Black Friday has always been a huge shopping day, but this year, it seems to be starting sooner than ever! Major brands like Samsung, Boots, Very, Dyson, and Currys have already launched their Black Friday deals, way ahead of the actual date. This early start, nearly a month before the traditional day, has left many other retailers scrambling to keep up. But why are these big names pushing Black Friday so early? And how does it benefit shoppers?

Here’s a breakdown of why Black Friday 2024 is already here and what it means for both stores and shoppers.

Black Friday… Or Black November?

Traditionally, Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, when people flood stores to grab deals. But over the years, it has evolved from just a single day to a whole season of discounts. Now, some brands are even calling it “Black November” because it’s turned into an entire month of discounts and promotions.

Narin Flanders, a shopping expert, predicted Black Friday deals would start earlier, but even she was surprised to see sales kicking off in October. Five big retailers jumped in with early deals, setting off a wave that others are likely to follow. It’s clear that Black Friday is no longer limited to just one day.

Early Sales: What’s Behind the Rush?

So, why are these big brands rushing to start their Black Friday deals? There are a few big reasons, and it’s not just about beating the competition. Here’s what’s driving this new trend:

1. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

For brands, FOMO is real. Retailers are feeling pressure to launch their deals early to make sure they don’t miss out on customers’ spending. With so many choices, shoppers are likely to buy from the first places they see discounts. If a brand waits too long, it risks losing potential customers to competitors who have already launched deals.

Retailers don’t want to be left out. Many are now pushing their Black Friday deals forward, not just to catch customers’ attention but to secure those early sales. If a shopper’s budget is already spent by the time other sales begin, those brands might miss out on making the sale.

2. Double Paydays: More Money, More Shopping

Another reason for this early Black Friday push has to do with timing and paydays. In the UK, many people get paid around the 25th or the end of the month. By starting sales in late October or early November, retailers are creating an opportunity for shoppers to budget across two paydays instead of one.

For shoppers, this means you could potentially split your shopping between two paychecks, giving you a chance to spread out the costs instead of spending everything at once. For brands, this could lead to more sales, as people may feel more comfortable spending more when they can spread out their purchases.

3. Late Black Friday Date = Last-Minute Rush

This year, Black Friday falls on November 29, which is one of the latest possible dates. With only 26 days between Black Friday and Christmas, there’s not much time left for holiday shopping. This shorter window is challenging for retailers and shoppers alike, especially those who prefer online shopping with delivery.

By launching deals early, brands give shoppers more time to find deals, plan out their purchases, and avoid the last-minute rush. It also helps people who want to start their Christmas shopping early, especially if they’re looking to grab a good deal on gifts.

4. Logistics: Managing the Big Holiday Rush

The earlier sales start, the better retailers can handle the increase in orders. Black Friday season is one of the busiest times for shipping and delivery services. If everyone waits until the last minute, it’s a major challenge for stores to manage packaging, shipping, and delivery in time for Christmas.

By spreading out the sales over a longer period, retailers can handle the volume more effectively, reducing the chances of delays. This makes things smoother for everyone and helps avoid the stress of not knowing if your package will arrive on time.

What Does This Mean for Shoppers?

Early Black Friday deals are great news for shoppers looking to save on everything from tech gadgets to household items. Samsung, for instance, is offering discounts on their popular Frame TVs, and Dyson has marked down some of its best products by as much as £150. These early deals allow shoppers to grab their favorite products at a lower price without waiting until the last minute.

Here are some ways you can make the most of this early Black Friday season:

Start Planning Early: With deals already going live, make a list of items you want to buy and compare prices across different stores. By starting early, you’ll have a better chance of grabbing what you need before it sells out.
Set a Budget: Since deals are spread out, it’s easy to get carried away. Set a budget for your holiday shopping to make sure you don’t overspend.
Watch for Additional Deals: As more stores join in, there could be even better discounts closer to the actual Black Friday date. Keep an eye on your favorite stores, as they might add new deals to stay competitive.
Consider Payment Options: Since you may have two paydays before the official Black Friday, think about how to split your spending. This way, you won’t have to pay for everything all at once, making it easier to stick to your budget.

Is Black Friday the New Holiday Season?

With brands kicking off their Black Friday deals so early, it’s clear that this shopping event is no longer just a day or even a weekend. It’s become its own season, extending well into November, giving shoppers more flexibility, and encouraging more purchases.

While some may miss the excitement of the traditional Black Friday rush, the extended season can be a win-win for both retailers and shoppers. Stores get more time to attract customers, and shoppers can take their time finding the best deals. So, if you’re ready to dive into Black Friday, start early, stay focused, and get ready to save big on everything you need!

In short, Black Friday has transformed into a shopping festival that starts earlier each year, giving you more time to grab the best deals and avoid the holiday rush. Happy shopping!