What to buy in November and when to shop for the best deals
November brings Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but do you need to wait till then? When should you shop to find the lowest prices?
Scripps News
Though it’s not the one-day shopping bonanza it used to be, Black Friday is still a staple for shoppers looking for post-Thanksgiving Day deals from local and national retailers.
The National Retail Federation is forecasting a record-high $902 per person spend this holiday season, with about two-thirds of that total going toward gift purchases.
That forecast includes an overall 2.5% to 3.5% rise in holiday spending this November and December over the same time last year.
There’s no shortage of national retailers advertising deals for Black Friday — some of which have been offered in the weeks ahead of the actual day — in addition to local businesses offering time-limited sales and local markets that open on Black Friday.
With Thanksgiving falling later on the calendar this year, the window between Turkey Day and Christmas is on the shorter end, at just 27 days.
Here’s what to know about Black Friday holiday shopping in Louisville:
When are Louisville area malls open on Black Friday?
Paristown’s Fete de Noel, 731 Brent St.
- What: This free market at Paristown’s Fete de Noel at 731 Brent St., off Broadway, returns for its sixth year with 20 local pop-up vendors from Louisville and the surrounding area selling specialty gifts. Besides the market, visitors can also find an ice skating rink, train rides, pictures with Santa, and seasonal food and drink.
- When: The market’s first day of operation is Black Friday, Nov. 29, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Runs assorted hours, generally 11 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m., Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, Dec. 13-15, Dec. 20-24. Check paristown.com/fetedenoel for a full listing of hours of operation.
Floyds Knobs Community Club, 4032 Weber Lane, Floyds Knobs, Indiana
- What: Kicking off on Black Friday, this free, two-day market is back for its 44th year with a selection of gifts from local crafters and artisans.
- When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 29-30
Outside of Black Friday (and Small Business Saturday), there are other opportunities to shop locally at holiday pop-ups in the Louisville area.
Mall St. Matthews, 5000 Shelbyville Road, between Champs and JCPenney
- What: This holiday pop-up market at Mall St. Matthews, between Champs and JCPenney, centers on Black entrepreneurs and showcases an assortment of gifts from hundreds of Black-owned brands.
- When: During mall hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Christmas Eve.
3rd Turn Oldham Gardens, 6300 Old Lagrange Road in Oldham County
- What: Shop local vendors at this free event situated in a greenhouse setting while enjoying seasonal foods and drink specials.
- When: 5-10 p.m. Dec. 6 and Dec. 13, 1-10 p.m. Dec. 7 and Dec. 14, and 12-6 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15
Mellwood Art Center, 1860 Mellwood Ave.
- What: More than 90 vendors will assemble for a one-day-only holiday shopping event offering a lineup of local and national vendors to showcase their handiworks. $5 admission.
- When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 7
The plaza at Fourth and Jefferson streets in downtown Louisville
- What: Find assorted holiday gifts from local vendors at this free outdoor market, in the plaza at Fourth and Jefferson streets, formerly known as Aegon Plaza, which is part of the Light Up Louisville Festivities.
- When: 3-9 p.m. Dec. 7
Mellwood Art Center, 1860 Mellwood Ave.
- What: Returning for another year is the holiday bazaar from the Flea Off Market, where more than 200 artists, makers, and other vendors will have unique offerings to stock stuffings and place under the tree.
- When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 21 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 22.
Reach growth and development reporter Matthew Glowicki at mglowicki@courier-journal.com or 502-582-4000.