90% of Black Friday deals were the same price or cheaper six months before (bbc.com)

Article summary

A Which? investigation found that over 90% of Black Friday deals in 2020 were the same price or cheaper in the six months prior to the event. The consumer association warned shoppers to be cautious of fake discounts and to research prices before making a purchase. Some retailers were found to have raised prices before Black Friday to make the subsequent discounts appear more significant. This practice is considered misleading and is regulated by law in some countries.

Main themes

• Black Friday pricing practices
• consumer awareness
• regulation of sales events
• globalization of Black Friday
• cultural imperialism
• holiday shopping season

What commenters say

• Some commenters believe that Black Friday has become a misleading marketing event where prices are artificially inflated before being discounted.
• Others argue that the practice of raising prices before a sale is illegal in many places and can be considered fraudulent.
• The timing of Black Friday is seen as a way to kickstart the holiday shopping season, rather than a means of clearing out unsold inventory.
• There is a perception that Black Friday has become a global phenomenon, with many countries adopting the event despite not celebrating Thanksgiving.
• Some argue that the focus on Black Friday sales can lead to a 'BUY! BUY! BUY!' mentality, encouraging unnecessary consumerism.
• Others point out that laws regulating pricing practices can be complex and open to loopholes, allowing retailers to exploit them.
• The adoption of Black Friday sales in countries that do not celebrate Thanksgiving is seen as a form of cultural imperialism.
• There is a need for consumers to be aware of pricing practices and to research prices before making a purchase to avoid being misled.