How to Find the Best Black Friday Deals

Black Friday is almost upon us once again, and there’s no better time to start checking off your Christmas list, and stockpiling those must-have items for the year ahead.

Thanksgiving may be an American holiday, but just as all things pumpkin spice and pie have made it across the pond, so too has the biggest shopping event of the year. This year, Black Friday falls on November 24^th, followed by Cyber Monday, and stores everywhere are getting ready for prices to plummet in the run-up to the holiday season. Read on for our tips on making the most of the season’s best bargains.

American Roots

The term ‘Black Friday’ is popularly explained by the traditional up-turn in the economy on that day, when retailers moved from being ‘in the red’ to ‘in the black’ and turned a profit. It was also used by US law-enforcement to describe the chaos on the day after Thanksgiving, when cities would teem with excited Christmas shoppers, looking for the best price cuts, and holding up the traffic.

The Deal Hunter

We’ve all been there: the last-minute gift buying, the office Kris Kindle panic, and that one person you can never find the perfect gift for. But with a little planning, and maybe a Pinterest board or two, you can enjoy browsing online and in-store without getting overwhelmed. After all, it’s also the perfect occasion to treat yourself to those items you’ve been dreaming of all year.

Shoppers in the States will often get the day off after Thanksgiving, giving them ample time to camp out the night before, and form lines that go for miles. If you have the day off, make sure to get in as early as possible. Otherwise, online shopping is your best bet, and gives you a chance to check out some online-only deals from the comfort of your couch.

Game Plan

Now is the perfect time to subscribe to the mailing lists of all your favourite shops, and a great excuse to peruse their Instagram, Facebook and Twitter accounts for that first scoop on predicted bargains. From electronic items like phones and tablets, to the latest trends in make-up and skincare, social media is one of the best places to get your fix of gorgeous visuals and the most up-to-date information.

Don’t forget to think about exactly what you want. Make a list of your must-haves, and research where the best bargains will be. Many stores will leak information on upcoming deals a weak or two in advance, so be ready to pounce when you get that e-mail.

Black Friday is famous for bargains you won’t see for the rest of the year, so it’s worth checking out what deals were available in the past. Checking out the shop’s website is also an old-school but easy way to see if they’re starting early. Some online stores will have pre-Black Friday sales, giving you a chance to overtake the crowds and kick-back for some low-hassle browsing.

Take the Hassle out of Shopping

Coming up to Christmas, shopping can be as exciting as it is overwhelming, but it’s always worth it when you find that perfect fit. Shopping online can be a great way to help take the stress out of the season.

This year, whether it’s a new laptop, eye-shadow palette, or that trip you’ve been planning for ages, AIB Debit and Credit Cards can help keep your online transactions secure, leaving you to enjoy the best that the season has to offer.

Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland