Why trouble at America’s ports mean shopping deals for you

I have some interesting news for you for the Christmas shopping season. There are special reasons why even at a time we’re spending more as Americans there will be a lot of deals when we’re out shopping for Christmas, especially during the early part of the fall.

Read more: Budget the smart way now, enjoy the holidays later

Take advantage of the current economic conditions to get a better deal

Here’s what happened. If I’m a retailer, I have a business plan baked in the cake a year or more before Christmas for what I’m going to buy for the next Christmas season. Many things are specifically sourced for a single retailer so they can have exclusive deals. So retailers baked in their plans last year, finished them out early this year and ordered the goods.

But earlier this year, there was a lot of labor unrest at the giant port in Southern California where so many Asian goods enter the U.S. market. That meant things that were supposed to be on shelves this summer didn’t make it. Those things are now showing up at the same time as the merchandise coming in for Christmas. So there’s a mismatch between how much stuff will be for sale and the innate shopping demand that will be out there. That means we’ll see generous promotions over the next 4 to 6 weeks.

This is a year when procrastination will cost you and jumping the gun will save you. Take advantage of the current economic conditions to get a better deal.

Meanwhile, Target.com is trying to get some momentum after being a 98-pound weakling in the marketplace. So now they’ve announced they’ll match prices from all major players. They will even match the king of discounts — Costco! Target.com wants to be your go-to site to shop for Christmas. It is another opening salvo in what will be a good holiday shopping season for your wallet!

Read more: Should you give out your ZIP code in the check-out line?

For more money-saving advice, visit our Shopping & Retail section.