RetailMeNot has compiled the delivery options of over 70 different retailers to ensure that this holiday shopping season goes smoothly and consumers don’t overspend on delivery. Sara Skirboll, shopping and trends expert for RetailMeNot, says, “Last-minute holiday shopping can be stressful, and holiday burnout is a real thing. Avoid the long lines and crazy crowds by keeping the shopping to online and use websites that offer free shipping or in-store pick up.”
She continues, “Retailers have a few tricks up their sleeves to keep shoppers shopping, so I always encourage shoppers to set a time limit for every store they hit. Whether it’s the pleasant holiday aromas or music playing throughout the store, it increases shopper’s likelihood to make an impulse purchase.”
Buy Online and Pick Up in Store:
Purchase a product online from the comfort of the couch, wait for the retailer to send an alert when the item is ready, and pick it up at the earliest convenience. If you haven’t used this service, not only is it convenient, but it also saves you money since you aren’t paying for shipping. Here are a few of the top retailers that offer this delivery option:
- Apple
- Bed Bath & Beyond
- Best Buy
- Bloomingdales
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Forever 21
- Gap
- GameStop
- Home Depot
- JCPenney
- Kohl’s
- Macy’s
- Nordstrom
- PetSmart
- Target
- World Market
Expedited Shipping:
- Amazon Prime offers free two-day shipping for a $99 yearly membership fee. If shoppers live in a delivery area for Amazon Prime Now, one-hour delivery is an option for select items. This year, Amazon is offering free shipping with no subscription or minimum purchase on orders delivered through the holidays.
- For $25, Barnes & Noble loyalty program members can get free express shipping and 40 percent off in-store savings on hardcovers and $50 in bonus coupons.
- From November 1, 2018 through Saturday, December 22, 2018, Target shoppers receive free standard or two-day shipping for online orders.
- On top of free two-day shipping in the United States on purchases of at least $35, Walmart is offering free two-day shipping from both third-party sellers and the retail giant itself, with no membership fee required.
Same-Day Delivery:
While Amazon and Google Express offer this in select cities with their annual memberships, other retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s also offer same-day delivery to select locations.
- Amazon
- Cost: Non-prime members pay $9.98 for the first item and 99 cents for each additional item. Prime members pay a flat rate of $5.99.
- Order by: Noon in all cities except Chicago (7:45 a.m.) for delivery by 9 p.m.
- Nordstrom Instant Delivery
- Cost: $15
- Order by: 1 p.m. for delivery by 8 p.m.
- Macy’s
- Cost: $5 for orders qualifying for free shipping and $14.95 for all other orders
- Order by: 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sundays
- Target
- Cost: Membership is $14/month or $99/year after a free two-week trial. Members get free delivery on orders over $35.
- Order by: During store hours (varies by location).