The year’s most anticipated shopping day is almost upon us, and it’s time to gear up for the Black Friday madness! Black Friday has become a nationwide shopping extravaganza, complete with heart-pounding deals and discounts. From natural skin care to a smart TV, there is something for everyone and it even makes the most budget-conscious spender’s pulse quicken.
Whether you are waiting and anticipating from your mobile or you’d much rather be where the action is at a shopping centre in Leeds, you won’t be leaving empty-handed either way. In this article, we’ll dive into the whirlwind of Black Friday, exploring some smart shopping strategies and how to best prepare yourself to ensure you snag the best deals.
Unravelling the Black Friday Phenomenon
Black Friday is more than just a shopping day to some people; it is a cultural spectacle in areas such as the United Kingdom and the United States. The term originally referred to the bustling and often chaotic foot and vehicle traffic that engulfed the streets the day after Thanksgiving or the last Friday of November.
It wasn’t until the 1960s that it took on a more modern meaning, and now it marks the kickoff to the holiday season.
Retailers and clever marketers ran with the notion and adopted “Black Friday” to signify the beginning of the holidays and a chance for them to turn a profit. Fast forward to today, and it has grown to be a huge shopping spree—the one time a year you consider getting a new TV or treating yourself to some luxury natural skin care products.
Crafting Your Black Friday Battle Plan
With Black Friday just around the corner, it’s time to draft your master plan to make the most of those deals that only come once a year and avoid missing out. Here are some tried-and-true strategies to help get you ready:
Shopping List
Before you run in like a headless chicken, there is something about a list that keeps a shopping trip short and sweet. Jot down a few items you’re hunting for and rank them by priority.
This will, I hope, keep you on track and away from impulse buying.
Rise and shine
The saying the early bird gets the hat really rings true for Black Friday sales; therefore, keep a close eye on advertisements and websites to stay in the loop about the latest deals. Many retailers spill the beans on their Black Friday specials ahead of time or even start there before the competition.
To save some time ahead of time, map out your route, whether in-store or online.
Set a budget and stick to it
Determine a budget for your Black Friday splurge and, more importantly, stick to it. It can be easy to get lost in the great savings and lose track of what you need. But remember, sales happen throughout the year and the deal is only great if it’s something you need.
Compare, Compare and Compare
Don’t take every brand or store Black Friday deal at face value; there are a range of retailers that most likely sell the product you want. So make use of the price comparison tools at your fingertips and ensure you get the best bang for your buck.
Nothing is worse than spending money knowing you could have saved more; every little bit counts.
Online vs. in-person shopping
With the rise of technology and its lovely convenience of browsing without having to fight your way through the herds of people you face at shopping centres, it’s becoming a debate for people whether they want to brave the in-store experience or do it from home.
If you prefer in-store shopping, be prepared to arrive early and secure a spot in line. I will say it can have its perks as some stores reduce prices further in-store, and you might have some advantages with bargaining power.
Online shoppers should also be punctual. Warehouses have limited quantities so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Black Friday presents an ideal opportunity to snag discounts on these gems. Overall, you should keep an eye out for sales on things you genuinely need and a few presents for Christmas.
Email Alerts
The perfect thing now is that you can set up alerts and notifications for the exact moment your favourite retailer or brand has gone into full swing with Black Friday Sales. As mentioned above, some retailers like to be ahead of the game, so it’s best to keep your notifications on so you don’t miss out on any great deals.
Check Store Hours
Make sure you know when the shopping centre stores open and close on Black Friday. Many retailers open early just for Black Friday. So if you want to brave the in-store experience, ensure you are ahead of schedule.
For Online Black Friday shoppers
The digital age has transformed Black Friday, and while those strategies are useful to know, the majority are only useful to in-store shoppers. Here are a few ways Black Friday has influenced the online shopping experience and useful strategies:
Mobile Apps
Retailers have developed mobile apps that offer exclusive Black Friday deals. These apps allow you to browse, compare prices, and make purchases with just a few taps of your smartphone.
The best part is that retailers have a soft spot for their app users and tend to offer in-app exclusives such as deals and gifts. So you can take advantage of extra savings and convenience by having it at your fingertips.
Social Media Promotions
If you don’t already have platforms like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, it’s time to join and follow your favourite brands and retailers, as some use social media to tease their Black Friday deals and offer exclusive discounts or chances to win prizes or products.
Virtual Reality Shopping
Some forward-thinking retailers, taking advantage of incredible technological advances, have developed or are experimenting more with virtual reality shopping experiences, allowing customers to explore stores and products in a digital space.
Eventually, you may be able to have an “in-store” shopping experience without having to fight your way through the crowds for that 50-inch smart TV that you desperately need in your bedroom.
To Top It all Off
Black Friday is more than just a shopping day; it’s a cultural phenomenon deeply embedded in the American holiday tradition. While the way we shop on Black Friday continues to change with technology, the excitement and anticipation remain constant.
As we approach the year’s biggest shopping day, make sure to plan and follow these quick strategies and tips to keep you one step ahead and improve your outcome when entering the world of Black Friday shopping.
Whether you choose to shop in-store or online, Black Friday offers a unique experience that brings people together and encourages that holiday spirit to begin. So get your pen and paper ready, craft that list and may your Black Friday be filled with fantastic deals and holiday cheer!