When the iPad launched in April, it was available at only a couple hundred of the United States based Apple stores, and at only select Best Buy stores. It quickly sold out in just a few days. It was only during August that supplies finally caught up to the demand of the iPad. By August, the iPad was also being sold in 19 countries and was expanding further to five South American countries and to China.

As reported by CNN Money, when the iPad became available at 1,743 Target stores in the United States, it doubled its retail presence in a very big way. The iPad is now being sold in 25 countries, in 221 United States Apple stores (plus about a dozen stores overseas), in 1,093 Best Buy stores, and in 1,743 Target stores nationwide.

Computers are always big purchase items for holiday shopping during Christmas, as are iPods, and anything involving Apple. The iPad is this year’s “it” item that many of all ages are putting at the top of their Christmas wish list.

Even though there is still plenty of time left for Christmas shopping, Apple could expand even further by offering the iPad for sale at Wal-Mart stores. As reported in Business Week, Wal-Mart stores may start to sell the Apple iPad in 2010 in order to compete with electronics chains for their consumers that want the device. “We anticipate being able to have the iPad later this year,” Gary Severson, senior vice president of entertainment for Wal-Mart’s U.S. stores, said in a telephone interview. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based company isn’t prepared to provide specifics on the timing and pricing of the iPad.

There are currently 2,815 Wal-Mart Superstores in the United States and 774 Wal-Mart Discount stores. Wal-Mart is one of the most shopped at stores in our nation, and if the iPad were to be offered there, it would further increase the presence of the iPad. The question would then be if Apple could keep up with the demand if offered at Wal-Mart, especially if there were big deals on the iPad for Black Friday shopping.

Is Wal-mart (NYSE: WMT) Next In Line to Sell the iPad? was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Due to the increase in the number of online shoppers who are likely to use credit cards on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, here are some tips for using your credit cards wisely as recommended by BillShrink.com, the free online service that saves people money on everyday bills, has compiled recommendations on the best credit cards for different types of holiday shoppers, coupled with tips on how to how to avoid getting hurt by issuers’ sneaky fine print.

Skip the Retailer’s Credit Card Offers

The holiday season prompts retailers to increase marketing efforts for their store credit cards. If you’re shopping in person, don’t be surprised if at every check out you’re asked if you’d like to pay for your purchases with a new credit card. Most will have a 0% promotional offer, or will save you 20% off that day’s purchase – but don’t be tempted! A single late payment on this card can cause that 0% interest rate to jump over 20%; and the 20% you might save from today’s purchase will not make up for the amount you’ll pay in interest and fees over time if you don’t pay the balance off in full.

Take Advantage of your Credit Card Return Policy

If you’re a savvy shopper getting your holiday shopping done early, you may find that by the time your gift exchange happens you’re already beyond the retailers 14-30 day return period. If your credit card offers return protection, your card issuer will take back most items the store won’t accept, up to 90 days after the purchase date.

Pretend Your Credit Card is a Debit Card

While many people rely on credit cards when they don’t have the cash to shop – ideally you should make sure you have enough money in the bank to cover everything you pay for with your credit card. Keep track of spending just like you would your debit card, and you’ll know exactly how much your holiday shopping is costing you and whether you have enough money to afford what you’re buying.

Try a Moneris POS system for your business.

Tips for Using Your Credit Cards Wisely for Black Friday and Cyber Monday was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Compared to last year, a prediction of a similar buying season is not good for retailers who went all out to produce some of the best shopping incentives ever during this time of year.  But, even so, it would be better than the drop of over 2 percent that they experienced last year.

While there are small signs that the economy has reached a bottom and may be on its way back up, it takes time for the effects to reach the wallets of consumers.

The Stumbling Blocks
The big three economic events continue to be a problem for consumers: lower credit availability, increased unemployment or underemployment, and higher foreclosures on homes.  Money is tight in almost every household and is going towards paying bills and down debt.

Retailer Adjustments
Most major retailers have adjusted inventory levels and lowered expenses so that they can ride out a rough holiday buying season.  What that means for consumers is that certain popular items might be hard to find for gift-giving.  Retailers are smart, though, and might have a few tricks up their sleeves that will help buyers get what they want.

Consumer Attitudes
Buyers this year might be more frugal than ever and cut back more than expected which could lead to last minute price cuts and sales in order to get registers ringing. 

The most important things on the minds of consumers when they go to shop for items are:

Price

This goes without saying, but the degree to which consumers are looking at price is higher than ever.  The bar was set low last year in the amount of discounting and shoppers will remember those prices and may react negatively if they cannot make purchases at or near those same levels.

Availability 

The worst case scenario is having a little bit of money, but not being able to get what you want.  Look for many alternative options for buyers of a particular item that is out-of-stock.

Quality 

 Quality still matters, but not as much.  Most people are relying on the reputation of manufacturers and their processes to make products that last.
Should all things remain the same, gasoline prices stay at their current levels and home heating prices remain unchanged, retailers should feel grateful.  It could be a lot worse

Will the Christmas Buying Season Be Better This Year? was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

Retailers are more than aware of the potential decline in holiday sales this year. Shoppers have made it clear there are going to be shopping where the deals are and plan to spend less than in year’s past. Stores will be working to gain business by offering savings and promotional deals. Retailers have also started to assist consumers earlier than usual this year in preparation for the holidays. Competing with the Halloween pumpkins and trick-or-treat candy are Christmas trees and stockings. Stores realize that many people are working on a strict budget this season and in order to accommodate their needs, they have begun advertising Christmas specials earlier, so consumers have more time to shop and can begin shopping earlier in order to keep in line with their budget.

While many will plan to shop at discount stores for their holiday gift-giving needs, some people will still need to walk the malls in search of the perfect gift at the perfect price. There are some easy ways to help keep yourself from overspending and still be able to feel good about your gifts.

Research Prices – Different stores offer different prices for the same merchandise. Some internet websites are designed to help you compare prices in different stores. Using these resources prevents you from wasting gas as you drive around looking for the deals.

Keep a Master List – Keep a list of the items you want to buy for people. Use your internet research time to find gift ideas and jot them down. If you run around the mall without a single idea, you are likely to overspend simply to get home. Knowing what you want can help you find it for the best price before you hit the stores. Keep the price research information you find on the list too to prevent running back to the same store several times for forgotten items.

Start Early – Christmas is less than a month away. There is no time like the present to start looking online and around the stores for what is on sale before the holidays get closer. Taking a little bit at a time can certainly help you from feeling overwhelmed and frustrated which can lead to overspending and annihilating a budget.

Remember Wise Advise – It truly is the thought that counts. With so many undergoing financial difficulties, there will be a lot more understanding people giving and receiving on Christmas morning. If you can not afford anything, try baking cookies from scratch or some other act of holiday kindness. Going broke for the holidays is not going to help anyone. Do what you can with what you have and throw away the guilt.

Holiday Spending Relies on One Factor This Year: Price was created by and is property of American Consumer News.