Money
This is how to grab a bargain in the Black Friday sales
How good are the Black Friday sales? Especially when you can save a packet without moving from your couch.
By Bron Maxabella
It used to be that we’d rugby-scrum our way through pressing crowds to pay top dollar at the stores to tick off our Christmas gift list. Then on Boxing Day we’d line up outside Myer at dawn in order to further max out our credit card in the sales buying big ticket items like teles and airfryers. Well, airfryers probably weren’t a thing back then, but you get the idea.
Fortunately these days, with a cuppa in hand and a few well-timed clicks, we can nab all of the above at an incredible price in the Black Friday sales. Without ever leaving the couch.
Born in the US but now very much a global shopping event, Black Friday has turned into a 96-hour frenzy where hundreds of retailers slash prices like never before. The savings are big, the convenience even bigger and if you play your cards right, you might just tick everything off your wish list.
When are the 2025 Black Friday sales?
The shopping event takes place the Friday after the US Thanksgiving holiday.
So, this year the Black Friday sales in Australia start at 12 midnight on 28 November and run until ‘Cyber Monday’ on 1 December.
Cyber Monday tends to be online-only deals, but not always. Also, the Black Friday sales have moved well beyond their strict 96 hour period, so keep an eye out for announcements any time from now.
Where are the bargains?
The list of Aussie stores getting in on the act grows every year. This year you can expect to find bargains from big retailers like Amazon, Myer, Big W, JB Hi-Fi, The Good Guys, EB Games, eBay, Bing Lee, Harvey Norman, BCF, QBD Books and even Bunnings.
Brands that offer big discounts during the Black Friday sales include Apple, Dyson, Bose, Dell, Sephora, Lorna Jane, Kathmandu, Sheridan, Lego and IKEA.
Click on the links above to shop all of these brands via Citro Rewards (and potentially stack your discounts - more on this later.)
Finder keeps a running list of who is offering what here. If you’re after something in particular, Google it plus ‘black friday’ and a list of who’s offering it at a heavy discount should pop up. Last year, I found the exact guitar my son requested for Christmas this way – 35% off at Donner Music.
How to get the most out of the sales
It’s good to know where the bargains are, but securing them is quite a different matter. Here are a few tips that should snag you a steal.
1. Start with a list
Get your Christmas shopping done early and you’ll save a packet (see bargain guitar above!). It only works if you have a list, though. So write down what you want to buy for whom and then go out and track it down in the sales. You can do the lot online, which is a huge bonus.
Download our Christmas gift guide for everyone on your list, or read it right here:
2. Get in early
The bargains go super-fast on Black Friday, so wake up early. Know exactly what you want (see above) and be ready to click to buy. This is especially true for big-ticket items like electronics and furniture. If you’re heading into the stores, go early to line up so you’re among the first in the door. Take a snack.
3. Stack deals with Citro Rewards
Before you hit ‘checkout’, make sure you’re logged into Citro Rewards. You could earn cashback on top of the sale discount, which means extra money back for exactly the same spend. Or buy a giftcard for the retailer via Citro Rewards to get cashback, then use the giftcard to shop their Black Friday sale. Think of it as your secret weapon for turning a good deal into a brilliant one.
4. Join the mailing lists
Retailers often treat their newsletter subscribers to early access or exclusive discounts. Sign up before sale weekend so you’re first in line when deals drop. (You can always unsubscribe on 30 November.)
5. Pause before you purchase
Beware: a flashing 70%-off sign can do strange things to even the most disciplined shopper. Stick to your list. If you’re tempted, take a breath and ask:
- Do I need it?
- Do I love it?
- Can I afford it?
- Would I still want it at full price?
If you can’t answer ‘yes’ to all four, step away from the cart.
6. Stay calm if you miss out
While the Black Friday sales are good ones, keep in mind that sales happen all the time (and Citro Rewards is available 365 days a year!). If you miss out on something you really need a discount on (which, incidentally, should be all the things you buy, ever), keep calm and save on. The next big sale is most likely just around the corner – yep, on Boxing Day.
This article reflects the opinions and experiences of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Citro. It contains general information only. It is not financial advice and is not intended to influence readers’ decisions about any financial products or investments. Readers’ personal circumstances have not been taken into account and they should always seek their own professional financial and taxation advice that takes into account their financial circumstances, objectives and needs..
Feature image: iStock/fizkes
Tell us in the comments below: What are your favourite Black Friday deals?
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