Business
In the USA, the big sale in the form of Black Friday has a long tradition. Black Friday is now also an annual business worth millions for the domestic economy. Trade lures with discounts, but consumer advocates warn.
The last Friday in November is always a special day for retailers. However, Black Friday has now become an extended week in which there are countless discount offers in stores. This time is the start of the Christmas business. Some companies even advertise with the “Black November”.
“In recent years, this has developed into the strongest week for us, with the crowning finale of course being Black Friday,” says Kurt Mayer, Managing Director of MediaMarkt in Shopping City Seiersberg. The pandemic has dampened business a bit, but this year customers are expecting much more interest.
Customers are increasingly looking at the price
Last but not least, the increase in prices has led to customers paying even more attention to the prices, confirms Edith Münzer from Murpark in Graz: “They look very consciously at what it costs and what I get for it. This high quality has become more important in recent years.”
Not every lure offer really cheaper
Consumer advocate Christina Posadas from the Chamber of Labor urges people to take a closer look and compare. Some offers are not: “Many dealers assume high list prices. If I discount something, then it really isn’t a bargain.”
Since Black Friday is also heavily advertised online, according to Posadas, attention should be paid to reputable companies: “Secure payment methods are important here, such as credit cards or PayPal. Because you have buyer protection and if it doesn’t come or is actually defective, this buyer protection will help in an emergency.”