Black Friday Christmas Shopping Buzz

Black Friday has evolved into a global shopping phenomenon, famous for its incredible deals, extended shop opening hours, and even longer queues. Traditionally held the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, Black Friday marks the start of the Christmas shopping season, with retailers slashing prices on pretty much any item you can think of. Over the years, Black Friday has transcended U.S. borders, spreading to countries worldwide and becoming an eagerly anticipated event across Europe, Canada, Australia, and beyond. From electronics and fashion to home goods and jewellery, shoppers dive in to take advantage of deals on products they’ve been eyeing up all year. In this blog, we’ll explore the origins of Black Friday, how it has become an international event, the top items to buy, and strategies for making the most of this shopping season.

The Origins of Black Friday: How It All Began

Black Friday’s origins are rooted in Philadelphia in the 1950s, where police used the term to describe the chaotic crowds that filled the streets the day after Thanksgiving. Shoppers and tourists flooded into the city, many of them on their way to the Army-Navy football game held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The police were overwhelmed by the influx, and the term “Black Friday” was coined to reflect the mayhem and increased workload.

The term gained broader popularity in the 1980s, but it took on a more positive spin. Retailers saw an opportunity to capitalize on this surge of consumers, and as a marketing strategy, they rebranded Black Friday as a day when their financial records moved “into the black” – meaning they went from operating at a loss to making a profit, thanks to the volume of holiday shopping. Soon, it became common for stores to offer huge discounts on popular items, which spurred even more interest.

Black Friday Goes Global

While Black Friday is deeply rooted in American tradition, the concept of a dedicated shopping day with discounts has spread worldwide in recent years. Countries around the globe, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and even parts of Asia and South America, have embraced Black Friday as part of their own retail calendars.

• United Kingdom: The UK we have fully embraced Black Friday since 2010, when retailers like Amazon and Asda introduced discounts similar to those in the U.S. British shoppers quickly caught on, and today, Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping events.

• Canada: While Canada has its own Thanksgiving in October, Black Friday became a prominent shopping event as Canadians crossed the border to take advantage of U.S. discounts. Canadian retailers began offering competitive deals to keep consumers in the country, making Black Friday a staple in the Canadian retail calendar too.

• Australia: Australians have enthusiastically adopted Black Friday, with retailers seeing a steady rise in demand each year. Major retailers and e-commerce sites in Australia now offer big discounts and many Australians also shop internationally online.

• Asia: Countries like Japan, China, and India have seen an increase in Black Friday promotions, thanks to e-commerce giants like Amazon and Alibaba.

What Do People Buy on Black Friday?

With discounts across nearly every product category, it’s no wonder Black Friday has become the go-to event for both practical buys and Christmas shopping. Here are some of the most popular things we like to buy:

• Electronics: Televisions, smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles are some of the biggest draws on Black Friday. Shoppers often wait all year for discounts on high price electronics, and the savings can make a big difference.

• Home Appliances: Kitchen appliances, vacuum cleaners, and smart home gadgets are also really popular. Black Friday is a great time to invest in some fancy new gadgets you know you need…

• Fashion and Beauty: Clothing, shoes, and beauty products are also widely discounted, making it a great time to revamp your wardrobe or stock up on favourite cosmetics and perfume.

• Toys and Games: As families prepare for Christmas, toys and games are popular buys, helping parents to treat their children without breaking the bank. 

• Jewellery: Jewellery is becoming an increasingly popular choice during Black Friday, both as a personal treat and as a Christmas gift. Silver, gold, and diamond jewellery often have good offers, making this a great time to purchase a meaningful piece of jewellery. (maybe a Christmas or New Year proposal?)

Black Friday Shopping Strategy: How, What, and Where to Buy

With so many options and deals, it’s important to go into Black Friday with a plan. Here’s how you can make the most of your Black Friday shopping:

• 1. Make a List and Set a Budget: Before diving into deals, write down what you need and set a budget. It’s easy to get carried away with impulse buying, so having a plan can help you focus.

• 2. Research Ahead of Time: Check retailers’ websites, apps, and social media for early access to discounts. This will help you find where to find the best deals.

• 3. Prioritize Big-Ticket Items: If you’re eyeing an expensive item, prioritize it. High-demand items like electronics and large appliances often sell out quickly, so make a bee line for them first.

• 4. Choose Reliable Retailers and Brands: Shopping from reputable retailers can help ensure you’re getting a good deal and not a knock-off. Established brands often have better return policies and guarantees, which is really important if you run into any kind of problems.

• 5. Take Advantage of Online Deals: Many retailers now offer their best deals online, allowing you to skip the crowds. Online shopping also enables you to compare prices across sites easily whilst enjoying a cup of tea on the sofa.

Jewellery: A Unique Gift Choice for Black Friday

Black Friday is the perfect time to buy jewellery – either as thoughtful Christmas gifts or as a treat to yourself (well.. getting ready for Christmas is very stressful!) I’ve always thought jewellery is such a personal gift, finding just the right piece of handmade silver jewellery for your loved one, something that they will treasure for years to come. 

Our silver jewellery collection at Cavendish French stands out as a brand known for its elegance and craftsmanship. We are offering a 15% discount on all online orders from November 22nd to December 3rd, making Black Friday the perfect time to explore our collections. Whether you’re looking for a piece to sparkle at Christmas parties and get-togethers or a unique present, our range of handmade silver jewellery includes rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces for every budget and taste.

• For Christmas Presents: Look for classic pieces like silver hoop earrings, delicate cubic zirconia pendants, or statement cocktail rings. These timeless options are easy to match with any style and can be cherished for years. We have put together a Christmas jewellery collection to make life easier for you and we also have a stocking fillers selection with all the designs under £40. Both collections have a range of jewellery styles suitable for everyone from difficult to buy for teenagers, a best friend or beloved mum.

• Sparkles for Christmas Parties: The holiday season is the perfect time to add a little sparkle to your outfits whether it is for a full-on black-tie party, a gathering at friends or for Christmas day itself. We have a wonderful collection of silver and cubic zirconia jewellery perfect for parties. Many designs are available in a range of colours to match your outfit or opt for classic designs that look just like fine diamond jewellery. Choose from striking silver necklaces, classic tennis bracelets, or elegant drop earrings that twinkle as they catch the light.

Tips for Buying Jewellery on Black Friday

Jewellery can be a big investment, and Black Friday offers an opportunity to purchase beautiful pieces you might otherwise be unable to afford. Here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for jewellery during Black Friday:

• Check for Quality and Authenticity: Always ensure that the jewellery you’re purchasing is genuine. Look for marks or stamps indicating purity, and purchase from reputable brands.

• Choose Timeless Pieces: While fashionable pieces are fun, classic designs such as handmade silver bangles, tennis silver bracelets or gemstone earrings are timeless and hold their appeal for many years.

• Know Your Size and Style Preferences: Rings, bracelets, and necklaces all come in different lengths and sizes so knowing what fits you or the recipient can help you find the perfect piece rather than having the hassle of trying to exchange or get a refund. 

• Read the Return Policy: Sometimes you might just not have chosen quite the right thing and need to change it, so make sure you check the returns policy to ensure you’re aware of any limitations. For example, we and most jewellery companies will not exchange or refund pierced earrings for hygiene reasons. 

Making the Most of Black Friday

Black Friday is a unique opportunity to find fabulous things at a fraction of the normal price. Whether you’re upgrading electronics, refreshing your wardrobe, or investing in beautiful handmade silver jewellery, the key is to go in prepared. Black Friday is no longer confined to just one day; with extended sales and online deals often running for the whole month of November, you can shop smartly from the comfort of your home. By planning what you want to buy, choosing carefully, and sticking to reputable brands, you can make the most of this exciting shopping event. And don’t forget we at Cavendish French are offering 15% off on any online orders between November 22nd and December 3rd so don’t miss the a chance to choose special jewellery Christmas gifts, and find the perfect jewellery to make you sparkle this Christmas.