Published reports say that a number of retailers – including Wal-Mart, Meijer and Best Buy – have decided to change their approach to Black Friday advertising.
Black Friday, of course, is the day after Thanksgiving in the US, the day on which many retailers offer enormous sales and promotions as a way of ump-starting the holiday shopping season. Increasingly, retailers have been frustrated when their sale plans have leaked early via the Internet, and Wal-Mart recently threatened to sue websites that were posting their Black Friday ads, which normally come out in the Thanksgiving newspapers.
Now, these three chains have already begun publicizing their Black Friday specials, theorizing that this would allow them to better control the flow of information.
Black Friday, of course, is the day after Thanksgiving in the US, the day on which many retailers offer enormous sales and promotions as a way of ump-starting the holiday shopping season. Increasingly, retailers have been frustrated when their sale plans have leaked early via the Internet, and Wal-Mart recently threatened to sue websites that were posting their Black Friday ads, which normally come out in the Thanksgiving newspapers.
Now, these three chains have already begun publicizing their Black Friday specials, theorizing that this would allow them to better control the flow of information.
- KC's View:
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First of all, I’d expect some surprises when Black Friday actually rolls around. It would simply be smart of these retailers not to show all their cards.
Second, I applaud the shift in strategy. In fact, it was what I suggested in this space back on October 19…not that I’m taking any credit for the decisions.
