Features
The Ultimate 411 on Black Friday
by Hannah Rose
As self-confessed shopping addicts, we’re not afraid to admit that Black Friday is up there with one of our favourite days of the year. We’re even willing to go as far as cancelling our weekend plans for it. After all, who doesn’t want to get all the things on your wishlist for even less? Whether it’s that totally Instagrammable jacket you’ve been eyeing up for months on end or that super-cute bag you just can’t get out of your head, Black Friday is the time to finally make it yours.
For those thinking, ‘what is Black Friday?’, we’ve summed it up in one sentence: it’s the biggest sale event of the entire year, and a day that literally cannot be missed.
As well as being able to treat yourself to a new outfit (or ten) for the party season without breaking the bank, Black Friday is also the perfect time to get your Christmas shopping completed. If you’re anything like us and your pre-Xmas pennies are going on (totally necessary) drinks with friends, you’re going to be looking for some affordable-yet-still-amazing gifts. That’s where Black Friday comes in the mix. You can enjoy your drinks out and your Dad need not get socks for the sixth year running. It’s a win-win situation.
As the big day gets closer, we’ve put together our all-important guide to Black Friday. As well as answering, ‘what is Black Friday?’ (see above), we’re also here for those of you thinking ‘when is Black Friday?’ and – most importantly – ‘when is the Black Friday sale starting?’. Not only that but we have some useful tips to ensure you have a successful and stress-free shop. Forget fighting over TVs and chasing people to the checkouts because sale shopping just got easy. Ready? Take note…
1. When is Black Friday 2021?
Let’s kick things off with the most important question of all: when is Black Friday 2021? This year it falls on the 26th November, the last Friday in November and the day after American Thanksgiving. Forgetful? To remember, grab your phone and add it to your calendar. Whether you’re rounding up the girls for a serious shopping sesh (great way to get advice), or you’re spending it alone to give it your full focus (we don’t blame you, this sale stuff is serious), Fridays don’t get more fun than this. So, the date’s in the diary but what about the time? Some sales start at midnight, whereas others start the morning or even in the weeks leading up to the big day. So, how are you meant to know when the things you want are going to be on offer? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. See point number 2…
2. How do I find out about deals?
Okay, so here’s the secret… emails. The best way to stay in the loop is by signing up to our emails and keeping a (very) close eye on your inbox. We’re not just talking about the emails you’ll receive on the actual day, but in the build-up to Black Friday, too. You never know, you may even get early access to offers and that means more of a chance of getting the things you want before they go. We’re sure you’ll all agree when we say there’s (literally) nothing worse than seeing that ‘sold out’ sign on the things you’ve been longing for. Glue your phone to your side (not that it isn’t, anyway) and get ready to hit refresh constantly, because your inbox is going to be the most exciting place to be.
3. How should I prepare?
One word: wishlist. It’s your ticket to a stress-free shopping experience. When it comes to the Black Friday sales, a wishlist is necessary so you have all the things you want in one place. However, before you start your must-have list, it’s important to do some prep. Get to know our collection inside out, ‘heart’ the things you need (or want) for yourself, as well as gifts you’ve spotted for friends and family. Then, with everything patiently waiting in your wishlist, when the offers come pouring in you won’t even have to think, just *add to bag*. Easy-peasy.
4. Set a budget
Yawn. We don’t mean to be a bore but when everything is on offer, it’s easy to get carried away. Those sunglasses you’d never normally look twice at suddenly become tempting and you start to wonder whether your mum would appreciate another photo frame even though she’s got 200 already. Setting yourself a budget means you won’t go OTT. Whether it’s a budget of £10 or £100, try to stick to it and don’t let those tempting offers for things you’ll never wear tell you otherwise. Plus, there’s only so much your wardrobe (or floor) can take…
5. And shop…
Date in the diary? Check. Signed up to emails? Check. Created a wishlist? Check. Set a budget? Ok, we’re still working on that one, too. So now we’re all aware of what Black Friday is, when Black Friday is and the tips and tricks on how to make the most of it, we can sit back, relax and wait for the offers to arrive in our inbox. Once they do, it’s time to (literally) shop till you drop. Yep, make the most of the sales and take your wishlist to the checkout. Gifts and new clothes incoming…