An American here! Black Friday follows our Thanksgiving and is a fun thing you might do with visiting family. For many, it’s picking up great Christmas decor and treats, or ornaments for the tree you’re putting up starting that weekend. And of course, a new holiday outfit if lucky! The crazy stuff you see on the news has never been a part of my life nor the lives of anyone I know.

@bw07_r

6 ай бұрын

Thank you, so interesting. I didn’t know that traditional aspect of it.

You can spend a fortune saving money.

Filtering out all the noise and the hype is something I have been working on for a while. I think I am at a point where I can look at the sales, but not be “snake charmed” into buying something that I don’t need, or isn’t on my list, like I was in the past. I try to support small, local businesses first, and love your idea Christina of buying consumable items (coffee) to support when possible. I made my first purchase of a linen button down from POMP this November, thank you Alyssa! Love it to death already! When I feel myself getting sucked in at this time of year, I sit down and plan the places and amounts of $ I will donate in December which I turned into a habit decades ago. That keeps it real for me, when I think of sick kids and their families at Children’s hospital and fur babies at the SPCA…just one of the ways I fight the demons, but I do appreciate those who love a good sale, and can’t wait for Black Friday and Christmas. Love the podcast 💕

In the US, you can often find something you have been wanting for 50 - 75% off on Black Friday. I don't need much and don't have a lot of people to buy for, so I often don't even shop. But if you have something already on your want list, it is definitely worth waiting for Black Friday and checking the price. The idea of Black Friday is that businesses are "in the black" by this date and every sale after is profit. If I'm buying a larger gift to donate to a family in need, Black Friday is the time I shop.

I've always felt my closet was a bit random and unmatching. The last few years I've been trying to understand why and purchase more mindfully. Clothing sales were always a big deal in my family and it was a point of pride to never buy anything full price. So when Signe said her closet used to be made up of things she bought on sale and that is WHY her closet felt that way... 🤯 Such insight for me!

18:40 I agree, wait until late January to February for the best deals!

American - thank god the thanksgiving evening shopping trend stopped after COVID. Now, it’s just Black Friday. I’ve worked at Target as my side hustle for years, and honestly, there is a buzz. People feel like they’re part of something when they’re shopping early in the AM to snag the item on sale. My mom and I even used to go out together very early when I was younger. I’d say it’s a big deal, and now it’s bleeding into the week BEFORE thanksgiving, small business Saturday, and cyber Monday. It’s hard to resist, but I like the budget mentality. Love this pod❤

I live in the USA. As my fellow American mentioned it follows our Thanksgiving, which as far as big family gatherings go, it is our biggest holiday, travel wise, etc. (even Christmas) Black Friday always follows the day after Thanksgiving and marks the beginning of our Christmas season, for most of us. We cut the turkey, THEN Christmas season can officially begin. When I was younger, before buying online became a normal thing, the stores would give big discounts on popular items, but only for the first few hours of Black Friday. The idea was to lure you into their store first and hopes that while you were there for the big discounts, you’d buy other items as well. We would need to pick between sales, discounts, stores, etc. Over the last couple of decades, online shopping has changed all this. We can now be shopping physically in one store while shopping sales online at other stores, so the great sales on “ Black Friday “ aren’t much different than other sales. BUT, because the family is together, it’s fun to start the Christmas season shopping together, putting up the tree, buying the decorations. Etc. . Now, the sales are just more normal sales. Mindful spending, a list, etc. is still very important. Black Friday is more American because it plays off out Thanksgiving, which is always on a Thursday. I bring a list and cash and when it’s done, it’s done.

I have to say I kind of resent the spread of Black Friday to Canada from the U.S. it’s gone way too far - and there’s way too much pressure to buy for literally a month. But not wanting to be manipulated, I don’t give in. If I happen to need something and it turns up on sale, I will buy it instead of at full price but I’m not going to buy things I don’t need just because they are on sale.

I`ve just bought Christmas presents for my kids (Lego and Paw Patrol at good price,checked the price first from the other sites and these were on my list because I make my best at no buying too many toys and stuff like that),1 cashmere pullover (on my list) and two pairs of shoes (not connected to BF but at very god price and these were on my list: white sneakers and leather ankle boots),but I really feel tempted to shop more but thanks to three of you and two other people = minimalists I`ve been changing my way of thinking ,it`s a long way but our earth/we/our finances deserve it so thank you p.s. I`m a Ukrainian who lives in Italy since 2009

I'm in the throes of my "No-buy-vember", which, had I thought it through, I would have put my no-buy month off for a month that offered less temptation! It's been tough, being bombarded with all the BF ads, but I've made it this far, and I've only got a week to go-yay me! Christina, you spoke about how you determine if a piece is the right purchase for you, considering the fabric, style, fit, etc, with price being the last consideration, if everything else fits the bill. I guess that's something you can do when shopping in person but, since I do most of my shopping (new items) online, one way I avoid disappointment, seeing something that's perfect in every way but then find out it's over my budget, is to make sure I use the filters and enter the top dollar amount I'm prepared to spend for the item, in the first place. That way, I'll look at only the pieces I can comfortably afford and I'm not tempted by the ones I can't, because they won't even come up.

My kettle lid broke so I’m getting one on a deal but that’s probably all. Financially I need to be careful, and also most of the things which are truly lacking in my life are not objects.

We observe International No Buy Day, and usually go hiking or some other outdoor activity, weather permitting. Prices are all over the place, but there are very few things I HAVE to buy on sale. If I need it, I can usually find it at a price I can afford and anytime during the year.

I think managing a healthy mindset around sales is a good podcast discussion, regardless of the time of year. I liked the point about having a monetary or item budget for managing overconsumption. Growing up in a very frugal household, full price clothes even in Target or Gap were easily over 3x our budget; shopping the sales was the only option for us, and as Black Friday is supposed to be the best deals of the year, it's more meaningful as that's often when we shop for the year. Even when I don't need to buy anything, that habit certainly makes it feel like I *should* be taking advantage of deals come this time of year. And part of being in a poor household is that secondhand clothing is stigmatized (unless it is passed down from family), and incomparable to acquiring a new piece of clothing. I think this year especially, as inflation grows and the sticker price rises, the deals don't seem as valuable for those who depend on them, and I think that's where slow fashion needs to be more of a thing. This is the first episode of this podcast that was recommended to me, so apologies if these points were covered in a previous episode!

You asked what special guests we would like to hear. I think that Justine Leconte would be an interesting one. She is a fashion designer but is strong on ethics and sustainability and very anti-fast fashion.

So many good points here. I live in the US and a good deal to me is 40-50% off. And I think “woohoo!” If I get an item on Black Friday sale that I need to replenish. ❤

I grew up in Italy so Black Friday was a surprise followed by the shock of seeing people on tv camping outside of a store to buy a tv…and getting into fistfights to get in the store ahead of everyone, a bit sad if you ask me. I like a good deal and find them second hand with a bit of patience. In Italy they have end of season sales but a bit less intense than Black Friday, maybe it’s just me but I wouldn’t fight anybody to buy a piece of clothing 😂

In Australia, BlackFriday has become big in recent years. I think to try to keep money in local economy instead of going offshore through online purchases. Traditionally our biggest sales are Boxing Day (26 December) followed by June as end of financial year sales. I am only purchasing a couple of items online that I have on my wish list and only if a real saving.

Black Friday (November) is relatively new in Australia and there are defs some good deals to be had for the mindful shopper. Anthropologically, we are hunters & gatherers. Advertisers & retailers know how to exploit these largely redundant instincts to hunt bargains & gather stuff.

I generally have a wishlist anyway, so if an item that has been on there for a decent amount of time gets a good discount, I'll likely buy it.

In Germany Onlineshops like Zalando have to show the lowest price of an item in the last 30 days, I think it’s a new EU law because of dynamic prices depending on many factors - your neighbor might see a different price than you. So it’s quite transparent if it’s really a good deal… Now I watch items way longer than ever before buying.

This year in US Black Friday now is so far ahead of the the day-access before through influencer codes. This is for beauty products and devices which I use for things I use and want to stock up on and for things I have been thinking about throughout the year. So at this time of year I do take advantage of this sale.

I am not crazy about Black Friday “offers”, and I did notice depending on the item, the stores are not giving you a good deal. The discount percentage tends to be pretty much the same as any other period of the year. However, just like Christina mentioned, I fell under the marketing trap a few times with discounts, free delivery, and with that notification on the top of the screen where it tells tou how many item left there are for the product you are checking out. I felt so silly to had let myself be driven by those marketings and strategies these companies elaborate to really get the client to consume more and purchase something! 😢 Anyways, I want to wish you three and everyone else who just like me enjoy the channel and is learning always something new, a Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍁🍽

I shop some smaller brands especially in skin care that normally do not offer discounted prices ..brands like deciem and stratia. I usually buy enough to last several months knowing that I will use it and this is the only time they give a discount. Otherwise, I really try to stay away so I don't give in to FOMO and buy unnneeded items because of all the money I am "saving".

Have any of you done a video on pointing out the marketing tricks online and how to avoid them? This is in response to Christina’s point about “1 item left” tactic. ❤❤

My black Friday plan is a friend, tea, and a fun round of tarot. My holiday revolves around friends and opportunities to create memories. The only present I ever remember receiving is my father's last present to me. Other than that, things are quickly forgotten. I make cookies or candy for sharing in the holidays. If you are mindful of spending during the year then you probably can find what's needed during other sale days. And yes, I'm from the US . P.s thank you Christina for mentioning local small businesses.

Technically, I have already shopped it online. I shop in November for Christmas gifts to make sure they have what I am looking for and I like when a store starts their sales early. I used to live in Southern California and the black Friday sales were a mad house, because of those memories I never shop in store on that day. Getting mauled at the Mall is not my idea of fun. I am usually done slopping by black friday anyway.

I did buy a linen blazer I had on my wishlist for months because it is currently on sale. I do feel a bit bad about it, because even though I was planning to buy it next year anyway, I won't be able to wear it for months and there are other gaps in my wardrobe that need filling more urgently.

I like Black Friday/Cyber week sales for restocking toiletries, although most of the brands I use already give 20-25% promotions throughout the year anyway so when this season comes around often times I don’t need to restock much of anything, that was the case this year. For clothes I always have a 4-5 list of items that I am looking to buy, either to replace or add to my wardrobe. I usually have a few brands and specific items in mind so if I see they are marked down considerably then I make the purchase. I have been looking at these shoes by office of Angela Scott for 2+ years now and they were finally marked down to 50% off so I felt happy about that deal. I know they’re great quality so they were worth waiting for…just not at full price haha

Interesting discussion! We never used to have Black Friday in the UK but then suddenly we did. It’s handy if you know what you want to get people for Christmas, or something you wanted all year, you might get a small percentage off. The discounts are often not that deep here.

Most of the brands I buy don't do black Friday sales because they have a more sustainable or ethical sales model. Otherwise, I see if there is something I've had my eye on for a while or something I know I will get down the track (like make-up or basic t shirts) then on a discount is a smart purchase. P.S. I'm based in Europe. It's mainly the chain stores that do these sales.

I think the point that Melissa makes of impulse buy is very good! Some of my most worn items have been impulse buys on vacations or sales! As long as it is in your budget and Will fit with the rest of the wardrobe I think a bit of fun, a peice a little bit outside you box or something you never even thought you could afford. Then just go for it!

Brilliant as usual! 🥰 You have really fast become my nr. 1 podcast and I look for it every tuesday ❤️

I am living in Belgium and Black Friday is something that came up a couple of years ago. I have a wishlist and if I really need something I will buy it. Like you are saying it is so tempting and you feel the pressure via social media and advertisements, at some point I just let it rest because it is getting too overwhelming. Thanks for sharing your taughts 😊

I live in Colombia South América, and although businesses try to give Black Friday sales they are low percentage’s. I did once participate a Black Friday at Houston once and it seemed they only had junk on sale.

I usually avoid Black Friday or forget it’s coming and buy things I need at full price. I am watching for discounts on items I already have on my list, like skincare, jewelry, and a new winter coat, but that is all.

I love this podcast! i have learned a lot, super useful in helping me become a more mindful shopper!! thank you!!!

I’m trying to approach Black Friday mindfully this year. I’m making lists of Christmas gifts I want to buy for each person, and favoriting items on sites I like to shop, and am going to check on Black Friday for deals on those particular items. I’m going to resist any impulse buys. Thank you for your content!

I'm in the States. Each year seems worse and worse for legitimate mark downs. It's so true that having a list with pricing with you for comparison is the way. I was so upset when many of the Amazon prime day deals were actually more expensive then the items had been the previous week. I'm pretty jaded by Black Friday and just assume many places us that mark up to mark down tactic.

I think there’s more to say about this really - ethics, the way brands buy goods in just to put on sale, the relationship to holiday or Christmas shopping.

This is interesting to me. Im in America.. and im 53 and have never participated in any black friday or cyber Monday sales.. i didn't even really know or understand what they were .. i just remember co workers talking about getting up at 4 a.m. to stand in line in the elements for lije a "$99.00 t.v. , people fighting, .. it just never appealed to me.. for one i dont desperately need or really want any of those so called deals... And to be honored I've never had the money to indulge in these "once in a lifetime" deals. Major eye🙄 roll here.. haha.. my daughter is 18 and working a little part time job and shes shopping for a laptop.. and her cousin told her wait for black friday.. when she had already found something for less than $300.. this obsession w the better deals which are not always better is just ridiculous.. no thank you..

I always found it overwealming and many times just prices are not that good just like a random 15% discount I dont live in a Christmas country but yhey also try it here . When i was in Canada I found boxing day even cheaper and in general end of season sales Then i also know if i need this after waiting I really believe that you can find most things for cheaper most of the time in many different ways... And its just mostly advertising..... I mean if something you need in advance is priced down than ok why not But i usually dont even bother

❤ for thé algorithme

I never used to participate in Black Friday madness because where I grew up it was pretty intense. But now I find that some of my favorite clothing brands do a week long BF sale online. The main BF sale I participated in this year was my go-to underwear brand Boody - and I stocked up on underwear, bras, socks, base layers for the year. I do feel very tempted to shop BF sales for clothing brands like Quince and Everlane. I’m struggling with how much to allow myself to spend there. It’s easier for me to justify spending a chunk of money on basics like underwear than it is on new knits and stuff, ya know? … Good podcast topic! It provided a lot of food for thought, as always.

I make my gifts for Xmas and the only time I ever shopped Black Friday was when I need a tv. Got a great deal even though in line for hours. This years gifts are about the little things we all can do to help the environment. Cloth napkins in cute holder. Microfiber wipes in cute countertop wood box. Glass spray bottle with cleaner tablets. Silicone reusable sandwich baggie and 1 roll each of recycled paper towels and tp plus a note explaining why

I think now that e-commerce has boomed, the camping outside stores to purchase merchandise and rushing to the store before the sun is out days are behind us and if not, they have significantly lessened. I agree with what Christina shared about planning in advance. If you know have a list of purchases you want to make and are looking for a deal, Black Friday can be a good time to buy. It’s when purchases are made in excess bc they are sale or there are “only few left in stock” that danger lies. I myself have fallen victim to the only few in stock ploy and sadly many others have and will to.

I’m sure you know but in case you don’t, Black Friday is the day that retailers go from being into the red financially for the year to being in the black.

I like getting people one good thing for their Christmas depending on the budget. I’ll watch the price over the course of months and if I catch it cheaper any time (including potentially Black Friday sales), then I’ll snag it. But I still have my list they I go by then too. If there is anything I genuinely do need, like Alyssa’s tv example, I’ll put it in my list. I won’t just add random things just because it’s on sale

Another thought process behind the sense of urgency to buy is thinking this is the last chance to get that piece. And sometimes it is... after resisting the urge to buy it ill regret it because its no longer available especially since im very picky and put a lot of time and effort in finding something that I want. But then I remind myself that something else similar will come and im lucky to have the buying power to get it then... any thoughts?

As a Canadian, BF sales are not that great. I agree with Signe about being attracted to sales. I did this in the past too! This year I was more intentional and bought better quality after BF.

Former holiday GAP employee here as well and also TV news reporter who would cover the Black Friday madness live. I remember one mall having a balloon drop with hundred dollar gift cards hidden in some of the balloons- there was a time when Black Friday was this magical.. chaotic- frenzy of a mess but it was fun. With more sales being rolled out online and before Black Friday things have tapered off and not as many people shop in person. I miss that excitement and the tradition of waking up super early to create a strategy with family. Seeing people camping out for days at Best Buy to get deals on television sets and video game consoles was pretty wild too - especially when it was super cold outside. While the magic of in-person shopping has waned, I still get excited to find great deals on gifts that will go under our Christmas tree.

I mean Christina!!! Not Melissa 🫣😬

American here! Stay away! It's not the same BLK Friday as it was 2O years ago. There are no real deals. They are the same the entire season for the most part.

Do you participate in Secondhand Sunday?

FOMO just don't go there. Just do not enter a shop or look online without a plan. Stick to your values sales or not :)

From a Canadian (Torontonian) now living in the U.S., the sales are so much better here and are for every holiday other than Boxing Day tbh. I made a list and am trying to buy Xmas presents as well while they’re on sale. Also I’ve allowed some extra spending for small, Palestinian-owned brands and donations. I’m trying to be more mindful in spending in more ways than one.