Black Friday Arrives Early This Year - For What It's Worth - Comcast.net Finance

Over the next few weeks, we will share some of the best Black Friday deals and will offer tips on how to truly take advantage of in-store and online bargains. But first, we must recognize the latest trend of the 2009 holiday shopping season. Hint: Black Friday, the ceremonial, shop-till-you-drop kick-off to the holiday shopping season, no longer applies to just one day a year. In fact, in some cases, Black Friday is already here, perhaps just miles away at a nearby store.

Most of us are familiar with Cyber Monday as an extension of Black Friday, but this year, as retailers face sluggish sales and steeper competition, some stores are launching their sales weeks in advance and in some cases, even the month before the Friday after Thanksgiving. To get a head start on the sales (because the sales sure aren't waiting), it's important to know where to look… and when. To start, here are three big-name retailers that are offering early sales and promotions that you can cash in on.

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Wal-Mart: From TVs to Turkeys

Leave it to none other than the retail giant to roll out early Black Friday deals at shockingly low prices. Starting on Saturday, November 7 at 8 a.m., Walmart stores will sell Windows 7 HP notebook computers for $298 and Xbox 360 Arcades for only $99 after a $100 Walmart gift card, to use on future purchases. Sony Blu-ray players ($148) and Magnavox Upconvert DVD players ($29) are among other electronics that are deeply discounted.

But the week-long parade of deals isn't limited to tech gadgets. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is also appealing to Americans' appetites -- and holiday plans -- with $5 turkeys, 12-pounds each. For a closer look at the retailer's $20 Thanksgiving dinner package, check out exactly what's on the menu here.

Sears: Diamonds on Sale… Need We Say More?

The new Black Friday at Sears? The Friday before Halloween. In its race to roll out bargains, the retailer launched a premature holiday shopping season… one month early, in fact. But don't fret. You didn't miss your chance. Sears will continue its "Black Friday Now" deals every Saturday, from 7 a.m. until 12 p.m., up until Christmas.

Offers include $80 diamond stud earrings, regularly sold for $260, as well as the ProForma XP elliptical machine for $400, regularly $700. Sears is also offering 50 percent off a Craftsman 302-piece mechanic's tool set, which equals a $200 discount, and 50 percent off a variety of DieHard and Covington workboots. On November 7, as an exclusive offer, Sears will sell 42-inch Zenith Plasma TVs for $500, compared to its regular price of $650.

Best Buy: $1,000 Giveaway

Unlike Wal-Mart and Sears, Best Buy Co. has yet to show any sure signs that Black Friday is arriving early. However, it too is redefining Black Friday in a sense, thanks to its second annual Black Friday VIP contest. And it's an offer you should know about before it's too late.

The consumer-electronics retailer is hosting an online essay contest, prompting customers to share in 250 words or less what they are most excited for this Black Friday. Stories may be submitted at www.bestbuyvipcontest.com November 2-20. One winner from each of 25 eligible markets will be awarded a $1,000 Best Buy gift card, a limousine ride to and from the designated Best Buy store, special seating for three guests and early store admittance at 4:30 a.m. on Black Friday. Now there's a way to kick off your holiday shopping in style.

Do you plan to shop at these stores to take advantage of an early Black Friday? Have you heard of other retailers offering Black Friday deals far in advance? Share your thoughts here.

-- The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.

Message Edited by Renee_DeFranco on 11-05-2009 01:19 PM