by Big holiday weekend promotions were back in full swing this Memorial Day as many retailers are now trying to counter a slowdown in consumer foot traffic and sales. Many went big on their offers in an effort that not only attempted to drive traffic during the weekend, but also in the days and weeks ahead as some promotions are continuing into the month of June.
Discounts were significant, of course largely depending on the inventory levels in various categories. In addition to double-digit discounts, many promoted interest-free financing or special financing at rates lower than typical credit card rates, a traditional but changing sales tactic aimed at spreading the consumer’s investment over time. Others offered tens of thousands of dollars in cash prizes in the form of shopping sprees, while other retailers offered special coupon savings
Below is a snapshot of some of the highlights we spotted from retailers around the country.
Baer’s Memorial Day Sale ended Monday but offered consumers plenty of incentives ranging from deals up to 50% off, plus 18 months of interest-free financing. The retailer even sweetened the deal with its Baer’s Best Buys promotion.
Belfort Furniture offered consumers the chance to save as much as $50 for every $500 spent, along with the chance to receive instant rebates on select indoor and outdoor furniture and mattresses. Free design services were thrown in for those looking for some help with their interior design projects.
Bob’s Discount Furniture offered multiple levels of financing depending on how much the consumer spent on furniture. This new 60-month deal (9.99% interest) was based on a minimum purchase of $1,999 and is an example of a newly popular “low-interest” or “special financing” plans retailers have been transitioning to vs. long-term, no-interest promotions.
HOM Furniture’s promotion gave customers up to 30% off regular prices and $12 a month minimum payments over 72 months. This ad shows the Bevin sofa, available at $599, compared to $899, regularly.
Jerome’s promotion offered $100,000 in prizes, including a $5,000 shopping spree. Its ad also promoted the best prices on in-stock furniture, with special tabs consumers could click on for find a store and to see what was in stock.
Tyson Furniture also had a Memorial Day promotion that highlighted deals on some specific items including the ability to save up to $1,000 on select iComfort by Serta adjustable mattress sets. Its sale also extends for another two weeks on this specific item.
In this ad, Walter E. Smith salutes veterans who have served their country. Its promotion offered consumers a $250 coupon, plus 20% off their purchase. In addition, customers could choose 24 or 60 months special financing on their SmithCard.
Louis Shanks Memorial Day sale offered savings between 30% and 50% on an estimated $9 million in-stock inventory. Customers could also register for additional savings plus a chance to win $25,000.
Rotmans offered Memorial Day savings on mattresses available from leading manufacturers. In another promotion, customers could save up to $750 on other products, the slogan being, “The more you spend, the more you save!”
Raymour & Flanigan offered up to 35% off for its Memorial Day promotion in addition to additional discounts of 10% or 60 months financing with no interest.
A video on Miskelly Furniture’s website promoted the Jackson, Mississippi-based retailer’s Three Day Sale …
Including up to $500 off based on the size of a purchase …
And that special 60-month, no-money-down, low-interest financing.
Rooms To Go, meanwhile, went with its familiar coupons promotion, featuring more than 35 special offers including a Therapedic queen mattress for $299, a $199 modern accent chair offered in three colors and $600 off a seven-piece sectional living room package.
It was also among those sticking to the 60-month, no-interest financing promotion, a holiday standard from which some retailers now are trying to free themselves.
Big Lots played up 25% savings on its Broyhill furniture brand, up to 50% off all patio and 25% off all Sealy and Serta king and queen mattresses, among other things.
Williams-Sonoma brands, including Pottery Barn and West Elm, weren’t calling it a Memorial Day sale but used the familiar Warehouse Sale promotion it runs this time of year, offering up to 70% off. (Last year, it was offering up to 75% off.)
