BRAINERD — Before the trick-or-treaters even took to neighborhoods for Halloween, there were already sales advertised as early Black Friday deals just to show how far that term has now expanded from its beginnings on the day after Thanksgiving.

And one major retailer had the nerve to note it was the place to go for last minute gifts. What? Last minute gifts? Last minute gifts used to mean running to the jewelry counter on Christmas Eve.

Here’s a rundown from some of the major retailers. Also coming up, there are multiple Brainerd area craft sales, food and fall bazaars on the third weekend in November. The Kringle Market presented by the Crossing Arts Alliance opens to the public Nov. 23.

On Oct. 30, Target issued a news release that kicked off its holiday savings with early Black Friday sales plus daily and weekly deals. Those who are part of the Target Circle program have likely already seen pushes to their smartphones or watches for holiday deals.

Target reported it will have a guest-favorite deal of the day, which started Nov. 1, with deals of up to 50% off for Target Circle members. The deal of the day runs through Christmas Eve. Target Circle is free to join.

Other things to look for this season with Target:

• A new lineup of weeklong deals coming every Sunday as of Nov. 3,
• Early Black Friday sales, which Target describes as a new three-day holiday deals event is debuted this week — Nov. 7-9. 
• Holiday price match guarantee returns Nov. 7 to Dec. 24, which means the retailer will match the price of a purchased item if the price goes lower at Target later in the season and match select competitors’ pricing within 14 days of purchase. 

“We know consumers have a lot of choices when it comes to holiday shopping, so we’re leaning into what Target does better than anyone — great products, great prices and a shopping experience that’s easy and fun,” said Rick Gomez, Target executive vice president and chief commercial officer, in a news release. “With amazing deals all season, early Black Friday offers, exclusive deals for Target Circle members, an assortment full of exclusive-to-Target gift options for everyone on your list and our industry-leading Holiday Price Match Guarantee, our team is kicking off the holidays in a way only Target can.”

Target reported it is helping consumers this holiday season by recently reducing prices on more than 2,000 everyday items — including food, beverages, everyday essentials, holiday gifts and items needed to get households ready for the season and beyond.

Target also reported it has the largest holiday assortment ever with thousands of toys and over half of them are less than $20.

In May, Target announced it would cut prices on about 5,000 items and reported it surpassed its promise by lowering prices on 8,000 items year to date and by the end of the holiday season, the Minnesota-based retailer reported it will have lowered prices on more than 10,000 items during the year.

Walmart unveiled its holiday plans in mid-September stating it was introducing earlier, longer windows for holiday savings.

“Walmart is kicking off the holiday shopping season earlier than ever, unveiling its plans to help customers have a memorable holiday season with consistently low prices and a convenient experience no matter when, where or how they choose to shop all season long,” Walmart stated in a news release. “This year, nearly 50% of consumers will start their holiday shopping as early as August and September 1, as people remain price-conscious and plan ahead to maximize their holiday budgets.”

Walmart had its first Holiday Deals event in October.

“We know many of our customers are beginning to prepare for their holiday celebrations early, and we’ve adapted our approach to best meet their needs,” said Latriece Watkins, Walmart U.S. executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, in a news release. “We’ve worked hard to lower prices across our most exciting assortment ever, and we’re thrilled to give customers more of what they want this holiday — more time to prepare and more opportunities to save all season long.”

Walmart said deals on top gifts started Oct. 8 in stores.

Black Friday deals start Nov. 11 for Walmart+ paid members and then for all customers and in stores Nov. 15. The second event begins Nov. 25 for Walmart+ members and then Nov. 29 for all customers. Cyber Monday deals will start at 4 p.m. Dec. 1 for Walmart+ members and then 7 p.m. for all customers at walmart.com and with the app.

Walmart also reports it is harnessing AI to give customers “highly personalized, convenient experiences,” with a shopping assistant.

Best Buy announced its Black Friday deals started Nov. 8 with new doorbusters every Friday and Black Friday deals from Nov. 8-20, a Black Friday sale Nov. 21-30 and Cyber Monday sale Dec. 1-2.

“We’re dropping new doorbusters on select tech every Friday — starting Nov. 8 through Dec. 20 — on the Best Buy App, BestBuy.com and in stores,” Best Buy reported. “These doorbusters are some of the hottest deals of the season on top tech, and to make it even sweeter, Plus and Total members get early access every Thursday before they’re available to everyone.

“Our Black Friday Sale kicks off more than a week early this year. Starting Thursday, Nov. 21, we’ll have incredible deals on thousands of gifts and top brands. Doorbusters that dropped earlier in the month will return, along with new doorbusters on Friday, Nov. 22 and Black Friday.”

Best Buy said it is taking gift-giving to the next level as customers can experience tech in stores with displays and the Minnesota-based company is bringing back its Holiday Gifting Center online as a resource for the “hottest gift ideas and curated gift lists from crafting and self-care to traveling and gaming.”

The Best Buy app will give customers access to product releases, limited runs, launches and savings. And Best Buy’s YouTube channel has more than 30 videos to help customers discover must-have tech this holiday season, the company reported. Best Buy is also offering a price match guarantee, started extending store hours as of Nov. 3 and extended holiday return and exchange policy for most gifts purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31 through Jan. 14.

Kohl’s also began its Black Friday Early Access event on Nov. 3 with shoppers earning Kohl’s Cash for specific dollars spent, which is a repeated deal this month, and the offer of $10 off a $25 purchase Nov. 10-11.

The retailer’s Black Friday Sweepstakes promises surprise savings and instant-win prizes for the first 200 customers in every Kohl’s store nationwide on Black Friday. Stores will open at 5 a.m. Nov. 24. The Sweepstakes has an opportunity to win one of 200,000 prizes valued at more than $1 million, Kohl’s reported. On Veterans Day, active and former military personnel, veterans and their families receive 40% off qualifying in-store purchases from Nov. 10 through Nov. 12 with valid military ID.

A week of Black Friday deals on “hundreds of must-have holiday gifts” at Kohl’s beginning at 12:01 a.m. Nov. 19 online and 8 a.m. in store through Nov. 24.

“New this year, customers who receive game pieces revealing $5-$50 in Kohl’s Cash via the Sweepstakes can redeem their winning Kohl’s Cash immediately — making shopping at Kohl’s this Black Friday even more rewarding,” Kohl’s reported.

Kohl’s reports it will also have super Saturdays — Nov. 11 and Nov. 18 — with special deals. Such as customers being able to take an additional 20% off a qualifying purchase from Nov. 10-18.

Kohl’s will offer limited-time Black Friday Super Deals online Nov. 23, and in store and online on Nov. 24.

RENEE RICHARDSON, Brainerd Dispatch managing editor, may be reached at 218-855-5852 or

renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com

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