Black Friday Tips. What is Black Friday? Should You Care?

I think I’ve been living under a rock because actually I didn’t really got the hang of Black Friday until a couple of years ago, when in blogging circles it was mentioned with much excitement.

Although my husband would disagree, I have to say that I’m not the world’s greatest consumer, BUT I do love a bargain or a sale. So Black Friday has this year crept up on me and I am a little bit excited, so I thought I’d share a few Black Friday tips with you today, as well as delve into the origins of Black Friday.

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is TODAY folks! It’s one of  biggest shopping days of the year in the United States, and you could say it’s America’s version of the Boxing Day sales in say, England or Australia.

During the Black Friday period which can run for a few days, retailers cut prices and offer great deals. It’s a great few days to knock off some of the items on your Christmas shopping list.

It’s origins are American, and Black Friday started as a celebration the day after Thanksgiving when companies gave workers the day off to make it a long weekend. In the US it marked the beginning of the Christmas celebratory period, but these days is is mostly just a huge shopping excuse.

In Australia it isn’t such a big deal, but as far as I can see the sales have been intensifying around this period as the media hype has increased.

Yep, even I know about it now! 

I’ve been wandering around Perth and the shops are crazy with sales and mark-downs and big BLACK FRIDAY stickers on hanging labels.

I’ve been looking for Christmas party dresses, and Christmas presents and Ponte Pants.

Is Black Friday worth hanging out for?

I’ve been seeing some amazing deals around the stores. Half price shoes and dresses.  Which can only be great on those coveted high price items you might have been longing for.

If you can’t get to the stores then look at your favourite brands online. TODAY!

Or pop over to Amazon where Black Friday is seriously BIG.

To help you I’ve compiled a list of gift ideas, things I love and recommend and some favourite beauty items. Check them out and I hope you get some really good discounts over the next couple of days or so.

Here’s the link to Jo’s Top Amazon Gift, Beauty, Books and Everyday Style Ideas.

Whether you’re a shopaholic or a scrooge, you’re sure to find some Christmas gifts and an item or two for yourself.

You’ll find an MVMT watch similar to the one I’m wearing below on my personally compiled gift guide list here: “What to Give Mum or your Best Friend“.

What does Black Friday really mean?

Probably due to the fact that it’s a day which garners large profits and business numbers can go from being ‘in the red’ (loss) to ‘in the black (profit) and it’s also the day that retailers expect the festive season profits to start kicking in.

Black Friday Tips

• Research prices online before hitting the shops.
• Check out what you want in the shop, try it on in the store and make sure it fits before dashing in to buy on Black Friday
• Check return policies on all goods you buy over the sales period
• Read reviews before buying.
• Check out the original store prices first and make sure you are really getting a discount.
• If you’re shopping online create a hit list of the products you want to buy before Black Friday. 
• Check out different retailers. Today I found a swing dress I liked with two online retailers, at wildly different prices.
• If you’re shopping for techie items like mobile phones and tablets, remember that there are cycles – those savvy companies are always tempting us to buy the newest models, but previous devices could be more than adequate and a great price in the sale.
• Set up a ‘wish list’ on Amazon, then you can keep a watch out for price drops.

I’m a Brand Ambassador for Vivid International clothes (like the Portobello blouse and Vivid bengaline pants above) and you can get a 15% discount any time of the year using this code LSFVIVID15 (until further notice) for online purchases from this link Vivid International.

Disclaimer: This post may contain gifted products marked with an * and affiliate links from which I stand to earn a small commission – but at no cost to you. Lifestyle Fifty Website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I understand if you click to buy elsewhere but thanks to those of you who support my blog.