What NOT to buy on Black Friday, according to consumer experts
Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year for many consumers but not every deal you see is necessarily a good deal. There are some items you’re better off waiting to buy if you don’t need to gift them for Christmas.
This year shoppers nationwide could spend an estimated $10 billion on Black Friday sales with many of those shoppers on the hunt for specific items.
“Always children’s toys, clothes, shoes, accessories,” says Austin shopper Libby Crawford.
“Every year I always get the Madden game on Black Friday because its mid-season. Things are heating up. It’s a lot cheaper,” says Richard Green.
While deals and discounts are sure to crowd your inbox, keep in mind some sales will be even better later.
“Furniture and mattresses will go on sale around Black Friday, but the deals usually aren’t as good as what you’ll see around holidays like President’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day,” says Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews.com.
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Items that tend to have deeper discounts after the new year include:
- Future & mattresses
- Bedding & linens
- Jewelry
- Fitness equipment
“January is when everybody makes their New Year’s resolutions and retailers know this and they will discount all kinds of fitness-related things from athletic ware to fitness equipment for your home,” Ramhold explains. She says, one exception is fitness trackers which you likely will find good Black Friday deals on since they’re considered electronics.
“Electronics is definitely one of the bigger categories just because we see really great prices on TVs and TVs from big brands,” Ramhold adds.
You can also expect major price drops on tablets, smartphones and computers plus decent discounts on fall clothing but probably not winter clothing.
Whiles some toys will get price cuts later in December, if you’re shopping for a specific or popular item, experts say it’s usually best to snag it when you see it as long as it’s in your budget.
