Yahoo News Have your say! Do you save your Christmas shopping until Black Friday?
As Black Friday looms, retailers are slashing prices left, right and centre as the Christmas shopping frenzy kicks off. A mere twenty years ago, this American shopping extravaganza was virtually unheard of on our shores, but it has since become a cornerstone of the festive season.
Have your say! Are you looking forward to browsing on Black Friday? Have you already picked something up from a sales event? Has it been a good addition to the festive calendar? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
The advent of Black Friday in the UK has transformed it into one of the most hectic shopping days of the year. In the 2010s, it was synonymous with chaotic supermarket stampedes and trolleys overflowing with half-price TVs.
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These days, however, it's predominantly an online event, with many retailers extending their deals over a week or even longer. The traditional Boxing Day sales have been somewhat eclipsed by this relatively recent American import.
While it's easy to get swept up in the thrill of limited-time offers, it's crucial to take a step back and do your homework before handing over your card details. Consumer watchdog Which? has cautioned that many of the so-called 'big deals' may not offer as much value for money as they appear to.
Which? has revealed that during last year's Black Friday sales at eight leading retailers, a staggering 9 out of 10 deals were either the same price or could be found cheaper at other times of the year. The consumer group uncovered instances where retailers inflated "original" prices on their websites to exaggerate the discounts offered.
Moreover, there were indications that the Black Friday frenzy might be losing steam as household spending is squeezed by rising living costs and inflation in the UK. Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert consistently cautions shoppers against getting swept away by the "hype" and to carefully consider if they truly need and can afford their intended purchases.
Nevertheless, sales events happening at the same time can be a good thing and if they are willing to put the time in, shoppers could to land a bargain that meets their budget.
Have your say! Are you looking forward to browsing on Black Friday? Have you already picked something up from a sales event? Has it been a good addition to the festive calendar? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
