NEW YORK — From free shipping from Wal-Mart to Sears stores open on Thanksgiving for the first time, the battle for holiday shoppers’ dollars has begun in earnest.
The early competition to break through shoppers’ caution about spending promises savings for those willing to buy amid an economy that’s still worrying many. It also promises convenience. Retailers are offering deals any time, anywhere — via websites, smartphones and Facebook.
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving that typically kicks off holiday shopping, is being marketed as “Black Friday week” and, for some stores, “Black Friday month.”
As for Thanksgiving, some retailers such as Sears and Gap’s Old Navy hope shoppers will head to stores after they finish their turkey feasts. On the Web, Kohl’s and Target are among many merchants drastically stepping up deals that day, counting on that holiday to be one of the busiest days of the year online.
Wal-Mart is clearly going for the jugular in the holiday retailing fight. It announced Thursday that it will offer free shipping on nearly 60,000 online items — with no minimum purchase requirement. The offer, which includes most electronics, jewelry and toys, will run through Dec. 20. Return shipping is also free, or items can be returned to a local store.
