Black Friday Savings for Your Christmas Shopping

We have been totally spoilt in the last few weeks when the weather is supposed to have changed to chilly autumn days and evenings. We have enjoyed beautiful sunny days which have us all out in the parks, the garden or at the beach making the most of every moment. That all changed yesterday as the chill and the rain started and talk now turns to halloween, bonfire night and the dreaded Christmas which someone scarily told me is only 10 weeks aways. 

It seems as soon as we are back from our summer holidays and the children are back to school, we start to go into minor panic about Christmas coming – the organisation, which relatives will be coming to stay (welcome or not…)  and of course, the cost which is always a struggle and my be harder for many people this year. I always try to start my shopping early so that I can spread the cost and also look for the best savings possible. So where better to start than with Black Friday where you can get some amazing deals – not least from us and our beautiful silver jewellery. 

Today, Black Friday is known worldwide as a day for incredible deals, and it has become synonymous with shopping and savings. Retailers across the globe have embraced this tradition, offering discounts and offers on a wide range of products throughout November but officially Black Friday is on the 24th of November. This and Cyber Monday are the biggest shopping days of the year across the world.

But how did Black Friday come about and how has it become the huge shopping phenomena that it is?  

Black Friday – Where did it begin? 

Black Friday's origins are rooted in the United States, where it is celebrated on the day after Thanksgiving, which falls on the fourth Thursday of November. While its modern association with shopping and discounts is well-known, the term "Black Friday" originally had nothing to do with shopping.

The earliest use of the term dates back to the 1950s, when it was used by Philadelphia police officers to describe the chaotic and congested streets that occurred on the Friday after Thanksgiving due to the influx of suburban shoppers and tourists. Large crowds of shoppers and tourists flooded into the city for the big Army-Navy football game held on that Saturday every year. Police officers were not able to take the day off and had to work extra-long shifts dealing with the crowds, traffic, and shoplifting. 

Retail sales were always important in November with many people in the U.S taking the Friday off after thanksgiving, not only to get a four day holiday but also to make a start on their Christmas shopping. 

As early as 1924, the department store Macy's launched its famous Eaton’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York to celebrate the success of the roaring 20’s and to boost shopping in the city the following day.  

The shopping day grew in popularity throughout the 1930s, although was obviously affected by the Great Depression. In 1939, President Franklin D Roosevelt made the decision to move the date of Thanksgiving one week earlier than normal in order to boost sales and the US economy. Some named this move "Franksgiving". 

And it worked.. with all the shopping activity on the Friday after Thanksgiving it became one of the most profitable days of the year.  Shops used to record their accounting details by hand, noting profits in black and losses in red. The term "Black Friday" was adopted because it marked the point at which many retailers began turning a profit for the year, moving from "in the red" to "in the black." 

Black Friday has continued to go from strength to strength, becoming a true retail extravaganza in the 1980’s. 

When did Black Friday come to the UK? 

The American online retail giant Amazon, introduced the concept to the UK in 2010, promoting a range of discounts and offers to customers.  

In 2013, Asda (owned by American retailer Walmart) had its own Black Friday sale – which unfortunately led to chaos as people physically fought in store over TVs and other gadgets. Following this, Black Friday has grown significantly throughout the UK, with more and more retailers offering significant discounts and sales, both physically in store and of course, online. 

What is Cyber Monday? 

It hasn’t been around as long as Black Friday and it all started in 2005, with the goal to boost sales online for the first internet retailers. It was also to make online shopping more popular – how times have changed!! When it was first introduced, Black Friday was meant to be for physical stores on the high street and Cyber Monday for the new and developing online retail businesses. 

The day marks the continuation of sales following Thanksgiving and Black Friday, with exclusive internet-only deals and discounts. This year, it is on the 27th of November. 

Too good to be true? 

It’s hard not to get caught up in the frenzy of offers, savings and retail therapy but sometimes a deal is not always as good as it seems. Sometimes items are actually no cheaper than at other times of year, they are just made to look discounted and more appealing. Don’t get carried away in the moment and spend a fortune on things you really don’t want or need just because they are a good bargain. (they’ll never thank you for the dodgy Christmas present and you’ll never fit into that ½ price sequin dress…) Men spend roughly 50 % more than women on Black Friday and Cyber Monday and the stats show that 52 % of people regret what they bought and spent. With men more likely to regret their shopping spree than women! 

Try and avoid this buyer’s remorse with a few tips to prepare you for sensible shopping and the savings you can make. 

Plan Ahead: Before Black Friday arrives, make a list of the items you need or want to purchase. Having a plan will help you stay focused and avoid impulse buying.

Research and Compare: Take the time to research prices and product reviews before the big day. This will help you identify genuine discounts and avoid being conned by misleading deals.

Online vs. In-Store Shopping: Decide whether you prefer to shop in the high street or online. Many retailers offer their Black Friday deals both in physical stores and on their websites. I always choose online – much for comfortable sat on my sofa with a cup of tea but if you love the buzz of the shops and crowds, head to shopping centres or the high street.

Set a Budget: It's easy to get carried away with the excitement of Black Friday and the enticing offers, so set a budget for your shopping to make sure you don't overspend.  

Sorting Your Christmas Shopping 

With Black Friday landing at the end of November, it is the perfect time to start Christmas shopping. The offers on this day make it a great opportunity to tick items off your gift list while staying within your budget - find the perfect presents without breaking the bank. 

Here are some ideas for how to sort your Christmas shopping on Black Friday:

Electronics: Black Friday is known for its fantastic deals on electronics – I think the first major sales were within this sector. Consider purchasing items like smartphones, tablets, or smart home devices as Christmas gifts for tech enthusiasts in your life.

Clothing: Winter clothing, including coats, sweaters, and scarves, are often heavily discounted on Black Friday. Stock up on warm and cosy knits for your family and friends.

Toys: If you have children to shop for, Black Friday is the perfect time to find deals on popular toys and games. You can make your little ones' holiday wishes come true without breaking the bank. 

Jewellery Gifts: Now, let's focus on something a bit more special – and very close to my heart - jewellery gifts! Jewellery always makes the perfect Christmas present, a wonderful way to express thought and love for someone you care about.  Whether you are looking for a timeless classic, a bold bangle or statement ring or even a sparkling cubic zirconia set for the Christmas party, then Cavendish French is the place to look. For Black Friday we will be offering 10% discount on all our jewellery – not just the odd item that’s been lurking in the back cupboard for the last few years. So why not take the plunge and start that Christmas shopping with us. 

10% Savings for Black Friday  

Here are a few suggestions that we think will make the perfect Christmas gift. We have a wide range of handmade sterling silver jewellery with many designs set with sparkling AAA* cubic zirconia stones and a range of styles and prices to suit everyone for teenage daughters, to best friends, mums, or grandmas. Take a look at our Christmas Gifts Collection to get some ideas and also check our Stocking Fillers when all the jewellery is priced under £40. 

 For a classic elegant piece that is timeless and will be worn for ever – why not choose a handmade sterling silver bangle – our Silver Spring Bangle is one of our best sellers and is cuff in style so easy to put on and off and shape to any wrist. Suitable for men and women.

Everyone loves a bit of sparkle at Christmas so how about a design from our colours cubic zirconia starlight collection – choose from emerald green, aqua blue, pink diamond and citrine to name but a few. Beautiful sparkling replicas of fine diamond and gem jewellery. Many designs have sets of earrings and necklaces and bold statement rings are what everyone wants at the moment. 

Our customers love our recently launched our vintage style Clover Collection, beautifully designed and handmade designs set with natural coloured mother of pearl or enamel, some plated in 18 carat yellow gold. We have just launched red mother of pearl and malachite designs into the collection – fabulous Christmas colours. 

If you are looking for understated, choose one of our smaller clear cubic zirconia designs – maybe solitaire studs or a simple pendant. Perfect for teenagers and those who like their jewellery to be subtle. Our silver Kiss Earrings are so cute! 

Treating Yourself to Sparkling Silver Jewellery for Christmas Parties 

As well as Christmas gifts, we are also the perfect place to find some party sparkles for all those Christmas celebrations – from office parties to family gathering or Black-Tie events. Our Party Sparkle Collection featured some of our bestselling silver and cubic zirconia jewellery but for real stand out you can’t beat my favourite Graduated Necklace which twinkles just like priceless diamonds but without the price tag. Long drop party earrings or big hoops look perfect with it. And finally finish your look with a bold cocktail ring or two, maybe in a colour to complement your outfit.

All our jewellery is delivered free of charge in the UK, in a beautiful complimentary branded gift box. So why not make the most of our Black Friday offer which runs from the 17th to the 28th November. 

Happy shopping everyone.