This is the season for holiday spending on decorations, gifts, and treats for yourself. The British Retail Consortium predicts a surge in spending during November and December, with growth rates comparable to pre-pandemic years. Despite flashy Black Friday ads and higher mortgages & rental costs due to inflation, it's crucial not to be swayed by the hype. Not all sales are equal, and not every deal is worthwhile. To guide your spending wisely, we've compiled advice from industry experts and below are the key steps to identify a good deal on Black Friday: Do Your Homework: Create a list of items you plan to purchase, checking brand emails and ads for upcoming discounts. Research usual prices for listed items, as some retailers inflate prices before sales. Investigate merchant background to understand pricing strategies, coupon availability, and pricing cycles. Read the Fine Print: Look for retailers offering holiday price match guarantees for added peace of mind. Consider stores with extended return windows, providing flexibility in case of further discounts. Use Online Shopping Tools: Leverage platforms like LatestDeals, BuyVia, Flip, PriceRunner, ShopSavy, Mycartsavings and Price.com, for price drop alerts and history charts. Explore Google Chrome's price tracking feature and pop-ups on certain websites for real-time information. Employ subtle techniques such as favoriting items or placing them in your cart to potentially receive exclusive promo codes. Know What to Expect: Recognise that some retailers, like Apple, may not offer significant Black Friday discounts. Be aware of brands that frequently have sales, such as John Lewis, Under Armour, Pandora, TKMax, Boots, Argos, and most of the Designer outlets. Exercise self-control and focus on buying items you genuinely need, rather than succumbing to impulse purchases. Smart preparation and strategic shopping are key to maximizing savings during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Remember to prioritize needs over wants to make the most of this shopping season. Inspired by The Krazy Coupon Lady, BRC, and UK news.