behavior. If you've returned goods too often within a specified time period or habitually seek to return merchandise without a receipt, you could be denied. (If you think there's an error, clear your name by contacting the Return Exchange, a company that monitors returns for retailers, at returnactivityreport@thereturnexchange.com.)
• Don't expect a cash refund.
Stores are not obligated to give you your money back, even with a
proper receipt. Your refund can come in the form of store credit or
gift card.
• Use that receipt to make sure you get the full price. If you're lucky enough to be able to make a return without a receipt, you'll probably get the lowest price the item sold for, which may include markdowns.
• Try to recoup shipping charges. Some generous e-tailers are willing to provide prepaid mailers to return a sweater or pair of shoes that doesn't fit, but they don't generally broadcast the news. Be sure to read the fine print on the returns page, or ask when you call for a return authorization number.
If you can read this, you're too close. Too close to the deadline for
holiday shopping, that is. But, of course, it's never too late, if
you're creative. Here are a few ideas if
you've just checked the calendar and realized that St. Nick has come
and gone, and the stockings you're expected to fill are still empty:
Video Stores - Christmas has become a popular day to go to the movies, and the big video chains want a piece of that. If there's a Blockbuster or Hollywood Video store near you, chances are it's open at some point today. You should be able to find at least a handful of good DVDs and video games available before you sit down for Christmas dinner.
Continue reading "Last-second gift guide: What you can buy right now" »
If, like 24 percent of the respondents to a recent CR survey, you've waited until now to shop, a harsh reality may be setting in: With only a couple of days to go before Christmas, your choices can be fairly limited (sorry; time to give up on the Wii until next year). Fear not. CR's Amanda Walker is her with some great ideas for last-minute shoppers, and some early tips to help with your post-holiday returns. Click on the image to catch a video of Amanda sharing some of our favorite tips.
Americans love their pets and the holidays are a chance to prove that. A recent Harris Interactive poll reveals that almost two-thirds (65 percent) of pet owners have bought their pet a holiday gift. What's even more surprising is that over one-third (37 percent) have also bought a their pet a birthday present.
Dogs make out like bandits. Not only are dog owners slightly more likely (93 percent) than cat owners (89 percent) to consider their pets members of their family, but dogs get more presents than cats do. Most (71 percent) of dog owners have bought their pet a holiday gift, compared to 63 percent of cat owners. Canines also get more birthday presents; 42 percent of dog owners have bought their pet a birthday gift, compared to 33 percent for cat owners. The upside to being a cat is that you are more likely to be allowed on to the family bed to sleep and that you are less likely to be wrestled into an outfit; 23 percent of dog owners have dressed their animal up in clothing while only 14 percent of cat owners have done the same.
We've already given you our take on whether LED lights are a good choice for your holiday decor. Now, check out our exclusive video and decide for yourself whether the energy-efficient bulbs are a bright idea for your home.
Christmas is only a week away, but even shoppers who have not yet finished buying their gifts are looking beyond the holiday to when they plan to return (or pass along) presents, buy gifts for themselves and start chipping away at their credit-card debt. A survey conducted earlier this month by Consumer Reports National Research Center indicates that there will be a rash of last-minute and post-holiday shopping this year. And some consumers expect it to take months to pay for their largess.
Christmas countdown
Nearly one-quarter of consumers (24 percent) anticipate not completing their holiday shopping until December 23rd or later and one in 10 don't expect to be done until Christmas Eve. Five percent of respondents plan to finish their gift shopping after Christmas—compared to the 19 percent who are already done.
When they shop, those surveyed say they patronize such mass merchandisers as Target and Wal-Mart, pay cash and watch their spending. Holiday shoppers intend to give an average of 13 gifts this season, down one from last year. They expect to spend an average of $763 for those gifts with only 16 percent of shoppers saying they plan to spend more this year than last. More than half plan to spend the same and 29 percent plan to spend less.
Efforts to keep spending in check may account for the increase in respondents—53 percent compared to 46 percent last year—who say they find their best deals at mass merchandisers. Since last year, expectations of getting deals have fallen for every other category of retailer including department stores (Macy's, Sears), discount stores (TJ Maxx, Marshalls), online retailers, outlet stores and big-box stores (Sam's, Costco).
This year most shoppers are opting to pay cash for their purchases—79 percent. Use of credit cards has fallen from 48 percent to 45 percent. And fewer folks are using debit cards—40 percent compared to last year's 46 percent.
Online deadline
With shopping and shipping days waning, some consumers still plan to make online purchases. Of those, 95 percent expect to wrap up their purchases by December 22. After this date, problems with gifts arriving in time for Christmas are more likely. Still, four percent of online shoppers admit their shopping will slip past the 22nd.
Nearly a quarter (24 percent) of last-minute online shoppers will pay extra for expedited delivery, a decrease from last year when 31 percent of shoppers paid the extra cost. And 42 percent of online shoppers said they order items they had not intended to buy to qualify for free shipping offers or other discounts.
Continue reading "Ready for Christmas? Not yet, and dreading the debt" »
If you've already gone through our holiday gift guide, and still can't find anything to please that special someone, here's another batch of goodies: Our picks among the latest crop of consumer electronics products, including some that have topped our ratings and others that look good based on our initial impressions. Prices range from $100 for a snapshot printer, up to $4,500 for a 52-inch HDTV. Some of our choices:
You can find the full list here.
Sure, there are still two whole weekends for shoppers to finish their holiday shopping (one of which is even a three-day weekend for those lucky enough to have December 24th off). But the deadline for the 65 percent of consumers who plan to do at least some shopping online is much closer, especially for those who don't want to shell out for express shipping. And, of course, deadlines differ from store to store, making it difficult to decide exactly where to invest those precious few minutes of screen time. Fortunately, the folks at DealHack have put together a handy cheat sheet with the shipping deadlines for over 120 merchants. While most are still offering standard shipping with delivery by the 24th, some — including name brands like BarnesAndNoble.com, CircuitCity.com and ToysRUs.com — have already slipped into express (or at least "expedited") mode. Many more are moving in that direction this weekend, with most throwing in the towel on standard delivery by next Tuesday, December 18th. Some notable holdouts, according to DealHack: Zappos.com, which is offering standard shipping with holiday delivery all the way through December 21st, and Blue Nile, which stretches its deadline all the way to December 22nd. And remember, if you plan to send your gifts the old-fashioned way — by waiting on line at the Post Office — tomorrow's your last day for Parcel Post, though you can get those gifts out by Express Mail all the way through the 22nd.
If an ebook reader was on your list this holiday season, you're in luck — sort of. Although the hottest new model, Amazon's wireless Kindle reader (pictured), is sold out and back-ordered, the Sony Reader, which uses the same e Ink technology but requires a computer connection to download books, is still available, for about $100 less than the Kindle. Of course, you don't get the Kindle's web browser or integration with your Amazon.com account. But you can get the Sony Reader now, and Sony's throwing in a hundred classic (i.e., public domain) ebooks for free.
>> More
The financial worries that have plagued many shoppers for months seem to have finally reached into the upper echelons. Upscale retailers such as Saks, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus are all starting to feel the effects of the weakened economy. With high gasoline prices and and a falling real estate market, some who once felt confident shopping in these stores are starting to head for the discount retailers.
The last few years introduced the public to the concept of "masstige," luxury items aimed the masses. Luxury retailers that once catered to only the wealthiest, found that more and more people in the middle income range were clamoring for their products. The aspirational consumers, the ones who want to move steadily upward, are now retreating from the luxury stores they once flocked to. Nordstorm, Neiman Marcus and Coach have all reported slowdowns in their sales.
The wallet-watching is expected to continue among the wealthy. The American Affluence Research Center's most recent survey found that households with an average income of $256,000 are planning less spending in the future and are more focused on "preservation of capital." And as we mentioned at the start of November, a survey by Unity Marketing showed that luxury consumer spending is at the lowest point in two years.
While a mobile phone may not be at the top of your holiday shopping list, there's one accessory that may appeal to many of your always-connected cohorts: A wireless Bluetooth headset. Prices for headsets have continued to drop, and what was once a luxury item can now be purchased for as little as $30. Of course, smaller headsets, or those with advanced features, can easily top $100, so a Bluetooth rig, depending on cost, can function as either a stocking stuffer or a primary gift. Here's some advice on shopping for headsets. ConsumerReports.org subscribers can also review our Ratings of 34 models, including some stereo headsets suitable for music playback.
Looking for a holiday gift that will really keep on giving? How about turning a loved one into a humanitarian financier by giving them a Kiva.org gift certificate?
Recipients redeem their certificates to make “micro loans” directly to small entrepreneurs in 37 developing countries. Once the loan is repaid, the lenders can re-lend or withdraw the money, ultimately using it for that MP3 player or anything else they want.
It’s all done through the San Francisco non-profit group’s Web site, which features a profile of every entrepreneur seeking to raise him- or herself out of poverty.
>> More
Our sister publication, ShopSmart, just launched a new site, filled with excerpts from the magazine's current and previous issues (along with a handy link to a new online subscription form). If you're not familiar with ShopSmart, you should definitely take a look. The featured item on the site right now is ShopSmart's guide to great web sites for holiday shopping. Among the picks:
Check out the full list here.
We asked 40 children, ages 6 through 12, to check out the fun factor in 24 toys that are expected to be hot holiday sellers this year. They range in price from less than $10 to $200. After a day of unstructured play, we asked the kids to tell us whether they liked or disliked each toy, and to choose a favorite. Based on that, we came up with this year’s list of hot toys, in order of popularity. >> More
Is it a bright idea to use LED lights for the holidays? We compared LED and incandescent bulbs in three sizes — mini, C7, and C9 — determining how much it cost to light strings totaling 50 feet for 300 hours. We also exposed the bulbs to moisture, hot and cold temperatures, and UV light, and sent each type of bulb to an independent lab that measures brightness. Read on to find out which kind of bulb is better for your lighting needs this holiday season.
>> More
As expected, online sales on "Cyber Monday," November 26th, hit a new record, of $733 million, according to numbers released by ComScore. However, despite marking the first day in which total ecommerce sales broke $700 million, Cyber Monday's record isn't likely to last for long. As it did last year, that number is expected to be eclipsed shortly by even higher one-day figures. "We expect that a number of individual shopping days during the coming weeks will surpass the Cyber Monday total, with some days potentially surpassing $800 million," said comScore chairman Gian Fulgoni. That number still doesn't come close to Black Friday's sales figures, which some put as high as $10 billion.
The Office of Consumer Affairs of Montgomery County, MD, just released its fifth annual gift card survey, and the results won't surprise anyone who has kept track of our reporting on gift cards. The agency recommended 18 of the 22 retailer gift cards it reviewed from late October to November.
But the Consumer Affairs office said all of the 30 bank-issued cards it examined continue to have purchase and processing fees, expiration dates and other gotchas, some of which were not properly detailed despite disclosure-related lawsuits brought by the Federal Trade Commission and 2006 guidance issued by the federal Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
The report’s criticism of gift cards, particularly those issued by banks, mirror many of the problems we identified in our recent gift card report. Bank-issued cards bear a major credit logo and, unlike retailer cards, can be used at most merchants that accept that brand of credit card.
>> More
If you didn't get your fill of shopping this weekend, you've still got today, Cyber Monday, to hunt for bargains. Actually, you've got a few weeks, though it is worth checking out some of the deals being touted today. Before clicking that "Buy" button, however, be sure to review our Top 5 Cyber Monday myths:
1. You can get the best deals today.
Yes, there are some great deals to be had if you shop right now. Dozens of stores are offering free shipping and discounts on purchases. But many of those offers don't end today. For example, at the top of the official Cyber Monday Web site (sponsored by the National Retail Federation, which created the "holiday" two years ago) is a link to Apple's online store offering free shipping on all purchases with the tag "today only." However, Apple routinely offers free shipping for orders over $50, so unless you're planning on picking up something for less than that (not an easy task, given that the cheapest new iPod is $79), there's no reason to hop online and buy it today. Similar issues apply with many other merchants, so be sure to read the fine print before you rush into a purchase.
2. Cyber Monday is the busiest day for online shopping.
Sure, it's busy. In fact, according to ComScore networks, last year's Cyber Monday was a record day, with $608 million in online sales. But by December 25th, that record had been broken over 10 times, with the trophy going to December 12th, at $667 million.
3. If you don't shop today, hot products will be sold out.
This one's tricky. Yes, some hot items may sell out today, or over the next few days. And, the closer you get to the holidays, the more likely it is that some "must-have" gifts might be harder to come by. So, if there's anything you absolutely have to buy, and you're afraid it's going to sell out quickly, go ahead and place that order soon — though in most cases, that doesn't mean today.
4. You should shop online today if you want to get your gifts before the holidays.
Because Christmas falls on a Tuesday this year, you can order gifts from many retailers as late as December 18th and still get them delivered on time using standard shipping (and some offer overnight shipping as late as December 22nd). However, if you're shopping for Chanukah, you may want to get busy. The Festival of Lights starts next Tuesday.
5. If you shop at work today, your boss is not going to be pleased.
Sorry, this one isn't a myth. According to the National Retail Federation, 54 percent of workers will shop at work today. Headhunters Challenger, Gray & Christmas (yes, that really is their name) estimate that workplace shopping may cost the economy almost $500 million in lost productivity. So, if you must shop today, do it on your lunch break, so both you and your boss will save a few bucks. (And before you shop, be sure to check out these tips from ShopSmart!)
Yes, we're aware that we've been going over (and over, and over) Black Friday info for the past couple of weeks. So here's something for those of you who want to do something other than shop today. It's Buy Nothing Day, an annual event organized by the Adbusters Foundation, which seeks to declare a "24-hour moratorium on consumer spending." Events include the Credit Card Cut-Up, where volunteers stand in shopping malls and volunteer to help consumers clip their cards; and the Zombie Walk, in which the "cheerful dead" wander around malls. More information is available at Adbusters.org.
Of course, if you're not into cutting up cards or getting dressed up in zombie gear, you can also join Consumers Union's “Twelve Days of Safe Shopping” campaign, and call on manufacturers, retailers, and government agencies to develop effective measures to prevent unsafe products from reaching store shelves. But we won't hold it against you if you opt to go zombie instead.
We know you're probably just tucking into your turkey about now, and we don't want to interrupt your feast. But if you're planning on braving the crowds tomorrow, we thought it might be helpful to provide this recap of our tips on Black Friday shopping. Our editors have scoured websites, circulars and shopping malls to provide this roundup, and they've managed to find some good deals in just about every major product category. Of course, many of these deals extend past Black Friday, so be sure to read the fine print. After all, there's no reason to rush out to the mall tomorrow if you can get the same prices later in the weekend, or even next week, when you might be able to avoid crowds and do a little weekday shopping (we promise not to tell the boss).
Speaking of Black Friday, although we've long acknowledged that the day's name is derived from the notion that hordes of tryptophan-addled shoppers drive retailers "into the black" right after Thanksgiving, we're a little fond of the alternate etymology floated by The City Desk. According to the site, which specializes in "fictional urbanism," Black Friday was actually named for Laurence H. Black, a black-suited ("That’s how they remember me. Black suit, Mr. Black, see?") department store sales clerk who died on the job on November 27th, 1964. "The following year, on the Friday after Thanksgiving, all of the employees wore black suits and dresses, highlighted by a single red carnation, with a moment of silence at 7:48 pm, a tradition that carried on year after year and was picked up by many other stores in the city." So, this year, remember the apocryphal Mr. Black when you're hitting the malls, and don't worry about whether or not the retailers are raking in enough cash (besides, we all know their biggest day is really December 21st).
Want to spend Black Friday doing more than shopping? If you're in New York, Boston, Chicago or Minneapolis this Friday, you can join Consumers Union's “Twelve Days of Safe Shopping” campaign, and call on manufacturers, retailers, and government agencies to develop effective measures to prevent unsafe products from reaching store shelves. Volunteers in these cities will be handing “Safe Shopper coupons” to cashiers when they buy something, asking that the cashier give the coupon to the store manager. In addition, thousands of individuals across the country will be handing out coupons in their own communities as well.
“With the recent recall of Aqua Dots, one of the top touted toys this holiday season, parents don’t know what is safe to buy their children,” said Jean Halloran, Director of Food Policy Initiatives at Consumers Union. “We want retailers and manufacturers to be far more diligent in making sure the toys and products they sell are safe.”
More information, including a list of locations where you can join the campaign, is available at ConsumersUnion.org. And for a humorous take on a very serious issue, click on the image above to watch a video prepared by CU's Not In My Cart campaign.
And if you are going toy shopping on Friday, be sure to read our tips for a safer holiday.
Has all the talk about dangerous lead-tainted, poisonous and highly magnetized toys left you paralyzed with fear of even setting foot in a toy store this holiday season? Don't worry. While we can't follow you into the mall and personally check out every toy for you, we do have some tips for safer shopping. Among them:
You can find our full set of 12 toy shopping tips for a safer holiday at Consumer Reports on Safety.
It's not just gift cards you need to watch for this holiday season. The editors of Consumer Reports Money Adviser have some tips on how to manage your debit and credit cards. Their top piece of advice: Don't let finance charges and other fees push you over your budget. To
keep from spending more than you have to, use the payment method that
makes the most sense for you. If you pay off your credit card balance
in full each month, charging your holiday gifts won’t cost you anything
in finance costs and may even provide a bonus in the form of a
cash-back or other type of reward. If you’d rather spend only what you
have on hand but don’t wish to carry large amounts of cash, use a debit
card. Get more info and tips here.
With just three days to go until Black Friday, you can be forgiven for getting a little anxious about the start of the holiday shopping season. Don't worry; we're here to talk you down. First of all, it's important to remember that you don't have to get all — or any — of your shopping done this Friday. In fact, only 22 percent of those surveyed in a recent CR poll expected to finish their shopping right after Thanksgiving, and forty-five percent expect to take until the second week of December to finish. Still, if you're determined to brave the crowds on Friday, we're with you, and have a few simple tips to make the day a little less stressful:
1. Do your homework to unearth the best deals. Web sites such as Black Friday Ads, GottaDeal, and DealTalker reveal advance information about Black Friday circulars and other sales at many stores, and feature downloadable coupons. Another useful site, RetailMeNot, features coupons and discount codes, which entitle shoppers to bonus savings.
2. Check to see if you’re really getting a bargain. If you find a product in a flyer at a seemingly low price, go online first to determine whether you can get it elsewhere for less. Some sites that compare prices among multiple e-tailers and retailers include PriceGrabber, Shopping.com and DealTime. Amazon.com is worth visiting, too, as our reader surveys have cited Amazon as one of the best places to appliances, electronics, and books at excellent prices.
3. Check out the retailer’s Web site. Shoppers can learn if the products they want are stocked and available. Many retailers also offer the opportunity to purchase the item online and pick it up locally. Another plus: Retailers may offer coupons that shoppers can print out and bring with them for extra savings.
4. Weigh the risks and rewards of late-night and pre-dawn sales. It’s
true, many retailers offer huge discounts, often selling a few
attention-grabbing toys or electronic items at or below cost to lure
you into the store, where you’ll hopefully purchase other more
profitable merchandise. Such products sold as “loss leaders” are
typically offered in extremely limited quantities and it’s first-come,
first serve. Don’t bother to show up unless you’re willing to wait,
sometimes for hours before the store opens, and even then there’s no
guarantee.
5. Don’t assume the best deals are on Black Friday. While it’s too early to tell how deeply retailers will ultimately be forced to cut prices to boost their bottom line and move inventory, it’s clear that many merchants are already reacting to intense competition by slashing prices and dangling bonus discounts. Inducements such as free shipping, delivery, and gift-wrapping are so widespread that they’re rapidly becoming the norm. So it’s not as if you’ll be forced to pay full price if you delay your shopping a bit. If you’re intent on getting the cheapest price, ask if the retailer has a guaranteed low-price policy, entitling you to a refund of the difference between the new price and what you paid if the item is available for less within a particular timeframe.
If you're not among the five percent of consumers who have completed their holiday shopping, you're in good company. We're just days away from Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving, when retailers roll out the red carpet early and roll down their prices), and nearly two-thirds of holiday shoppers have yet to crack open their wallets. That's one of the findings of the most recent survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. In the survey conducted earlier this month, less than half of women (46 percent) and less than a third of men (30 percent) had gotten a start on their gift buying.
Some of those shoppers are planning to storm the stores on Black Friday. Others, however, prefer to shop in the quiet of their homes — or sometimes quietly at work — by visiting online retailers. Whatever the venue, clothing is top of the list for most Black Friday shoppers (79 percent) followed by electronics (70 percent).
Small gadgets like iPods and other MP3 players, video game systems and digital cameras are the most coveted electronics items, but a lot of big flat-panel TVs will be carted out of the stores as well. And this year women seem almost as keen on them as men. Almost as many women (45 percent) as men (49 percent) who plan to buy a flat-panel TV said they are considering one 42 inches or larger. Here are some other major findings:
Black Friday
More shoppers plan to take advantage of so-called Black Friday doorbusters this year than last, with 24 percent of respondents saying they'll brave the crowds, up from 20 percent last year. Respondents in the 18-to-34 age bracket will help make it a big shopping day, with 34 percent planning to hit the stores.
Black Friday shoppers say their gift lists include clothing (79 percent), electronics (70 percent), toys (64 percent), gift cards (58 percent), jewelry (40 percent), small appliances (35 percent) and recreational or fitness equipment (23 percent).
To get the advertised specials, 12 percent of respondents say they plan to stake out a place in line waiting for the store to open. Last year 14 percent of those asked queued up to get a bargain.
Online shopping
The survey also showed a growing preference for shopping online instead of standing in line. More than two-fifths of adults (42 percent) will shop online this year with more women joining the gift-clicking crowd (41 percent this year vs. 37 percent last year). The main allure, those surveyed said, is convenience (48 percent) but some shoppers say they go online for better selection (12 percent) and better prices (11 percent).
Most online consumers shop from home (95 percent), but among those surveyed who work full-time, 21 percent said they shop from work. Of those, 15 percent admitted to shopping during work hours.
Evenings are the most popular time of day to shop online, especially for males (63 percent) and consumers ages 18 to 34 (64 percent). Three-quarters of online shoppers do not have a day of the week when they typically shop but for those who do, shopping online peaks with 43 percent of respondents shopping the Web on Saturdays, followed by 20 percent on Sundays, 11 percent on Fridays and lesser numbers the rest of the week.
Does shopping online save time? Apparently not. Those with Internet access from home will spend about 11 hours shopping online and that's about the same amount of time — 10 hours — as the general public.
Flat-panel TVs
Nearly one in 11 adults is planning to purchase a flat-panel TV for the holidays. Of those, 54 percent expressed a preference for an LCD television and 29 percent plan to purchase a plasma. The rest were unsure what type to buy. That uncertainty, however, was not as evident when respondents were asked what size screen they plan to get — 47 percent plan to buy a screen 42 inches or larger.
While size mattered more to men (54 percent) than women (36 percent) last year, this year the gap has narrowed with men (49 percent) and women (45 percent) setting their sights on a screen 42 inches or larger.
The gap also narrowed in what men and women expect to pay for a flat-panel TV. Last year men were willing to pay an average of $1,700 for a flat-panel, which was $240 more than women on average. This year men are still planning on paying more but on average only $110 more than women expect to pay. Prices have fallen and this year consumers expect to pay up to $1,300 for a flat-panel.
No longer just a guy thing, flat-panel TVs have a stronger appeal to women this year. Among married couples, the top reason men want a flat-panel is for a better picture (44 percent) while the key reason for women is that it frees up floor space (27 percent) followed by it's something her partner really wanted (24 percent).
Eight percent of respondents who do not plan to buy a flat-screen TV before the holidays said they plan to buy one afterwards. The reason, most said, is that it was too much money to spend right now (40 percent). Last year, 31 percent of consumers who planned post-holiday flat-screen purchases said they did so because they expected prices to drop. This year only 22 percent of respondents have that expectation.
Methodology: The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted a telephone survey of a nationally representative probability sample of telephone households. 1,009 interviews were completed among adults aged 18 and over. Interviewing took place Nov. 1-4. The margin of error is +/- 3% points at a 95% confidence level.
It's the time of year mailmen dread, as just about every day brings stacks and stacks of holiday gift catalogs. If you're looking to stem the tide of catalogs in your mailbox, Catalog Choice, a new service developed by the National Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Defense Council and the Ecology Center, can help. The online service lets you request that merchants remove you from their catalog mailing lists. A recent article in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel quotes April Smith, a spokeswoman for Catalog Choice, who said that so far all the merchants they have contacted, including L.L. Bean, Lands' End and Lillian Vernon, have said they will honor the stop requests. The article also cites a statistic from Resource Information Systems Inc., which claims that American households receive an average of 110 catalogs a year. The overall damage to the environment to produce the catalogs adds up to the emissions of 2 million cars, according to Environmental Defense. Unfortunately it may be too late to stop your catalogs this holiday season, since it generally takes four to 10 weeks for the service to take effect. But there's no time like the present if you want a green Christmas next year.
Last year at around this time, we reported that retailers eager to get a jump on holiday shopping were moving their openings back ever earlier, with some, including Comp USA and BJ's Wholesale Club, opening on Thanksgiving day, and many Chelsea Premium, Prime, and Tanger manufacturers’ outlet centers opening at the stroke of midnight on Black Friday.
This year, it looks like shoppers can expect even more early openings, according to Reuters.
If you happen to be in Las Vegas, which is oddly enough becoming one of the hot destinations for Thanksgiving, you can shop (among other activities) on the holiday. Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas is joining the open-on-Thanksgiving crowd, and is keeping their 100 designer outlet stores open on turkey day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The ever-earlier openings are not universal; many of the big retailers are bucking this trend. Wal-Mart, Circuit City and Best Buy are all opening at 5 a.m., the same time as last year.
We've kicked off the holiday season with our public education campaign about gift cards. Why gift cards? For one thing, unredeemed gift cards can be easy money for retailers and lost money for consumers. TowerGroup estimates that nearly $8 billion was lost last year due to unredeemed value, expiration or loss of gift cards.
“It’s easy to understand the appeal of gift cards. They’re the perfect no-muss, no-fuss gift for the finicky family member or friend. It’s a no-brainer,” says Tod Marks, a CR senior editor. “But gift-givers and recipients alike need to be aware of the pitfalls and make sure that precautions are taken so that the recipient gets the gift and not the retailers.” With that in mind, here are a few tips from the editors of the Consumer Reports Money Adviser newsletter:
IF YOU'RE GIVING A GIFT CARD:
>> More
They’re convenient and popular, but gift cards are often loaded with fees, expiration dates, and other hassles
They
seem like a perfect solution to the problem of what to give this
holiday season. Gift cards are offered by banks, shopping malls,
retailers, airlines, restaurants, hotels, Web sites, and even state
parks. And you don't have to go far to find them—many supermarkets and
drugstores display racks of gift cards conveniently near the checkout.
But
a card is one gift that can keep on giving … grief. That's especially
true for bank-issued cards, which often saddle recipients with fees,
expiration dates, and other gotchas. Retail cards generally aren't as
troublesome but some of them lose value or expire if you don't use them
quickly, depending on laws and regulations in your state.
>> More
The falling dollar may be bad news for shoppers here in the States but the prospect of easy deals is luring shoppers here from all around the world this holiday season. Bargain hunters are flooding in from the U.K. where the power of the pound is at a high. The Scotsman reports that Britons are headed to New York City where they can score some real deals on designer jeans and other clothing and hot gadgets such as the iPod. Flights before Christmas are relatively cheap but overseas shoppers might end up blowing a lot of those savings on finding a hotel room in the city. Elina Kavan, the director of public affairs at Macy's, confirms that British shoppers are on the rise this season and that they have an appetite for American brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren.
Consumers returning to the U.K. still have to declare goods over £145 at Customs and are subject to a 20 percent duty on many goods over this limit plus 17.5 per cent on items subject to VAT. It doesn't seem like the savings are that great once all those incidentals are figured in but the lower price tags are still a lure.
TV deals on Black Friday generally garner the most attention, but the latest Black Friday ads on sites such as www.gottadeal.com and www.theblackfriday.com show that digital photo frames and handheld GPS devices are also being singled out for star treatment.
The best deals we’ve seen—so-called “doorbuster specials”—generally occur in the early-morning hours (typically starting at 5:00 or 6:00 a.m.) and last for several hours. The sale items are generally offered in limited quantities, which could be as few as 10 per store. Make sure you read the fine print in the ads to see if there’s a chance you can actually get one of these deals, especially if you’re not one of the apparently large number of people willing to camp out overnight to ensure a good place in line.
James Willcox of the CR Electronics Blog has compiled a list of some of the latest Black Friday leaks. Check it out here.
Whether or not you've already started your holiday shopping, you should check out these tips from our editors to save money and avoid hassles. My personal favorite is No. 7, "avoid priority shipping." According to our research, the deadline for free shipping from major retailers will expire about
Dec. 18, though standard shipping might be possible for a day or two
longer. Ordering one-day service can add $20 or more and doesn't
guarantee delivery within 24 hours of clicking on "place order." Of course, this means you have to get those orders in early (or at least earlier than mid-December). As far as I'm concerned, that's a small price to pay to save on shipping charges.
— Marc Perton
What promotion would you like online retailers to offer this holiday season? The results of the 2007 eHoliday Study, conducted by BizRate Research for Shop.org and Shopzilla, indicate that almost two-thirds of online shoppers says that they are hoping for free shipping. And it seems like they'll get their wish. The same survey reports that 78.6% of retailers plan to offer free shipping with conditions (conditions include free shipping for certain items or a certain dollar amount). Other shipping offers include free shipping upgrades, discounted shipping and free shipping without conditions. You can also expect other promotions retailers including online-only sales, early shopper discounts, repeat-buyer discounts and special promotions for referring a friend.
Retailers are also planning to make the links between their stores and websites more direct than ever before. Four out of five online retailers with physical stores say they will offer in-store advertising for their websites and email registration for customers who do not yet subscribe. Many also plan to have salespeople be able to place an online order for a customer or let customers order online from the store themselves through in-store web kiosks.
Now that Halloween is over, it's time to get excited for the next big eating holiday, Thanksgiving. This year more than ever people are concerned with the green factor in what goes on the table. You can have a delicious Thanksgiving meal and choose foods and beverages that help benefit the environment and the people who produce them. Our Greener Choices has a guide to having a greener Thanksgiving.
Turkey options include choosing organic and biodynamic turkey, certified humane and free farmed meat and heritage breeds, which are traditional animal breeds that were raised before the age of industrial farming. For fruits and vegetables, organic and biodynamic produce is also an option as are heirloom varieties and Fair Trade certified fruits. Coffee, tea and wine are also available in Fair Trade certified varieties. Rainforest Alliance certified coffee and tea is grown in a way that limits the use of agrochemicals and Bird Friendly certified coffee is grown under a tree canopy that supports healthy bird habitats. And to finish off your meal with a sweet treat you can also choose organic, Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance certified chocolate. The Greener Choices Eco-labels center offers full details on labels to look for when you are making your shopping list.
While other retailers are gearing up for the three-day shopping extravaganza affectionately known as Black Friday, tomorrow (Friday) Wal-Mart kicks off its own holiday shopping season three weeks early with special deals on what it says are five of the most sought-after items. Jim Willcox over at the CR Electronics Blog has some more info, along with his thoughts on where prices are going on some hot products this holiday season.
Deepening economic worries have now hit the luxury end of the market. A new survey from Unity Marketing finds that luxury consumer spending is at the lowest point in two years, dropping 21% from an average $15,283 in the second quarter of 2007 to $12,142 in the third quarter. Luxury shoppers are holding back on personal luxuries such as high-end purses, jewelry and watches but are continuing to spend on travel, fine dining and beauty services.
So far the overall economic cloud has not touched the "super-affluents," those with a household income of $150,000. Their level of spending has remained the same while the "upper-middles" with a household income of $75,000-$100,000 and the "lower-uppers" with a range of $100,000-$150,000 have begun to cut back. The drop in consumer confidence is believed to be due to the increase in foreclosures and skyrocketing oil prices among other reasons. Thomas Bodenberg, Unity Marketing's economic forecaster, says that for luxury retailers the the outlook for the Christmas season is clouded at best.
‘Tis the season to give, but that’s not the case for all Americans this holiday season. According to a new Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll, nearly one-quarter (23%) of respondents anticipate they will spend less than last year.
CR’s poll also found that the shopping season may get off to a slower start this year. Only 22 percent of consumers anticipate finishing holiday shopping right after Thanksgiving, compared to 30 percent in 2006. Forty-five percent of respondents said they do not anticipate finishing their shopping until the second week of December, and 20 percent said they would be pushing it right to December 24th. And approximately 6 percent of respondents are resigned not to complete their shopping until after the holidays.
“Our findings suggest that consumers are tightening their wallets this year more so than last year,” said Tod Marks, senior editor, Consumer Reports. “The holiday shopping landscape is vast. Consumers need to make well informed decisions on their budget and on their purchases to alleviate the large bills and possibly disappointed gift recipients.”
The Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll also finds:
Continue reading "CR Poll: Consumers shopping later and spending less" »
Holidays
Scams
Extended Warranties
Haggling
Online Shopping
Electronics
Ways to Save On...
Where to Buy...
Retailers
Tips & Q&A
Recalls
