Black Friday shopping event hits NZ, retailers hope for boost

Tuesday, 22 November 2016

You no longer have to head online to get the best deals on Black Friday.

If you're inclined to do the odd bit of online shopping, you will probably have encountered 'Black Friday' and 'Cyber Monday' sales.

The day after Thanksgiving Thursday and the Monday following it have long been considered the start of the United States Christmas shopping season.

But the phenomenon is spreading around the world and New Zealand shoppers are being told they could expect some bargains this Friday, too, especially if they are in the market for electronics.

Retail NZ spokesman Greg Harford said Black Friday specials had become more common over recent years in New Zealand.

He said they were typically run by the bigger chains, although some such as PB Tech had also run offers.

'I think it will become more common over time. Customers are increasingly seeking great deals, and they are also increasingly well-connected into international shopping traditions. As we see the big international e-tailers offer Black Friday deals to New Zealand customers, I would expect to see more Kiwi firms following suit in order to compete and win customers.'

Bodo Lang, a marketing lecturer at the University of Auckland, said a day such as Black Friday would suit New Zealanders' shopping habits.

'Time-bound sales such as Boxing Day sales are big attractions for New Zealand consumers when they're looking for special deals. Therefore an idea such as Black Friday could be very powerful in getting consumers into stores. It is an appealing concept because it is close to Christmas and also allows retailers to clear stock and make space for next seasons models.'

He said it would work across a range of products but was likely to be effective with electronics.

It's easy to tap into international deals, from Britain as well as the US, online.

Amazon has been running deals ahead of Black Friday since November 14, including up to 60 per cent of men's clothing. Online auction site eBay has also been revealing new offers each day since November 17, including reduced prices for iPhones.

Clothing retailer Asos is promoting its 'cyber weekend' this weekend with up to 70 per cent off in the lead-up to the event. Marks & Spencer is being tipped to offer good deals via its mobile app.

In New Zealand, clickmonday.co.nz is offering deals from retailers including Postie, Pagani, The Baby Factory and Pascoes.

Harvey Norman, The Warehouse and Noel Leeming all confirmed they would also be offering Black Friday deals in their stores.

Jason Bell, executive general manager of merchandise at Noel Leeming, said his shops would offer 25 per cent off all whiteware, among other deals.

'Black Friday as a retail event has gained significant momentum in New Zealand over the last few years, given the growing awareness and the strength of the offers we have available this Friday we are expecting this to be the biggest Black Friday event we have run to date.'