All along, skeptics said that the enormous success of daily deals couldn’t be sustained in the long run. And indeed, in recent months, the industry appears to have suffered some setbacks. Roughly one-third of all deal sites disappeared last year, because they were either purchased or closed down. This week, Groupon shares dropped 15% after news broke that it lost $42.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. But some parts of the daily deal industry may have brighter futures than others.
An anonymous merrymaker spread some holiday cheer last week by paying $500 toward the layaway accounts of three strangers at a Kmart in Michigan. Since then, copycat Secret Santas have followed suit, giving thousands of dollars for layaways in other stores around the country.
This year’s “it” gift for the holidays seems to the tablet. Apple’s iPad has remained in strong demand from the get-go, and the rest of the tablet and e-reader market has gotten hot because so many affordable options have hit the marketplace. Another reason tablets are hot: They appeal to all age groups, even kids.
How’s this for a justification to spend absolutely no money on toys this holiday season? In a Psychology Today post, Gabrielle Principe, a psychology professor and author, gives her suggestions for the “Five Best Toys for Christmas.” So what’s on her list? Sock. Mud. Ball. Pebbles. Backdoor.
The only rational explanations for lining up outside the mall before the sun rises and putting up with monster crowds to go shopping on Black Friday are: 1) You just love the crazed, festival-like atmosphere; and/or 2) you assume Black Friday gives you the best chances of buying holiday gifts at the cheapest prices. Turns [...]
During the Land of Nod’s Super Duper Summer Sale, child furniture, toys, bedding, rugs, and assorted other gear for kids and babies is being discounted by up to 70% off, though most items seem to be marked down more in the range of 20% to 40%.
“If you choose to spend a dollar today, you are actively choosing not to have four dollars, or six, or even eight later.”
Now through March 20, all in-stock merchandise at StarWarsShop.com—including Legos, posters, clothing, action figures, and more—is being discounted by 40% during the site’s Spring Cleaning Sale. Shipping adds an additional $4.95 to $9.95.
“Ever wonder what happens to the returned items that retailers take back from consumers, but can’t sell back on their shelves? A trip to a thrift store during this time of year will answer that question.”
Most gift lists focus on what to buy. Just as important, however, is avoiding gifts that are useless or annoying, or that, worst of all, will wind up featured on some Worst Gift You Ever Received discussion.
