Thursday, November 1, 2012
Have you started your holiday shopping already? Sound off in our poll.
So, it's the day after Halloween — is it too early to start thinking about holiday shopping? For some residents and businesses, the Christmas lights will be hung as soon as the Halloween decorations come down. But hardcore shoppers know when their dream season begins. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, has become the accepted if unofficial start time of the Christmas rush. It's a huge day for retailers but only the first of a roughly month-long extravaganza. And thanks to Abe Lincoln, who decreed Thanksgiving a national holiday, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who signed into law that it should fall on the fourth Thursday in November, and Pope Gregory XIII, who blessed the calendar we use by papal bull, 2012 has the longest possible …
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Set for Saturday, Nov. 26, the American Express campaign promotes local, brick and mortar businesses.
Some businesses earn the majority of their profits during the holiday shopping season, and in a struggling economy, those dollars are even more important. American Express has created a campaign specifically designed to help small, local brick-and-mortar enterprises draw more shoppers. "Small Business Saturday" is scheduled Nov. 26, and area shops including Bella's Short Stacks in Algonquin are promoting the program. Although many area businesses don't know what it is, they may just reap benefits from it anyway. "I had to Google it to find out what it was," said Russell Farnum, Algonquin’s community development director. "We're really not doing anything with that because it would be difficult to promote one local business over another." …
Friday, November 25, 2011
Check out some of these deals from local businesses in the area.
- HOLIDAY GUIDE
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Friday, November 25, 2011
Big-box stores aren't the only businesses offering Black Friday deals this holiday season. Check out some of these local businesses offering shopping opportunities throughout the area. Barrington Spend $50 in shoes or boots get $50 in gift certificates from Young Tootsies Children's Shoes in the Ice House Mall. The deal is good through 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Customers who spend $75 you are also eligible for $100 gift certificate drawing that is good for all stores there. Learning Express Toys is offering 20 percent off everything through Nov. 28. Participating Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce businesses are offering $12 for a $25 gift certificate. Barrington Home Shoppe is offering 20 percent off almost everything in the store from 8…
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Mother of three, Jill Cataldo, shares holiday shopping tips with Patch.com.
Looking for the lowdown on the best Black Friday deals? Coupon queen Jill Cataldo shares what's new this holiday shopping season and offers useful tips for those wanting — and willing — to brave the crowds in search of a great deal. As founder of Super-Couponing workshops and author of the nationally-syndicated newspaper column, “Coupon Queen,” delivered to more than 20 million people each week, Cataldo makes her living by knowing how to save big and find great deals. “I think this year one thing new we’re seeing is stores promoting Black Midnight,” said Cataldo, who is leaving this week for a national media tour to talk about couponing and holiday savings. Instead of opening at 5 or 6 a.m., many big retailers like Wal-mart, Target and …
Friday, November 26, 2010
Some walked away with new computers while others were satisfied with simply stocking up on groceries.
The holiday shopping season has officially begun. At Best Buy this morning, cars swarmed the parking lot and shoppers were greeted by a friendly security guard who wished everyone a good morning. Inside, special discounts on televisions, iPods and computers lured prospective buyers. The store was well-staffed, but employees were not allowed to speak to reporters about the event. Some customers left the store empty-handed, but others, like Rocior Reynoso of Elgin, bought a new desktop computer and printer. This was not her first time shopping on Black Friday morning. "We look for the sales, and depending on what we need, that's what we go for," Reynoso said. She arrived at Best Buy at 5 a.m. and waited a half hour to enter the store, as the…
Police were present at some stores to ensure safety for shoppers.
Best Buy, Toys"R"Us, Victoria's Secret, Walmart, Target and other Algonquin stores opened their doors early on Black Friday with limited-time specials and deals for early-morning shoppers.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Many stores will be opening as early as midnight.
Black Friday is typically one of the largest shopping days of the year—and this year will be no different. Stores are opening earlier and offering sales for longer lengths of time. Local retailers predict large numbers and have been preparing stores for weeks already. "As far as preparations go, we are making sure to be fully staffed, plan for long lines and ticketing (of items)," explained Best Buy employee, Tiffany Novak. "We expect 150 or more people at the opening," she added. Best Buy will open its doors at 5 a.m. and some of the most anticipated items include: Algonquin Wal-Mart offers door-buster sales from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. including: Stores nationwide have been offering Christmas sample items since the middle of October to give …
BELVA THOMAS
12:01 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012
There are loved ones that I would love to give gifts to just because I love them and and it is Christmas. But I have decided to skip gift giving and Christmas shopping this year for two sensible reasons. 1 - I am out of work and feel whatever funds I have should be wisely used for things that are vital like utilities, mortgage, food etc. 2 - I've carefuly examined that list and determined that … more ›