Ronald Friedman, Co-Leader, Retail/Consumer Products Industry Group, Quoted in Los Angeles Times Article "Wal-Mart to Offer Black Friday Deals Earlier on Thanksgiving"
Los Angeles Times
By Shan Li
Excerpt:
Retail giant Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is kicking off its Black Friday deals earlier than ever, as more stores open their doors for holiday deals even before shoppers have polished off turkey dinners.
Hoping to curb shopper frustration that has marred some past Black Friday shopping, the world’s biggest retailer is also guaranteeing that shoppers in line at a certain time on Thanksgiving will get their hands on three hot deals for the holidays.
Although many Wal-Mart stores are open all day on Thanksgiving, special holiday promotions will begin at 8 p.m., two hours earlier than last year. Other deals on electronics, jewelry and even tires will be staggered throughout the night.
“If they get the word out that if a store runs out, people shouldn’t panic and they can still get the deal, that will help with the crowds,” said Ron Friedman, a retail expert at accounting and advisory firm Marcum in Los Angeles. “That is a smart move to prevent what happened last year, which really gave Wal-Mart a black eye.”
