Comparing Deals: Black Friday vs Cyber Monday - Which offers the better discounts?

Black Friday and Cyber Monday: A Guide for UK Shoppers

In the wake of the pandemic, shopping habits have shifted dramatically, with 70% of Brits now opting for online and mobile purchases. As we approach the festive season, two major sales events are looming on the horizon: Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Traditionally, these days have been known for offering significant discounts on a variety of products. Electronics and technology, household appliances, and travel deals are the categories that have historically seen the best bargains. However, it's essential to remember that the true value of these sales lies in snagging a discount on something you were already planning to buy.

Retail analyst Natalie Berg advises consumers to approach these sales with caution. "It's only a bargain if you need the item," she warns. To make the most of these sales, there are several strategies you can employ.

Firstly, signing up for email newsletters and following favourite retailers on social media can provide early access to deals and special discount codes. Tools like Camel Camel Camel and Kelkoo can help shoppers get alerts of discounts during the sales.

Not On The High Street is challenging shoppers to buy nothing during Black Friday unless it's from a small business. This initiative encourages support for independent businesses during the sales period.

However, it's not just about finding the best deals. It's also about being aware of potential scams. Scammers may use unsolicited calls claiming to be from banks about suspicious activity to pressure victims into acting quickly. If such a call is received, hang up and contact the bank directly using the phone number on their official website or visit the local branch.

To protect from scams during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, only shop on reputable websites, check reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true. Some retailers may use tactics like showing higher prices based on spending behavior, 'Last chance to buy' labels, inflating prices before sales, changing prices depending on the time of day and day of the week, and making popular items hard to find in store to encourage more spending.

It's also important to compare the price of a product with other retailers before purchase and to check the previous price of a product to ensure a genuine discount. Trawling through pages of deals online can lead to unnecessary spending, so it's advisable to have a list of items you're looking to buy before starting your shopping journey.

Black Friday typically offers competitive discounts across a wide range of products, both in-store and online. Cyber Monday, on the other hand, is often the go-to day for tech deals and online-exclusive brands. The level of discount on Cyber Monday is similar to what we saw on Black Friday, but it depends on the retailer.

Lastly, it's worth noting that Black Friday officially falls on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, but sales events in the UK often start a week or two before the actual date. In 2024, UK shoppers spent £1.12 billion online during Black Friday, an increase of 7.2% from 2023.

With these tips in mind, happy shopping this Black Friday and Cyber Monday!

Comparing Deals: Black Friday vs Cyber Monday - Which offers the better discounts?