Amazon Prime Day has already taken place in 2022, in July. But Amazon (opens in new tab), which earlier in 2022 raised its subscription rates (opens in new tab), is bucking tradition for the first time: A second two days of Amazon Prime Day-like deals is on for October, specifically Oct. 11-12. It's called Amazon Prime Early Access (opens in new tab). That could mean a boost to Amazon’s bottom line right before the holiday shopping season and loads of deals for shoppers looking to get a jump on their end-of-the-year holiday shopping.
This new Amazon Prime benefit could also buoy the spirits of Prime members tired of seeing their perks slashed.
However, Amazon is steering clear of calling it “Prime Day” and is instead calling the event “Prime Early Access Sale” – “early access” presumably pointing to Black Friday, which is six weeks later, and the usual start of the holiday shopping season.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger’s expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger’s expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
But that could be a double-edged sword for Amazon. Scheduling a huge sales event so close to the critical “peak trading” season could undercut holiday shopping volumes, even if it provides an October boost. Battered by high gas prices earlier this year and soaring grocery bills, shoppers could be more tightfisted as inflation worries endure. But Amazon may be facing the same pressure as a lot of retailers: lots of excess inventory; no time to wait to unload it.
It wouldn’t be the first time Amazon held a major sales event in October. In 2020, Amazon was forced to move Prime Day, typically held in the summer. Pandemic demands and supply chain issues forced that move – but back then, the story was about product scarcity. Since then, Amazon has moved Amazon Prime Day back to summer. It was held in July this year. Amazon reported Amazon Prime Day 2022 was its biggest ever, although it did not release specifics (Adobe Digital Economy Index reported overall online sales during the two-day event were $12 billion, up from $11 billion on the same two days of Amazon Prime Day 2021).
For Prime Early Access, expect Amazon Prime Day deals ringing the loudest on Amazon’s proprietary electronics (including smart home devices, Fire TV, Echo and Blink devices) to be top sellers, along with beauty products, other personal care items, vacuums and clothes. Amazon said those were the top sellers during the July Amazon Prime Days.
-
-
No Grinch Allowed! Inflation-Beating Tips for the Holidays
To make the most of your holiday season in these inflationary times, start planning NOW.
-
3 Top Challenges Female Entrepreneurs Face When Starting a Small Business
Inherent biases make it harder for women to get funding than men, and many women start later in life and juggle family commitments.
-
What You Need to Know About Life Insurance Settlements
life insurance If your life insurance payments don’t seem worth it anymore, consider these options for keeping the value.
-
The Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
credit cards Business road warriors and leisure travelers alike can use a travel reward card to turn miles logged into other things – including more travel.
-
How Much Does Amazon Prime Cost for a Membership 2022?
Amazon Prime With the price of Amazon Prime rising 17% in 2022, the question remains: Is it worth it? We’ll run you through what you get (and ways you might pay less).
-
What Is an APR?
credit & debt Even for those who pay off their credit card balances every month, knowing your APR is part of keeping good credit habits.
-
How Big Will the Fed Rate Hike Be? Wall Street's Top Minds Weigh In
interest rates The Fed rate hike announcement is due out Wednesday afternoon, and markets are anticipating another monster increase.
-
The Best Cash-Back Credit Cards
Smart Buying Not interested in miles, points or other perks from your credit card? For those who want money back with a minimum of games, these cash-back cards are the way to go.
-
Amazon Warehouse: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Next Online Bargains
Amazon Prime Amazon Warehouse products have a wide range of imperfections, but that leads to some often wildly discounted prices.
-
Borrowers Over 50 With Student Loan Debt
Paying for College Millions of borrowers 50 and older are struggling to repay loans for themselves and their children, some delaying retirement. There’s a trick, though, to help with repayment.
