Retail Expert's Top Black Friday Tip: Prepare Now For Best Deals

With Black Friday rapidly approaching, a leading retail expert has revealed the single most important step shoppers must take immediately to secure the best bargains.

The Golden Rule: Plan Ahead To Avoid Impulse Buys

Emma Collins, 49, Head of Marketing and Digital at The Original Factory Shop, insists that advance preparation is the key to successful Black Friday shopping. The Stourport-on-Severn-based specialist warns that without a clear plan, shoppers risk getting distracted and making expensive, impulsive purchases on the day itself.

Her primary advice is to create a detailed shopping list well in advance. This simple act ensures you remain focused on what you actually need, preventing you from being swayed by flashy promotions for items you don't require.

Unlock Exclusive Savings With Loyalty Schemes

Emma's number one recommendation for immediate action is to sign up for retailer loyalty programmes and email newsletters. She emphasises that many shops provide additional, exclusive Black Friday discounts through these channels that aren't available to the general public.

"When there are pressures on the wallet, Black Friday shouldn't be about panic buying," Emma stated. "Combined efforts of loyalty programmes, mailing lists and planning ahead of time will get you a good deal."

She also advises shoppers to research essential items, like washing machines or tumble dryers that may be nearing the end of their lifespan. By reading reviews and deciding on specific models beforehand, you can act quickly when the price drops.

Don't Forget The High Street And Smaller Shops

Contrary to popular belief, the best deals aren't always found online. Emma urges consumers not to dismiss physical shops, as they frequently offer in-store exclusives that aren't mirrored on their websites.

"Sometimes in store, staff can give you insider knowledge of the deals too," she revealed, highlighting the personal touch that can lead to unexpected savings.

She also championed supporting smaller, independent retailers alongside the major chains. "The smaller shops have deals as well - the big retailers always go big, but they're not the only ones," Emma remarked.

Another crucial tip is to establish a firm spending limit before the sales begin to prevent overspending. Additionally, Emma suggests checking retailer websites earlier in the week, as many sales now kick off before Black Friday itself.

"With lots of retailers there's only a certain volume of stock available, so look earlier in the week," she advised.

Emma highlighted that Black Friday is particularly strong for electricals, beauty products, and fragrances, while weekly purchases like food and laundry items typically see fewer significant discounts.