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 Black Friday is one of the most critical days in the year for shoppers, the time when people come to the stores in huge numbers to catch the best deals on items that might be too expensive for them otherwise. Many create long lists of items they want to shop for and wait until the Black Friday sales to get their hands on the items. It is also a great time to start shopping for winter holiday presents, with many taking the opportunity to find special items and perhaps get even more of them, as the lower prices allow more room for movement.

In 2023, the Black Friday sales are particularly noteworthy after the steep inflation rates of the past years have led many to delay gratification and avoid buying things they don’t need. Others also want to remind consumers that Black Friday shopping can take its toll on the environment, particularly when the items are discarded soon after purchase. Impulsive buying is a massive problem during sales since people are more likely to buy things they don’t need or want. Later, when these items create clutter, they are thrown away, often in landfills where they contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

This Black Friday, you might want to give a little more consideration to the items you’re buying and ensure that the things you purchase will be used.

Early deals 

In the United States, Black Friday takes place on the first day after Thanksgiving, which this year means that it will occur on November 24th. However, early deals have already started, and those who know about them are already getting a head-start before the craze begins. You can use coupons for large stores such as Walmart that’ll give you $10, $50 or even as much as $380 off your purchases, as well as anywhere between 35% and 60% off mattresses, office supplies, laptops or smartphones, grocery essentials, toys and treats for kids, home décor items and apparel.

Electronics

Electronics and home appliances are some of the most popular items to shop for during Black Friday. But since it is after all the day of the most significant sales, you might consider getting some items that are a little more specific and which can make your chores easier. A bagel guillotine is one such gadget, allowing you to slice a bagel perfectly. It also works for buns and muffins, so despite the rather grim name, you might want to get one as well.

Pet hair vacuums are a must for all those with furry friends at home. These devices also keep dander and other allergens under control, so if you’re living with someone who’s somewhat sensitive and gets a reaction from pet fur and other particles, you need to get this vacuum. Most models come with extensions that can be used to clean high areas or places that aren’t so easily accessible.

Becoming more active is the most well-known New Year resolution, but if you’re honest about it in 2024, you should invest in a fitness tracker that can monitor your activity, as well as your heart and breathing rate and sleep schedule. And since there’s no way to start being healthier without eating healthier, too, a professional blender will allow you to make more smoothies, purees and soups. Look for one that is dishwasher-safe and which provides for different blending speeds. An air fryer can also bake, broil, roast and bake food. These gadgets have been gaining popularity over the past few years, and now, many recipes are available online for healthy snacks and meals.

Apparel 

Alongside household appliances, apparel is one of the most popular shopping categories. If you’re still missing a few items from your winter wardrobe, this is the best time to fill in the gaps. Just make sure to be quick about it since products tend to fly off the shelves. Most clothing retailers stretch Black Friday throughout the weekend, so there’s plenty of time to go in and browse through the items.

Most retailers participate in the Black Friday sales, including some luxury shops, so if you want to treat yourself a little this Black Friday, this year is the best time to do it. Reformation is one of the most popular brands at the moment since their offering includes everything from casual wear to dresses suitable for brides. It is also sustainable, an important consideration for many shoppers nowadays. Aritzia, hailing from Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada, specializing in what the brand calls “everyday luxury”, will have a Black Friday sale as well.

Many brands have benefitted from a fresh wave of popularity from collaborations with social media giants such as TikTok. Content creators unravel clothing they’ve bought and leave reviews, leading viewers to either flock to a brand in more significant numbers or begin avoiding it altogether. Calvin Klein, Crocs and ASOS are a few of them, and shoppers can get the apparel or accessories they want at flagship stores or other retailers.

Cyber Monday 

E-commerce’s answer to Black Friday, Cyber Monday, has become increasingly popular over the years, as many shoppers prefer going online when they need a new item instead of spending hours browsing through the aisles. The event takes place on the first Monday after Thanksgiving in the United States, which can fall between November 26th and December 2nd, depending on the year.

On November 30th, 2020, the US had its biggest online shopping day, with a cumulated $10.7 billion in online spending. The pandemic has exacerbated the propensity for online shopping since people were unable and unwilling to go to the store due to fear of contracting the deadly virus. Depending on your needs, you might want a new corduroy jacket, an Irish wool sweater, a waterproof jacket or a reusable water bottle to avoid single-use plastics.

There are many kitchen deals as well, from stainless steel pans to coffee grinders. You can also upgrade to a pillow that offers better neck support. A pair of plush slippers and headphones that offer noise cancellation and come with a 20-hour battery life is just the thing to keep you relaxed on a chilly evening. And if you want to improve the movie-watching experience at home, a 40” TV that lets you watch your favorites in 4K will do the trick just fine.

Since 2019, analysts have noted that consumers are becoming more drawn to online shopping, and the Covid-19 lockdowns have strengthened the preference. However, retailers expect 2023 to change the pattern a little and believe that the Black Friday of this year might break some records.