# Black Friday Deals Start Earlier

> Retailers offer early holiday sales as inflation pressures rise.
- Title: Black Friday Deals Start Earlier · Chicago Sun-Times
- Summary: Retailers offer early holiday sales as inflation pressures rise. Chicago retailers began Black Friday deals in October to attract shoppers amid economic…
- Keywords: black friday, retail sales, inflation, chicago, deloitte survey, target, old navy, gas prices, consumer sentiment, Chicago Sun-Times
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/small-business/2026/11/14/black-friday-deals-holiday-shopping-starting-earlier-previous-years
- Published: 2026-11-14T12:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: black friday, retail sales, inflation, chicago, deloitte survey, target, old navy, gas prices, consumer sentiment, news, local
## Early Black Friday Sales
Chicago retailers began Black Friday deals in October to attract shoppers amid economic uncertainty.
## Consumer Spending Trends
A Deloitte survey found Chicago shoppers plan to spend $991 on retail goods this holiday season.
## Early Sales Start
Retailers like Ulta and Target advertised early Black Friday deals as early as October 25.
## Shopper Behavior
Many shoppers plan to make purchases in October to avoid Black Friday crowds.
## Economic Pressures
Chicago gas prices rose to over $5 per gallon in May, with diesel hitting $7.03 on Oct. 25.
## Consumer Sentiment
University of Michigan consumer sentiment index hit 48 in October, slightly above its all-time low of 44.8.
## Retailer Strategy
Retailers focus on early sales to attract shoppers before Black Friday crowds peak.
## Small Business Challenges
Small retailers cannot afford steep markdowns and may host pop-ups to attract customers.
## Retailer Response
Illinois Retail Merchants Association CEO Rob Karr says retailers are cautious about consumer budgets and tariffs.
## Consumer Behavior
31% of Chicago shoppers bought holiday items during sales in June, with many budgets exhausted by October.
## Retailer Strategy
Retailers like Aritzia and Skims offer discounts ranging from 30% to 50% in November.
## Economic Impact
National Retail Federation projects holiday spending will reach $1 trillion in November and December.
## Retailer Strategy
Retailers see customers starting early to avoid crowds or for better deals later.
## Small Business Pressure
Small businesses feel pressured by national retailers' early sales strategies.
## Conclusion
Retailers are adapting to economic pressures by starting sales earlier to attract shoppers.
## Key takeaway

Chicago retailers began Black Friday deals in October to attract shoppers amid economic uncertainty.