It’s officially the run-up to ‘the most wonderful time of the year’. This means the Christmas lights are on, the mince pies are being eaten and the high streets and the internet are awash with reminders that today is officially (drum roll…) BLACK FRIDAY.
Yes, that’s right. Love it or loathe it, it looks like the US import, which has been gaining pace in the UK since 2010, is here to stay.
But after our investigation into 35 Black Friday deals from last year found that 60% were either available at the same price or cheaper at other times of the year, and the sales starting earlier and lasting longer, it’s no surprise that everyone seems to have an opinion on it.
And the doors are open…. the rush came and went (quickly) #BlackFriday @BBCLondonNews @BBC_HaveYourSay pic.twitter.com/jkUjFnhwMo
— Frankie McCamley (@Frankie_Mack) November 24, 2017
Here’s what you’ve had to say about the sales event in the past week…
Which? Conversation community member, Bishbut, kicked off our conversation on bagging a bargain by asking why companies are cutting their prices by so much:
‘Bargains, maybe? But just a way of retailers disposing of things that most people will not want to buy, or things that they might have had for a long time. Another excuse to get people to visit their store to look at a bargain then they can persuade them to buy things they did not need.’
Geoffsky made a fair point about where the bargains really come from:
‘If the retailer can offer a super bargain for the goods now, it’s either overpriced in the first place, or just old stock they need to get rid of.’
Over on Facebook, Verity had us thinking not just about the effect Black Friday has on our bank accounts, but also on our planet.
While Janet Davies would rather the event didn’t exist in the UK altogether.
Our poll on Twitter also suggested most of you weren’t fans…
Are you planning to bag a bargain this #BlackFriday?
— Which? (@WhichUK) November 24, 2017
But not everyone is so dubious. DarrenJohnstone remindied us that there are still bargains to be had:
‘Playstation VR £80 off, plus a free SKYRIM game, I couldn’t NOT buy one. Also got an etop up £20 discount. Total £230 collecting from Argos tonight.’
Fabrizio was similarly impressed:
‘Nest thermostat for £155! That was a bargain for me.’
While Suzi Lubi’s interest was piqued by some reduced beauty products.
Now that Black Friday is upon us, we’d love to know what you think. Have you managed to get your hands on an unbelievable deal? Or are you avoiding the event altogether?