How to Use Black Friday Bargains to Get Ahead on Christmas Shopping and Festive Decor

As the crisp autumn days slowly give way to winter, there's one event that savvy shoppers eagerly anticipate: Black Friday. 

Originally an American tradition, Black Friday has now firmly taken root in the UK, marking the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season.

It’s the perfect opportunity to get a head start on holiday preparations, allowing you to scoop up incredible bargains on Christmas gifts and festive decorations.

But with the sheer volume of deals available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to make the most of Black Friday sales to ensure your festive season is merry, bright, and budget-friendly.

1. Planning Ahead: The Key to Black Friday Success

The first step to making the most of Black Friday is to plan ahead. Before the sales even begin, take some time to jot down a list of everyone you need to buy gifts for, as well as any decorations you’d like to add to your collection this year. This way, you can avoid impulse purchases and focus on finding the best deals on the items you actually need.

Create a wish list of specific products you’re hoping to buy, whether it’s that tech gadget your partner has been eyeing, a special toy for the kids, or some elegant fairy lights to adorn your tree. Many retailers offer sneak peeks of their upcoming Black Friday deals, so it’s worth doing a bit of research ahead of time. Having a game plan will save you both time and money.

2. Shop Smart for Christmas Gifts

Black Friday is the ideal time to grab gifts for your loved ones without breaking the bank. From electronics and gadgets to beauty sets and fashion finds, retailers slash their prices on a wide range of products. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the sales:

Compare Prices: Don’t just jump on the first deal you see. Use comparison websites to check if you’re really getting the best price. Retailers often compete fiercely during Black Friday, which can work to your advantage.

Think Personalised Gifts: Many online stores, especially those specialising in personalised gifts, offer discounts during Black Friday. Whether it’s a custom photo book, monogrammed accessories, or engraved jewellery, these thoughtful gifts are sure to impress without the hefty price tag.

Consider Gift Sets: Beauty brands and fragrance lines often release gift sets at discounted prices during Black Friday. These sets not only offer great value but also make lovely presents for friends and family.

3. Deck the Halls: Bagging Deals on Festive Decorations

Black Friday isn’t just about ticking off your Christmas gift list; it’s also the perfect time to stock up on decorations that will bring a festive sparkle to your home. Here’s how to take advantage of the sales to transform your space into a winter wonderland:

Upgrade Your Christmas Tree: Whether you’re in the market for a new artificial tree, or simply looking for extra ornaments to adorn your existing one, Black Friday offers significant discounts on festive decor. Many retailers offer early bird deals, so keep an eye out for pre-Black Friday sales.

Lighting the Way: From string lights to illuminate your garden to indoor fairy lights that create a cosy atmosphere, Black Friday is a great time to find deals on lighting. LED lights are not only energy-efficient but also create a warm glow that enhances the holiday spirit.

Cosy Touches: Don’t forget to look for deals on festive soft furnishings like cushions, throws, and even Christmas-themed table settings. These little touches can transform your home into a cosy, welcoming retreat during the holiday season.

4. Don’t Forget About Cyber Monday

If you miss out on some of the Black Friday bargains, don’t worry — Cyber Monday, which follows right after Black Friday, is another fantastic opportunity to grab some great deals, particularly on electronics, tech gadgets, and online-exclusive offers. Many retailers extend their sales throughout the weekend, so you have an extended window to complete your shopping.

5. Extra Tips for Maximising Your Black Friday Experience

Set a Budget: It’s easy to get carried away with all the deals, but it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. The last thing you want is to be left with a hefty bill in the New Year.

Check Return Policies: Make sure you’re aware of the return policies, especially if you’re buying gifts. Some retailers may have stricter policies during sale periods, so it’s always wise to double-check before purchasing. Though always remember the legislation to protect consumers. 

Shop Local: While it’s tempting to stick to big-name brands, don’t forget to check out small businesses and local shops. Many independent retailers participate in Black Friday sales, and buying from them can be a great way to find unique, handcrafted gifts while supporting the community.

Final Thoughts: A Stress-Free, Budget-Friendly Christmas

By using Black Friday to your advantage, you can save both time and money, leaving you free to enjoy the festive season without the last-minute shopping rush. With a bit of preparation and some savvy shopping, you can tick off your Christmas list, decorate your home, and still have room in your budget for those little holiday indulgences.

So, get ready, set your alarms, and embrace the spirit of the season with the joy of finding a great deal. After all, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of giving a thoughtful gift that didn’t break the bank.

Happy shopping, and may your Christmas be filled with joy, laughter, and a sprinkling of savings!

Rise of the ‘Deals Shopper’ Breathing Life into British High Streets for this Christmas

The most recent research by Lightspeed Commerce Inc., which is the one-stop commerce platform empowering merchants to provide the best omnichannel experiences, reveals that the high street could see a boost later this year, in the pre-Christmas period, with nearly eight in 10 of us (79%) surveyed shop in person and four in 10 are looking to increase how much they hit the high street shops this Christmas.

Lightspeed’s study captures the nation's feelings on the costs of products rising in the past few years, with 77% of respondents saying they believe rising prices for retailers, including energy bills and rent, are the main reasons behind increased prices. Over half (51%) of those surveyed didn't believe these price hikes were fair.

To counteract these rising costs, shoppers are adopting cost-saving measures like taking "2 for 1" deals (51%), changing their preferred retailers to find lower prices (39%), shopping less frequently than last year (38%), only shopping during sales periods (24%), and asking others what they want for Christmas and birthdays to avoid wasting their money (24%).

Apparently the most optimistic age group of the nation, almost a quarter (24%) of Gen Zers are spending more money now than they did a year ago, with 28% saying they make more impulsive purchases, thanks to social media, and nearly one third (32%) of Gen Z shoppers now shopping exclusively during sale periods to get the best deals they could.

#TikTokmademebuyit reigns true as it is the platform with the biggest influence in social purchases amongst this age group (59%), followed by Instagram (53%) and Facebook (24%), but despite this age group being the least likely to shop in store, 33% will be influenced by what they see on social media and subsequently head to the high street to find the item they’ve seen on their social media channels.

Adopting pre-loved items

Despite 62% of those surveyed saying they've never previously shopped in store for pre-loved or reconditioned items, almost half of respondents (46%) stated they were planning to consider the ethical and sustainable origins of a product before buying something new. 

With under 45s being the most inclined to buy reconditioned or pre-loved items, the primary reason for doing so is less ethically driven and more to do with the impact on their own pocket. 

Cost-effectiveness (61%) is seen as the top motivator followed by environmental concerns (35%), old items being seen as better quality than new items (29%), recurring fashion trends that have come round again (20%) and opposing fast fashion (19%).

How people feel about AI when they shop

When it comes to the use of AI during the shopping experience, the nation is currently split on how comfortable they feel about AI, with 32% stating they are somewhat comfortable to very comfortable with AI being part of the shopping experience and 35% saying they feel somewhat uncomfortable to very uncomfortable with it.

When asked about people’s direct experience with AI whilst shopping, it’s the need for speed that wins shoppers over, with 41% of respondents saying self check-out in more stores would enhance their experience the most. 

This is followed by people being more open to AI in stores that delivered personalised discounts to them (39%), personalised suggestions in-store (28%), recipe suggestions based on what’s in their grocery shopping (27%), virtual fitting rooms (26%), make-up shade matching (23%), and changing digital window displays (21%).

The emerging shopper typologies

When respondents were asked what type of shopper they are, a huge 70% identified as a ‘Deals shopper’, meaning they actively seek out deals, discounts and offers to gain bang for the buck, followed by 46% of shoppers stating they are ‘Last minute shoppers’ who like a speedy in store experience with attentive customer service, good stock availability and multiple store locations so they can get what they want, when they want it.

70% of their respondents say they are a ‘Deals Shopper’: I actively look for deals in store and sign up for offers and discounts that offer value for money. I’m less bothered about the in-store shopping experience, it’s all about getting bang for my buck!

46% of their respondents say they are a ‘Last Minute Shopper’: I purchase on the high street and want a speedy in store experience with attentive customer service, and I expect good stock availability and multiple store locations so I can get what I want, when I want.

35% of their respondents say they are a ‘Personal Shopper’: I like to schedule a shopping trip. I expect good customer service and I’m open to stores using AI to enhance my shopping experience, so it feels like it’s more personal to me. I buy into a brand and want to receive offers and in store experiences that are tailored to me.

32% of their respondents say they are a ‘Fair Share Shopper’: I actively search out second-hand pre-loved shopping experiences, and I value the ethical and sustainability of a brand and the items they stock. I expect sustainable materials to be used in packaging.

17% of their respondents say they are a ‘Social First Shopper’: I buy things ‘on trend’ and get inspiration from social media and then I might buy in store so I can experience it hands on before purchasing.

Says Liam Crooks, MD of EMEA at Lightspeed: “It’s encouraging for retail businesses to hear people are looking to shop in store in the second half of 2024, and even more illuminating to know they can make strides in converting business by taking steps to look at what ‘makes’ the shopper experience. From simple and easier AI powered tech, to personalised deals and offers to show they really know their customer, and understanding the motivations around ethical purchases, retail in the UK can once again thrive.”

To learn more about Lightspeed, visit www.lightspeedhq.co.uk. 

Asda customers can snap up Christmas veg for the lowest ever price of 15p!

Good news for Christmas dinner veg lovers and bargain spotters! 

Asda has announced customers can bag last minute Christmas veg for the lowest ever price of 15p, as the supermarket reduces the price of key Christmas dinner staples just in time for the big day.

Customers heading to Asda or shopping online to get their last bits for their Christmas dinner, can bag 1kg carrots (usually 60p), 500g sprouts (usually £1), 360g broccoli (usually 75p) and 500g parsnips (usually 65p) for the lowest ever price of 15p each until Tuesday 26th December.

The move, which sees Asda match Aldi and Lidl prices on the shelf, comes after Asda was crowned the lowest-priced major supermarket for premium Christmas food and drink products by trade magazine The Grocer.

The supermarket topped the Grocer’s prestigious festive price comparison survey which tracked the cost of 33 premium Christmas products including turkey and all the trimmings, pigs in blankets and mince pies at Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Waitrose.

Asda’s festive basket totalled £154.41 and was £19.48 cheaper than the average basket price across the other supermarkets featured and offered the lowest price on 19 of the 33 festive products featured, including smoked salmon slices, mince pies and pigs in blankets.

Kris Comerford, Asda’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Throughout the year we've focussed on improving the quality of our products while continuing to keep prices in check for our customers. This is especially vital at Christmas when family budgets are under extreme pressure. We're confident our customers can treat themselves and family members to the best quality festive food and drink without having to break the bank when they shop with us at Asda.”

Asda's also urging customers who haven’t already done so, to join the 1.2 million savvy fellow shoppers who've already created vouchers from their Christmas Saver Cashpot on Asda Rewards, before it expires on Sunday 31st December.

Any new customer who signs up for an Asda Rewards account before Monday 25th December will receive a £5 off coupon for their first shop. They then have until Sunday 31st December to complete their second shop to receive an additional £5 in their Cashpot.

www.asda.com

Looking forward to the Boxing Day sales? An expert tells you what to look out for

Newly published research by PwC has learned that of the 200 online retailers analysed, the majority of Black Friday discounts were not as significant as previous years, resulting in a higher volume of seasonal stock across many retailers. 

As a result of this, it's predicted many of these retailers will ramp up Boxing Day sales activity this year, offering greater discounts in an attempt to incentivise shoppers keen to bag the best of deals.

Nick Drewe, Discount Expert and founder of online coupon platform, Wethrift, has provided his savvy shopping tips that will help people to shop smarter and secure the best deals during the Boxing Day sales. 

Find products before you shop 

“Savvy Boxing Day shoppers know the best way to secure deals is by finding the highest quality products before the big day. It’s vital to do some research before the sales begin, taking into account which products and brands have the best reviews on your wishlist items. 

“Many brands will add their best deals well before the Boxing Day event, making grabbing yourself a bargain even easier. For that reason, you’ll want to start your shopping as early as the start of November. It's easy to get carried away and buy things that you don’t really need, so create a list ahead of the sale event, to avoid any temptation on Boxing Day bargains. 

Price match on rival sites 

“Always scope out offers in advance, to ensure you’re getting the best deal that you can. Many retailers will be offering Boxing Day deals, so check the store website in advance to see which is providing the biggest discount on your selected items.

“To save yourself the largest sum, download a product price tracker that monitors the price of different items in your wishlist. This notifies you which brands, including Amazon, Groupon, Very and more have the most significant discounts and when the prices drop. 

“Google Shopping is the simplest and most effective way to compare prices of products across multiple different websites. 

Load your basket before the day

“Products are likely to sell out quickly this Boxing Day, as more people hunt for Christmas bargains. To avoid disappointment, place all your items on your wish list ahead of the big day, ready to go directly into your basket as soon as the sale hits. 

“Have a backup plan at the ready. If your product is likely to sell out this Boxing Day, have your items saved in a wishlist on multiple sites and leave the tabs open. Don’t leave it till the day of the sale to find other sites that list your wishlist products.

Shop earlier 

“Often, many major retailers will launch their Boxing Day sales online a day or two early, meaning  you could bag the best deals as early as Christmas Eve. Take the time to look at your favourite retailers’ websites ahead of the 26th to see if any sales are already live. This is an ideal way to avoid disappointment if items were to sell out on Boxing Day.

Sign up for newsletters 

“Ahead of the big day, follow retailers on social media and sign up for their email newsletters to be among the first to find out about their big deals. Some brands even provide members with early access to the sale and show exclusive deals that you’d otherwise miss out on. 

“Check before you purchase any items ahead of the big sale event, as some retailers provide price adjustment guarantees on products. They will also refund the difference if the price reduces further on Boxing Day and Cyber Monday. 

Use Alexa to find Amazon deals 

“If you have an Amazon Alexa you’ll be able to bag yourself some exclusive Boxing Day deals this November. Alexa will notify Amazon Prime members when products in their wish list shopping cart go on sale. You need to enable deal recommendations in your settings and add your wishlist products to your shopping cart. 

“Once you are all set up, ask Alexa “What are my deals” and the bot will bring up Amazon's hottest savings on all your products. 

Find extra coupon codes 

“Once you’ve found the biggest savings, have a look to see if you can find any additional vouchers that will give you an extra discount. 

“Also, if you sign up for newsletters and become a store member of brands in advance, you are likely to receive introductory offers on your first purchase. 

Make sure you're getting a genuine deal 

“To ensure you’re getting a great deal this Boxing Day, it's important to track the price of products to see how much you’ll be saving. 

“Price history tools such as PriceSpy, Alertr and CamelCamelCamel lets you check to see how the cost of the product has changed. This will help you decide if it's really a good Boxing Day deal or just made to look like one.”

That's Christmas would like to thank Nick for helping us with this feature. https://www.wethrift.com

Stock up for Christmas wines with Aldi's amazing deals

Shoppers can stock up for Christmas with bottles of red, white and rosé for as little as £3.49. the promotions run right up until New Year’s Eve  

To celebrate the countdown to Christmas, Aldi is reducing the prices across its best-selling AND award-winning wine range in the lead-up to Christmas.  

Shoppers stocking up can save up to 65% on some classic winter wines, meaning they can pick up a £10 bottle for under £3.50!

Nineteen bottles will be on offer across eleven weeks; but shoppers will have to be quick, the price drop is limited to just one week for each bottle! 

6th November – 12th November

Specially Selected Gavi (WAS £7.99, NOW £4.99 – SAVING 38%, 75cl)

Moving into November, shoppers can enjoy an incredible 38% off Aldi’s Specially Selected Gavi. A deliciously fresh white wine with blossom, banana and apricot kernel aromas. A breath of summer in the depth of winter.

13th November – 19th November

Pierre Jaurant French Fitou (WAS £7.99, NOW £4.99 – SAVING 38%, 75cl)

This hearty autumnal red boasts flavours of plum, blackberry and spice with aromas of bramble fruits and blueberry for a full-bodied and well-structured finish.

20th November – 26th November

The Garden Route South African Sauvignon Blanc (WAS £7.99, NOW £3.49 – SAVING 56%, 75cl)

For those who’d rather something fresh and grassy, The Garden Route South African Sauvignon Blanc can deliver (and at amazing value too), with notes of asparagus, green pepper and gooseberry.

27th November – 3rd December

Estevez Chilean Malbec (WAS £5.79, NOW £3.49 – SAVING 40%, 75cl)

Smooth and juicy, the red offers ripe black fruit flavours with a slight herbal freshness on the finish – a bargain buy for under £4!

Savvy shoppers can expect to start making savings every week. We’ll raise a glass to that!

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Savvy Shoppers are looking for Christmas bargains

Esendex data has learned that over three-quarters (78%) of UK consumers will stop spending up to a month before Black Friday so they can snap up bargains in the sales. Retailers need to be ready early, with over half (51%) of consumers wanting to hear about Black Friday up to two weeks in advance, and a further 28% wanting news a month ahead.

Head of Professional Services at Esendex, Chris Gorman, says the data shows UK shoppers are looking for personalised marketing, with SMS text and email top of the list and WhatsApp growing in popularity. “These channels are where shoppers talk to each other, so why not the companies and brands they buy from?

“With statistics showing 48% of people are on their phone between four and eight hours a day, and seven in ten checking any unread notifications within five minutes, SMS and WhatsApp are two of the quickest ways to grab the attention of customers.”

Optimise the online experience!

Ecommerce has gone some way towards levelling the field for small and large retailers. Building an online presence makes products more accessible than a bricks and mortar store, and gives smaller retailers access to a larger audience, too. A well-built website that’s optimised for mobile users with a smooth online experience, can improve brand credibility, extend reach, and make promotional campaigns more cost-effective.

Extend platform choice

On average, UK consumers are bombarded with between 6,000 and 10,000 ads a day, even outside of peak trading periods, so little wonder that the battle for engagement is intense.

When shoppers are looking for bargains, they're often shopping on all channels at once. And those hunting for bargains on four or more platforms will spend on average 9% more with a business than single channel shoppers.

Deliver value, not just discount

It’s easy to think peak season sales are all about discounts, but consumer behaviour has changed, and value isn’t always about price. UK consumers are more conscious than ever of a need to support smaller independent businesses and to contribute to their local community.

Obviously, That's Christmas sees a massive increase in people visiting our site from August/September onwards to Christmas Even itself, as they search for Christmas gifts, foods, drinks, new and traditional recipes to try and, especially keeping in mind the current cost of living situation, as readers of That's Christmas are smart and savvy shoppers, they are also looking for money saving bargains, too!

Please remember to save http://thatschristmas.blogspot.co.uk to your favourites bar or folder!

https://www.esendex.co.uk

(Image courtesy of R-region from Pixabay)