Retailers are slashing their prices this Black Friday weekend, giving shoppers a reason to get a headstart on their Christmas shopping - and perhaps bag a few bargains for themselves.
Originating in the US, Black Friday and the following Cyber Monday are discount shopping days now firmly on the shopping calendar, along with the Boxing Day sale.
Retail NZ CEO Greg Harford confirmed most big retailers are taking part in Black Friday sales this year. Some started the week with 'early Black Friday', others are running 'Black Week' deals, extending their discounts to the end of Tuesday.
For Kiwis wanting a deal ahead of Christmas, Black Friday has become "the go-to shopping day of choice", he said.
Sportswear outlets are among those leading the charge on Black Friday discounts. Adidas is offering shoppers 40 percent off sitewide (certain products are excluded). Aimn is also getting in on the game, offering shoppers 20 to 50 percent off a selected range of activewear. Lorna Jane is offering 25 percent off sitewide, Puma is offering shoppers up to 70 percent off, Lululemon up to 30 percent off.
Large retail chains, including Farmers, The Warehouse, Noel Leeming, Kmart, Spotlight and Bed Bath and Beyond are also luring shoppers with a range of Black Friday deals.
Known for its regular discounts, Briscoes is offering discounts between 25 percent and 70 percent, with $10 towels among its 'Doorbuster' deals.
Cotton On is offering a flat 30 percent discount off everything, both instore and online, Country Road a flat 20 percent. Glassons is offering up to 30 percent off everything until Sunday. At Postie Plus, there's 30 percent off selected childrens' and adult clothing, and discounts for buying two or more items. Hallensteins and Barkers are offering discounts of up to 50 percent, Rodd & Gunn has 30 percent off everything.
For shoppers looking for more intimate gifts, The Body Shop and jewellery chain Pandora are each offering 20 percent off discounts. Designer sleepwear brand Peter Alexander is offering 20 percent off storewide, Whitcoulls has 20 percent off books.
Some outlet shopping centres are enticing shoppers with more money off already discounted items. At Dress Smart Auckland, Adidas, Ben Sherman, The North Face, Timberland and Tommy Hilfiger are offering 50 percent off storewide, others between 20 percent and 50 percent off.
Outlet City in Tawa, Wellington has discounts of 40-to-50 percent, centre manager Susan Hagan confirming Puma is offering shoppers 40 percent off the lowest marked price. Among the best deals on offer is a further 40 percent off the lowest marked price at formal suitwear retailer Designer Clothing Outlet (DCO), where suits are priced from $30.
Shoppers are expected to spend between $270 million and $280 million on Friday, Harford said.
As retailer pricing is "dynamic", shoppers are reminded to compare prices to make sure they're getting the best deal.
Those wanting to make sure their gifts will be under the tree for Christmas Day are encouraged to shop local where possible, checking if the store or website is "really located in New Zealand".
Although Black Friday deals are promoted everywhere, many retailers are applying discounts on a selected range of items only, excluding those already on sale.
Shoppers are also reminded to check the actual discount applying to items. A promotion of 'up to 70 percent' off usually means most items are discounted less.
As the lead up to Christmas is a typically busy and expensive time of year, writing a list first will help shoppers avoid being tempted to overspend.
