TheBolt

Today, Abt was featured in an article by the Wall Street Journal. Jon Abt discussed on-line shopping two days before Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year. To read the article in its entirety, click here.

-Kelly B.

Consumer Reports did a poll about the most wanted products this Black Friday. The poll showed that 70 percent of the 1,001 adults, who participated, planned to purchase consumer electronics, and 71 percent plans to buy clothing.

Almost surprising, more than half of the Black Friday shoppers polled will be purchasing an electronic for themselves. Not as surprising, approximately three-quarters of the same shoppers polled will be purchasing an electronic for someone else.

Of the electronics on shoppers lists, 22 percent intend to purchase an mp3 player or an iPod, 46 will buy a specific video game or accessory, 21 percent will get a video game console, 20 percent are looking for a laptop or netbook, and 13 percent are on the hunt for a TV.

Thinking of all of the crowded retail outlets, 53 percent of the polled consumers expected on-line retailers would have competitive bargains just like the crowded malls; while a shocking 28 percent of the 1,001 polled shoppers plan to physically visit a store. Thus proving, on-line shopping is quickly becoming a preferred method for shopping.

More than one out of every five adults plans to purchase a TV either Black Friday, during or after the holiday season. Out of those shoppers, over half are looking for a TV 40” or larger. HD or a better picture, size, specific programming needs, adding additional TVs to the household, and desire for a flat-panel TV are the main reasons for TV purchases this season.

-Kelly B.

The day after Thanksgiving is synonymous with sales and shopping. Most people associate it with the start of the holiday shopping season. Black Friday isn’t for a couple weeks, that’s why I was so surprised to read a message from Shawn DuBravac this morning. The Consumer Electronics Association’s (CEA) chief economist/research director said, “Black Friday has begun early,” “Consumers are starting to go out, which is consistent with [the idea] that they’re shopping around more [this holiday season].”

DuBravac held, instead of the traditional door busters consumers are usually after, they will be looking for products with more features and the lowest price-point. Another factor will come into play, bundling. The more products that are combined for a specific price will be in high-demand; for example, buying an HDTV, Blu-ray player, and soundbar for a lower cost than buying the three individually.

Although shocking, I thought the idea of doing shopping before the day after Thanksgiving was appealing. It’s less crowded any day other than on Black Friday and the thought of shopping around is nice too. Abt is a great place to start your shopping. It’s got practically anything you need for inside your home and we price match with authorized retailers.

-Kelly B.