What is Black Friday?
Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday of November). Originating in America, it’s hotly contested as to where the name Black Friday actually came from. There are a couple of theories. One dates back to 1869 when two gold traders attempted to corner the market. Their antics led to a stock market collapse, known as Black Friday.
Another theory is that due to the massive sales made on the day, retailers go back into black, that is, become profitable. It could also have something to do with the calamitous nature of shoppers during the sales. It’s quite grim to think that there is an entire website dedicated to the number of deaths (12 deaths since 2010) and injuries that have occurred during Black Friday sales in America.
Black Friday sales in Australia
Much like Halloween, Black Friday is a welcome tradition that Australians have learned to embrace. In 2019, Australian retailers made more on Black Friday sales than Boxing Day sales. Which, to be honest, makes more sense.
Have a sale before Christmas and stock up on presents? Winning! This year, Black Friday falls on November 27th. Yet, with social distancing, reservations about crowds, and restrictions still in place in some areas, Black Friday sales will look a little different in 2020.
So, what’s Cyber Monday?
The first Monday after Black Friday (Monday 30th November) is the online version of Black Friday. Same savings, without the mayhem. So, if you’re a shop in your undies eating ice cream kind of person – Cyber Monday might be more your style. You will want to have a strong internet connection (as well as a hotspot option if your wifi won’t cut it). There may not be physical queues, but there are waiting times and you can drop out of virtual lines.
The hot deals won’t last long either. So brew a pot of coffee, do a recon mission, and be prepared.
Best places to hit up
Next, aim for one-stop-shops. Think shopping centres, strip malls, department stores, and websites with everything you need.
An Le, Communications Executive at UNiDAYS says:
A few online traders that have mega sales and offer a one-stop-shop include:
Go easy
No doubt by now, your inbox has been inundated with reminders, offers, vouchers, and anything else that will get you to spend big. Black Friday sales, much like any other major sales event, are designed to lure you in. All the marketing tricks come into play and you get so caught up in the retail madness that you wonder how you ever lived so long without a solar-powered portable blender.
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Be a smart shopper, plan ahead, and don’t fall into any traps. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s how important it is to have a backup plan – that ‘rainy day’ savings fund. All it takes is one big shopping spree to undo all the hard work you’ve done saving, or worse, get you further into debt.
Write a list of things you want, find some retailers, do some price comparisons, and set a budget. Be disciplined and shop within your means. Buy now pay later schemes may sound appealing now, but what happens when all those payments start to accumulate? If you take these things into consideration, you can do some Christmas shopping on the cheap, and pick up some treats for yourself too.
Hot tips
- Recon - Find the deals, products, websites, shops, you want to hit up and be ready to go
- Exchange rates - If buying from overseas, check currency exchange rates and make sure it’s a good deal
- Cyber security - Tempting as it may be, designer label clothes for $10 from an insta trader may not be kosher. Make sure it’s a trusted brand before handing over your details
- Set a budget - It’s so easy to go a bit crazy and with so many great ‘deals’. Set a strict budget and don’t exceed it.
Happy shopping everyone! Jump on our socials and share your bargains. Let us know if there are any sites we missed.
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