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Your Guide to Affordable Holiday Shopping
RCS President Ivan L. Friedman talks with SmartMoney.com about where and when consumers can expect to see the best deals this holiday season.
Nov 13, 2009 SmartMoney.com AnnaMaria Andriotis
With just SIX weeks left until Christmas, layaway plans and rewards programs are in full throttle. But to get the best prices, you should hold off on holiday shopping until at least Black Friday, the annual shopping spree that puts retailers in the black for the year.
Start with the discounters
The recession has been good for the discounters. Year-over-year sales at TJX stores, which include TJ Maxx, Marshalls and HomeGoods, increased 10% for the month of October, while Costco's sales were up 5%.
“Consumers are looking for discounted prices, and these stores are in the position to offer the same merchandise for less money,” says Ivan Friedman, the president of New York-based RCS Real Estate Advisors, which specializes in helping retailers evaluate their real estate portfolios by analyzing their sales figures and underperforming stores.