5 Walmart Items Retirees Should Avoid When Black Friday Arrives
Written by
Josephine Nesbit
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Black Friday is the most highly anticipated shopping day of the year, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best time to buy everything. Not every deal is worth the money, even at Walmart, and some items are sometimes better to buy at other times of the year, especially for retirees.
Most seniors and retirees live on a fixed income, which means they often have a limited budget for Black Friday. Here are five Walmart items retirees should avoid when Black Friday arrives and why they aren’t worth buying.
Electronics
Black Friday deals often promote mid-tier or lower-quality versions of electronics that may not last very long. According to The Motley Fool, retailers can afford to cut electronics prices by hundreds of dollars because they’re not giving shoppers the same costlier items normally found on shelves.
The website noted that retailers commonly have electronics made specifically for Black Friday sales, and they may be lower in quality and not worth the money. For example, a TV that usually sells for $1,200 but is on sale for $800 during Black Friday may not be the standard model but a derivative model made of inferior components that are more likely to break down over time.Â
Furniture and Mattresses
Furniture and mattresses are big investments, so it usually pays to wait until they go on sale. However, this doesn’t mean Black Friday is the best time to buy them.
DealNews pointed out that these types of purchases favor in-store rather than online shopping, which may be difficult if you can’t make it to the store or have family obligations.
Luckily, DealNews reported that there are other opportunities to find furniture and mattresses at a discount, such as on Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day weekends.
Holiday Decor
Now may seem like the best time to stock up on decorations, but holiday-themed items tend to be cheaper during post-season sales.
This is because they’re in high demand during the holiday season. Instead, shop clearance sales after Christmas and into the new year.
Gift Cards
There are plenty of gift card deals on Black Friday, but DealNews recommends waiting until December for better offers.
The best gift card deals are typically in December when retailers provide promotions with extra cash for a minimum purchase. For example, a $50 gift card with a bonus $10 gift card.
DealNews noted that they have seen threshold purchases ranging from $25 to $100, with bonuses between $5 and $25, depending on the restaurant or retailer.
Winter Clothing
Similar to purchasing holiday decor, the best time to purchase winter wear is when it’s not in high demand — typically when spring fashion hits shelves.
DealNews noted that the best clothing deals on Black Friday will likely be fall apparel, and if you want to update your winter wardrobe, January and February will have the lowest prices.
Editor’s note: Prices are accurate as of Nov. 26, 2024. Prices and availability may vary by location.
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