"Money is a terrible master but an excellent servant." - P.T. Barnum

SavingAdvice.com Blog

Bridging the gap between saving money and investing

macys

Macy’s Christmas Store Hours 2018

By 1 Comment

Macy's Christmas Store Hours

Many people have switched to shopping online for Christmas gifts. However, last-minute shoppers will need to head out to the store to ensure they have their gifts on time. In order to cater to these last-minute shoppers, some retailers have extended hours the days leading up to Christmas. Here are this year’s Macy’s Christmas store hours.

Extended Macy’s Christmas Store Hours

Like many other retailers, Macy’s is a store that offers up extended holiday hours before Christmas. In recent years, Macy’s has been open 24 hours a day in the days leading up to the holiday. However, that isn’t the case this year but the retailer is still offering extended hours for shoppers.

  • Friday, December 21: Macy’s will be open from 7 a.m. until midnight.
  • Saturday, December 22: Macy’s locations will be open until midnight.
  • Sunday, December 23: You will be able to shop at Macy’s from open until 12 a.m.
  • Christmas Eve: Monday, December 24: Macy’s will close early on Christmas Eve. Most stores will be closed by 6 p.m.
  • Christmas Day: Tuesday, December 25: Macy’s will be closed.

These holiday hours only apply to Macy’s locations able to stay open until midnight though. Stores located within a mall may have different hours. For instance, the Macy’s in Charlotte, NC, located in the mall will close at 10 p.m. If you’re curious as to what hours the Macy’s nearest you is, give them a call or check the company’s website to verify the hours.

Last-Minute Holiday Shopping at Macy’s

Avoiding the holiday crowds in the days before Christmas can be difficult but you can do it if you’re willing to shop at odd hours. Because Macy’s is offering extended hours from 7 a.m. (or 8 a.m. in some locations) until midnight, you can hit the store at calmer hours. So, instead of going after work, you can try and hit the store early in the morning or later at night. The same goes for other retailers at this time of year. If you hit the store at an odd hour, you’re less likely to run into any huge crowds.

As always, make a list before you head out and have a budget in mind. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is easy to forget what you are looking for. Having a list will ensure you get out of the store as quickly as possible without going over budget. By spending a little time to create a list before you go, you’ll save yourself much more time and stress than you ever thought.

Photo: Clotee Pridgen Allochuku

Read More

Major Retail Stores Open on Memorial Day 2018

By Leave a Comment

Retail Stores Open on Memorial Day
You might have Monday, May 28 off of work in observance of Memorial Day — and plenty of retailers hope you’ll spend some of it in shopping. Here’s a quick look at the retail stores open on Memorial Day and which ones are having sales.

Best Buy

Best Buy will be open all holiday weekend and offering amazing deals. Among the highlights are savings of up to 40 percent off appliances. And with certain purchases, shoppers will receive a free Google Home speaker (a $129 value).

BJ’s Wholesale Club

BJ’s Wholesale Club will be open on May 28. While the retailer has yet to announce any sales focused on the holiday, it’s possible there may be deals on outdoor equipment and grilling supplies.

Costco

Unfortunately, Costco will be closed on Memorial Day — but you still can shop on the retailer’s website that day.

And while Costco isn’t holding any Memorial Day-specific sales, the warehouse retailer is offering $70 off on tires through June 17.

Home Depot

This retailer will be open on Memorial Day and its sales include up to 20 percent off grills and smokers, up to40 percent off appliances, 20 percent off select tools, and up to 40 percent off select paint cans and buckets.

Lowe’s

Lowe’s will be open on Memorial Day, providing discounts of up to 30 percent off select household appliances, grills, power tools, and gardening items. All active duty military and veterans will receive 10 percent discount — and, if you have a Lowe’s credit card, you can save an additional 5 percent.

Macy’s

Macy’s will be open on Memorial Day, and the retailer is offering savings of up to 75 percent off items throughout the store. You can also save on purchases via the retailer’s website.

Sam’s Club

Like its parent company Walmart, Sam’s Club will be open on Memorial Day. Similar to Walmart, the membership club will be offering savings on mattresses, furniture, appliances, outdoor gear, and electronics.

Sears

Sears will be open on Memorial Day, and there are savings of up to 40 percent off on appliances. Plus you get free shipping on any appliance order over $399.99.

Walmart

Walmart will be open on Memorial Day — as it is every day of the year except for Christmas.

The retailer is offering some great deals on mattresses for Memorial Day (some are below $100) and shoppers will be able to get 85 percent off electronics on clearance. Walmart also has some baby gear and furniture marked 20 percent off.

Target

Target will also be open on Memorial Day and is offering: 30 percent off patio and home furniture, 15 percent off mattresses and 30 percent off bedding.

You’ll also be able to save money on swimsuits at Target this weekend, with ladies swim gear starting at $12 and kids’ swimwear starting at $8.

Retail Stores Open Memorial Day

Before you head out to shop on Monday, make sure you know the store will, in fact, be open. And, of course, always compare prices to be sure you’re getting the best deal.

Readers, will you be taking advantage of any Memorial Day sales this year? And what sort of plans are you making for the holiday weekend?

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Read More

Target and Wal-Mart Express Stores Comparison

By 1 Comment

Walmart-Target Express Stores
Retailers have always had steep competition when it comes to prices. Grocers as well as clothing retailers are always keeping a close eye on their competitors prices to be sure they are offering the best deal for the customers. One way some retailers have been doing this is by opening up “express stores.” Macy’s was one of the first companies to take advantage of the outlet-style stores when it opened “Macy’s Backstage.” Other companies like Nordstrom, Walmart and Target have since followed.

Walmart and Target compete in more ways than one, and in recent years, it is more than just about where you can receive the best deal. Walmart made plans to open its first express market in 2011 in an effort to boost sales, but reports now state, despite their increase of smaller stores two years ago, the corporation will be closing all 102 of their Express stores across the United States this year. Conversely, Target CEO Brian Cornell plans to build smaller versions of the chain, with a handful already opened last year. Regardless of Walmart’s failures with these markets, there is still hope for success from Target’s attempts at this route. Why?

  • Target’s brand is better suited for the urban markets than Walmart. Walmart’s format is still very much focused on a superstore mindset. The retailer wanted to offer the same deals and selection at the same price in a smaller arrangement, but it does not seem reasonable for the purpose of an express shop, which is meant for the quick shopper.
  • Walmart apparently did not have a clear strategy, as many of their smaller stores were built in less populated areas, and these reduced versions of the big boxes obviously do not generate as much in sales, thus needing to depend on more foot traffic in order to even make ends meet.
  • Target provides more merchandise such as clothes and home goods for sale where Walmart stocks its shelves with more groceries. Unfortunately for the Sam Walton company, this creates an inventory problem as perishable items are much more difficult to keep stocked.
  • Target is looking to move some focus of its stores to act as mini-warehouses in order to fill purchases from online as well as considering partnering with some companies to do at-home deliveries.
  • The red and white logo chain is learning from Walmart’s mistakes. Even though Walmart has more experience with this move to small stores in both years and numbers, Cornell is studying the faults and criticisms Walmart faced as he moves forward in his decision for these quick shops.

It will be interesting to see where the mini-Targets go, but according to the critics and numbers, it seems to be headed in the right direction. What are your thoughts on this move? Do you think that Target will make enough money from these mini stores to make a true difference in revenue? Other retailers may follow in their footsteps if it proves to be successful, which may change the face of the retail world forever.

Photo: Flickr: Mike Mozart

Macy’s Announces Store Closures, Expect to See More

By 1 Comment

You have probably heard about retail giant Macy’s most recent announcement about closing stores and laying off employees, and potentially leaving malls in the dust as well. Many shoppers have changed what they are looking for in retail, making it hard for many stores to remain open. Many people are searching for good deals or purchasing comfortable athletic gear. Stores, such as Macy’s and Nordstrom, have struggled to keep up with the trends. Now, many of them of having trouble keeping doors open through 2016.

Macy’s


Macy's Store Closures
Photo: Flickr: Mike Mozart


Last week, Macy’s announced 36 store closures and a significant amount of layoffs. The company also announced that holiday sales fell an astounding 4.7 percent, blaming the unseasonably warm weather for the lack of sales in winter gear. In addition to the holiday sales fail, the company has also seen nearly a 50 percent decline in stock during the last 12 months. The retail giant, which relies on the sales of purses and clothing, has not seen a lot of newness in apparel. Now, it is facing competition from newer retailers like H&M and TJ Maxx. However, the company has formed a restructuring plan and is likely to weather the storm.

Nordstrom


Nordstrom Sales
Photo: Flickr: Mike Mozart


As far as department stores go, Nordstrom is one of the strongest, but the company is still facing the same problems as Macy’s. This includes the competition from the newer companies as well as falling sales. Since last year, Nordstrom stock has fallen 42 percent. Nordstrom has possibly had a harder time with sales because, unlike Macy’s, it does not offer any big sales. This makes it difficult to compete against many other companies. Its discount retail store, Nordstrom Rack, has not seen much traffic either because of its lack of merchandise. It only sells clothing, which is a weak item on the market currently.

Aeropostale

Aeropostale Sales
Photo: Flickr: Mike Mozart

Aeropostale shares have fallen to under $1 per share, which is troubling for the company. They have struggled with the falling clothing market as well as other hip retail stores popping up all over the place. It seems not many teens, or anyone else, are concerned with having the Aeropostale name on their clothing. During the third quarter, the company suffered a 20 percent decline in sales.

Sears

Sears Sales
Photo: Flickr: Mike Mozart

Sears has been squeezed by many other companies. Places like Lowe’s and Home Depot are now selling appliances, which Sears used to lead the market in. In addition, its apparel sales have been snuffed out by places like Target. Overall, Sears’ stores are just outdated. Many people don’t want to shop in Sears because they’ve not put any work into their displays or the look of the stores. In the new year, Sears is focusing on restoring profitability to the company through its stores. However, it is not yet foreseeable whether the company will achieve that goal or not.

HH Gregg

HH Gregg Sales
Photo: Flickr: Mike Kalasnik

HH Gregg is a regional retail store, not all states have one. However, the company has seen a significant fall in sales due to a number of factors. Rural areas in particular have seen a significant decrease in sales. The company has also been hurt in electronic sales by Amazon and Best Buy. Sales for various products have fallen between 11 and 35 percent, and since last year, sales have fallen 64 percent.

The retail world is changing, and it seems some of the biggest and most well-known companies are being hit hard. Some will close stores, others will enact aggressive plans to push through. It is likely that we may see these stores slowly fade out over time.

Christmas Eve Store Hours 2015

By 2 Comments

Christmas Eve Store Hours

Many people will be hitting the stores on Thursday to get their last-minute buys our of the way. If you are one of those people, it may be important to know what is and what is not open on Christmas Eve. Many stores have altered hours and will not be open as long as they usually are. For those who will be hitting different stores to get those last-minute gifts for family and friends, below you’ll find the Christmas Eve store hours for some of the top retail stores.

The hours below are the Christmas Eve hours for most stores, but these hours can vary from location-to-location. This is especially true for stores located in malls, which can have time restrictions placed on them. If you plan to shop any of these stores on Christmas Eve, call your local store to confirm their actual hours for the day, so you know your store is an exception and closed before you get there.

What hours is Walmart open on Christmas Eve?

Walmart will be open until 8:00 PM Christmas Eve. Walmart’s holiday hours are pretty close to their regular store hours, but Walmart is closed on Christmas, the only day of the year the store is closed.

What hours is Costco open on Christmas Eve?

Costco will be open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Christmas Eve. This is actually an hour earlier than Costco normally opens, and it also closes an hour earlier than a typical Wednesday. You can see all of Costco’s holiday hours here. Costco does close on Christmas Day.

What hours is Target open on Christmas Eve?

Target will be open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm on Christmas Eve. While this isn’t as late as the midnight closing Target has for Monday through Wednesday, it’s still later than many other retailers for those still haven’t found the right gift when darkness falls. Target stores will be closed on Christmas Day.

What hours is Macy’s open on Christmas Eve?

Macy’s will be open until 6:00 pm on Christmas Eve. Macy’s stores took holiday shopping hours to a whole new level, deciding to stay open 24 hours a day through many of the last days before December 25, but the stores will be closing at a relatively early hour on Christmas Eve. Macy’s will be closed on Christmas Day.

What hours is JC Penny open on Christmas Eve?

JC Penny stores will be open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on Christmas Eve. This is an earlier close than on Monday through Wednesday, when JC Penny is open until midnight. JC Penny will be closed Christmas Day.

What hours is Toys R Us open on Christmas Eve?

Toys R Us will be open until 9:00 pm on Christmas Eve for those who still need to find gifts for the kids. The children’s store has some extended hours the week of Christmas, but they vary from store-to-store. One thing is for sure though, the will not be open on Christmas.

What hours is Sears open on Christmas Eve?

Sears will be open from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm on Christmas Eve. The store will remain open longer than many other retail outlets which close in the early evening. However, many Sears stores are located in the mall, so the hours may differ. Sears will be closed on Christmas Day.

What hours is Kmart open on Christmas Eve?

Kmart will be open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm on Christmas Eve. Kmart is another store staying open later than most other stores on December 24, giving you a chance to get that last-second gift with only hours to spare. Kmart will be closed on Christmas Day.

What hours is Best Buy open on Christmas Eve?

Best Buy will be open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm on Christmas Eve, so if you want to get those on your list electronics at the last minute, you can’t wait until night. Best Buy will be closed on Christmas Day.

Again, store hours can vary from location to location, so while the above listed Christmas Eve hours should be generally accurate, it’s important to call to confirm with your local store.

What Time Will Walmart and Other Retailers Be Open on Thanksgiving 2016?

By 1 Comment

Thanksgiving Hours

 

Many retailers have begun to open their doors for Black Friday sales on Thanksgiving. Walmart, Target, Best Buy, J.C. Penny and many other major retailers will be opening their doors after Thanksgiving dinner, but what time will they open?

The retailers who are choosing to open their doors on the Thanksgiving holiday include big names like Walmart, Kohl’s, Sears, Best Buy, Target, Toys R Us, Macy’s, J.C. Penny, K Mart and many more. Here is a list of each stores opening times:

• Walmart Black Friday Sale Starts at 6 p.m.

• Target Black Friday Sales starts at 6 p.m.

• Best Buy Sales start at 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day

• Toys R Us will start its sale at 5 p.m.

• J.C. Penny will be amongst the earliest to open its doors at 3 p.m.

• Kohl’s Black Friday Sale will start at 6p.m. on Thanksgiving

• Sears will also open its doors at 6 p.m. Thursday

• Macy’s is scheduled to open at 6 p.m. Thursday

• K-Mart will also open its doors Thursday at 7 p.m.

• Bon Ton will open at 5 p.m.

• Old Navy will start its Black Friday Sale at 4 p.m. Thanksgiving Day

• Shopko will also start its sale at 4 p.m.

• HH Gregg is also slated to open its doors at 4 p.m.

• Family Dollar will open at 7 a.m. Thanksgiving and will be open all day

• Modell’s (Sporting Goods) will be opening on Thursday at 6 p.m.

• Dick’s (Sporting Goods) will open at the same time as Modell’s

• Office Depot will also open at 6 p.m. Thursday

• Bealls Florida will open at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day

• Gordman’s will begin its sale at 6p.m.

• Sports Authority will also start its sale at 6 p.m. on Thursday

• Walgreens will be open at 8 a.m.

• Farm & Home Supply will start its sale at 6 p.m. Thanksgiving Day

• Five Below Black Friday Sale will start a day early at 6 p.m.

• Meijer will be open at 7 a.m. on Thursday

• Dollar General will also open at 7 a.m.

• Stage Stores Black Friday Sale starts Thursday at 2 p.m.

• Peebles will also open at 2 p.m.

• Goody’s will join the few stores opening before 5 p.m. at 2 p.m.

• Bealls will open at 2 p.m. as well

• Michaels (Craft Store) will open at 4 p.m. on Thursday

• Belk will start its sale on Thursday at 6 p.m.

• Rite Aid Pharmacy will have its doors open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and will have Black Friday sales

• Burkes Outlet Black Friday Sale will start on Thursday at 6 p.m.

• Reeds Jewelers will open at midnight on Thursday, following the traditional Black Friday sales time

• Gander Mountain will be open at 8 a.m. on Thursday

• Sears Outlet will open at 6 p.m. Thursday for its Black Friday Sales event

• RadioShack will open its doors at 8 a.m. Thursday

Many stores will be opening their doors for special sales on Thursday. Some will even be open all day, so if you have a gift for someone special that you need to buy, be sure to look at each store’s sales and get a good idea of where you need to be and when.