Black Friday Shopping: Gone Virtual?

Black Friday involves waking up at 2am and driving to your local mall in order to indulge in shopping with deals to die for. This year has brought about cancellations or adaptations to what our normal traditions were. In this global pandemic, we are living in a “new normal”, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t still indulge in Black Friday shopping. 

This year, we will experience Black Friday going virtual. That means, no more waiting in out-the-door lines! We get to shop from the comfort of our own home, and purchasing our Christmas shopping list will come with a discount! 

Businesses are preparing for this shift to a fully online platform, and some have even included pre-Black Friday sales. Your favorite stores are offering a bang for your buck, which is yet another reason to satisfy your shopping needs. Here is all you need to know in order to plan for the 27th:

Zara

The Spanish based clothing store has yet to announce this year's Black Friday sales, but based off of last year’s promotions, Zara may offer up to 50% on select items. Currently, Zara has a pre-Black Friday sale where items are priced with a 45%-55% discount. As winter is approaching, Zara has fleece jackets that are perfect for bundling up. Their padded fleece jacket not only offers protection from cold climates, but it is also a perfect jacket for comfort. This jacket was originally priced at $119, but is now being sold for $49.99!

Zara Padded Fleece Jacket 

H&M 

Hennes & Mauritz AB, or commonly known as H&M, offers a wide variety of discounted items just in time for the holiday season. Their Black Friday sale runs from November 25th-27th with an addition of Cyber Monday. Through H&M, you’ll be able to get stylish pieces at an affordable price. In previous years, H&M priced select items at 70% off, and several items were at a starting price of $3. This year, H&M is offering fun pieces, such their Men’s MistleToad Knit Sweater. This sweater’s market price was originally at $29.99 but is now being sold for $16.99.

H&M Mistletoad Knit Sweater

ASOS

A fashion retailer from across the pond, ASOS is famous for its accessible platform as an online boutique. More famous is the debate on how to pronounce it’s name. Some pronounce it as A Sauce, and others pronounce it as A-SO-S. Aside from their brand name, they currently have a Black Friday Warm Up with 50% off from 1000 items. Based on their sale last year, we might expect a comeback of 30% off all items storewide. In the meantime, their pre-black Friday sale includes pieces such their Liquorish A Line Lace Detail Midi Dress for only $37.05- from a previous price of $122!

ASOS Liquorish a line lace detail midi dress

UGG

As much as UGG is considered overrated, there is no denying that these are a staple in anyone's closet. The Australian brand is revered for their classic wool boots that come in a range of colors. They have since expanded from footwear into apparel for women, men, and children. Their Black Friday sale starts on November 25th with the launch of their “Cyber Closet”, providing up to 60% off of a range of items. This would be a perfect time to explore their apparel section to confirm if their clothing is as comfy as their footwear.

UGG Nori Oversized Coat

Hollister

Keeping up with the trend of nostalgic fashion brands, here is one that reminds us all of outfits from junior high. Hollister offers a wide variety of clothing that consists of jeans, blouses, outerwear, shorts, and lounge wear. Their Black Friday deals previously included 50% off storewide, providing several options in women, men, and children’s clothing. Around this time of the year, Hollister offers a generous discount on their Parka jackets, just in time to keep the cold at bay.

Hollister Sherpa-Lined Puffer Parka

UNIQLO 

This Japanese casual wear clothing store has infiltrated the fashion scene by providing staple basic pieces as their main stage items. Uniqlo also collaborates with big named brands such as Disney to offer unique pieces as limited editions. The key to this brand is simple and comfortable apparel for everyday use. Uniqlo previously offered $10 off flannels, $10 off hoodies, and $50 off outerwear. This men's reversible parka was originally priced at $49.90, and its current price is $19.90.

UNIQLO Mens Reversible Parka 

BaubleBar

Loud, tassels, silver, gold, shiny, sparkles, dainty, colorful: BaubleBar carries a multitude of options on necklaces, earring, and rings. This online jewelry store offers an updated weekly inventory that follows current trends, meaning if you are browsing for a new pair of earrings, there is bound to be something here that appeals to you. BaubleBar is hosting a Pre-Black Friday sale where they include festive jewelry to spice up your outfits for the holiday. Bauble has previously announced their 35% off store wide Black Friday sale on the 25th. Keep an eye out!

BaubleBar Prance Drop Earrings 

Black Friday going virtual should not damper our spirits toward the best deals of the year. The show must go with creating new experiences in the midst of uncertainty in the world. One thing for certain is that businesses are adapting to provide their customers with an easy transition to a virtual atmosphere. Satisfy that shopping craving on Black Friday! It’s only two days away, so get ready. 

Sandra Ocampo