Will You Skip the Turkey and Head to the Mall This Thanksgiving?

At Promocodes.com we recently had a survey conducted online by Harris Interactive among over 2,000 U.S. adults, to determine how Americans shop on Black Friday. The results are in and they are shocking: 32 million Americans have reported skipping Thanksgiving dinner, rushing through it or starting early, or not traveling to a relative’s house in order to participate in Black Friday sales. Talk about serious bargain hunters!

The survey also suggests that one-quarter (26%) of Americans never miss or usually hit at least one store on Black Friday. Likewise, one quarter (25%) never miss or usually shop at least one online store on Black Friday. Shopping online is clearly catching on as just two in five Americans (39%) say they have never shopped online on a Black Friday.

This year will be a record-breaking year in terms of Black Friday weekend shopping as many major retailers like Macy’s, JCPenney, Walmart, and Sears will even open their doors on Thanksgiving night to give shoppers even more time to spend money. Similarly, Kohl’s started its Black Friday sales online last year in the days before Thanksgiving and we can expect others to do the same this year.

According to the National Retail Federation, the average holiday shopper will spend $737.95 on gifts, home décor, greeting cards and more, two percent less than they actually spent last year, so could this be the reason retailers are extending hours and offering deals all week long?

As the biggest retail event of the year continues to grow, it’s important for shoppers to remember that they can stay home and enjoy time off with their families (isn’t that what Thanksgiving is supposed to be about?), while still being a savvy consumer and getting holiday presents at a discount. How you ask? Research the sales in advance and do all of your shopping online. You’ll save more money, avoid impulse buying and never have to change out of your slippers.

Here are a few tips to ensure your online shopping is as successful as possible:

• Don’t pay for shipping. Most sites will offer free shipping on all orders or with a spending minimum, so try to shop those sites.
• Make a list and stick to it. Impulse buying isn’t as common online, but if you make a list of presents you need and stick to it, then you’ll save money.
• If a website doesn’t have a brick and mortar version of their store, then wait until Cyber Monday to make a purchase as the deals will be even better!

Happy Turkey Day and Happy Shopping!