Shop like a pro this Black Friday

Shop like a pro this Black Friday with these insider tips and tricks

Black Friday is so close we can taste it; are you ready to scoop up all those incredible deals you’ve been waiting for all year? Make 2019 the year that you enjoy the best savings yet by being 100% prepared when you hit the stores on 29 November. Here are a few insider tips and tricks to smooth the way for ultimate shopping success:

Start planning early

Visit our Somerset Mall news and blog sites for our lists of retailers offering Black Friday deals. Bookmark the Somerset Mall website and follow us on social media for updates. Also note store opening times, stock availability, and in-store/online restrictions. With all this info on hand, you’ll be able to which stores to visit first and how you’d like to make your way through the mall.

Create a shopping list

Prioritise your must-have items, but remember to add more in case some items are already sold out by the time you reach the shelves. It helps if you know the lay-out of larger stores like Game, Pick n Pay and Woolworths, so you know in which direction to head when you get through the doors.

Set up a budget

Don’t shop on impulse – only buy what you can afford and remember to research payment options in advance. In 2018, major news outlets predicted that the average South African would spend up to R2,000 on Black Friday sales. In December 2018, IOL reported that South Africans had spent R2,9 billion in total throughout the Black Friday  sales, which is a 15% growth compared to 2017’s R2,5 billion. That’s a lot of hard-earned bonusses. Be cognisant of what you spend and how it may affect you in coming months.

Shop with friends to find deals

When shopping in person, buddy up with friends or family members, and split up to go to different stores and sections to cover more ground. You can also do this online by adding items to a friend’s wish list or cart in advance (and vice versa).

Sign up for newsletters

Take advantage of sign-up promotions and stay in the loop with exclusive Black Friday deal alerts. For instance, you may want to sign up to receive the Computer Mania or Dion Wired email blasts if you are interested in tech deals; or opt in on Sorbet or Deluxe Laser & Spa contact list if you’d prefer more info on health and beauty offers.

Look out for pre-sales

Retailers, and more specifically niche online shops, are launching Black Friday sales earlier and earlier each year, taking up most of the month, hence the adage Black November. Jip, shopping during November has become more popular than growing a moustache (Movember).

Plan your shopping trip

Plan your routes first by store and then by product of importance. Also, leave small children at home for safety reasons. IOL reported that in 2018, the most card swipes were between 4pm and 5pm, and the second highest at half past midnight. You may want to steer clear of those hours if you prefer not to be caught up in the thickest of the thick of things.

Have a back-up plan

The store may be busy or what you wanted is sold out, so have backup stores and items in mind before you start shopping.

Start early & shop till late

The early bird catches the worm, but many retailers also extend their hours during Black Weekend, so be sure to take note when planning your route.

Price check before you buy

Research pre-BF pricing and use online price comparison tools as not everything is really the deal it pretends to be.

Know the return policy

Understand the return policies and fees of the items you purchase and make sure you get a receipt. Also look out for options to collect in-store after shopping online, if you prefer.

Stay safe & keep calm

Avoid unsafe situations and sketchy websites. Wear comfortable clothes, get a good night’s sleep, and replenish your energy with food and water so you can bring your A-game on the day.

There you have it, 12 top insider tips and tricks to help you make the most of the excellent specials available at the stores at Somerset Mall this year. We look forward to welcoming you at your mall and providing access to some of the very best deals around. Happy shopping!

Participating Stores

Here is a list of all the stores participating in Black Friday, their amazing offers and extended trading hours! All stores will be trading from 8am-8pm on Black Friday unless specified below.