(Bloomberg)—Don’t look now, but Black Friday’s already begun.
Walmart Inc. and Best Buy Co., No. 3 and No. 8 in the Internet Retailer 2018 Top 1000, are among the big retailers to unveil holiday deals Thursday on products like ultra-high-definition smart televisions, laptops and gaming consoles. Amazon.com Inc. (No. 1) is also touting its Black Friday discounts early, while Target Corp. (No. 17) will roll out offers on home décor and bedding this weekend.
The frenzy shows the rules are changing as retailers prepare to battle for what could be the strongest holiday period in years—fueled by robust consumer confidence and low unemployment. Retail sales increased 6.1% in the week ended Nov. 3, providing additional momentum for U.S. chains that are dangling free shipping and other enticements to grab bargain-seeking early shoppers.
This year’s X factor is the demise of Toys R Us (No. 38), which has put as much as $100 billion in sales up for grabs, according to Target. The bankruptcy of Sears Holding Corp. (No. 24) may create additional openings for big retailers.
Holiday sales are seen increasing 5.8% this year and surpassing $1 trillion for the first time, according to researcher eMarketer.
Black Friday—the day after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday—traditionally marks the start of the holiday shopping season.
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