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Tag: Black Friday deals

  • Black Friday Blackout Called By LaTosha Brown

    As the holiday season kicks into high gear, LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, is urging Black consumers to rethink their spending habits. Inspired by the 70th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Brown has launched the “We Ain’t Buying It” campaign, calling for a Black Friday blackout to protest retailers whose policies harm the Black community.

    Turning Protest into Power

    Brown aims to leverage the collective economic power of Black consumers, turning their wallets into tools for change. The campaign targets major retail giants like Target, Amazon, and Home Depot, urging people to refrain from making purchases from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday. Instead, the focus is on redirecting spending to small, local businesses that affirm Black humanity, especially on Small Business Saturday.

    “Look Black folks, if they want to call it Black Friday, let’s show them what a Black Friday really looks like,” Brown stated, emphasizing the significance of this shopping weekend, which accounts for 20-40% of retail sales. The movement seeks to send a clear message to corporations that profit from Black culture but fail to support Black communities.

    Why These Retailers? The ‘We Ain’t Buying It’ Rationale

    The “We Ain’t Buying It” campaign specifically calls out Target for allegedly caving to “biased attacks on DEI” (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). Home Depot is targeted for allegedly colluding with ICE to detain individuals on their properties. Amazon faces criticism for funding political actions aimed at securing corporate tax cuts.

    Brown articulated the sentiment behind the boycott: “We’re not buying this foolishness. We’re not buying this racism. We’re not buying the abandonment of DEI. We’re not buying that the wealthiest country in the world cannot take care of its own citizens, but can take money to build golden dining rooms. We’re not buying from companies that won’t stand with us.”

    How to Participate

    • Full Blackout: Refrain from purchasing from Target, Amazon, or Home Depot from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday. Focus on spending time with loved ones instead.
    • Redirect Spending: Support small, local businesses, or those that affirm Black humanity, especially on Small Business Saturday.
    • Join the Movement: Pledge to be a conscious consumer and amplify the message.
    • Amplify: Spread the word through conversations and online platforms.

    Continuing a Legacy of Economic Action

    The “We Ain’t Buying It” movement draws a direct line to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement where collective economic action led to significant change. Coincidentally, Cyber Monday, December 1st, marks the 70th anniversary of the boycott’s end. Brown emphasizes that the fight for freedom and justice is ongoing and evolving, calling on a new generation to carry the torch.

    Will you be participating in the “We Ain’t Buying It” Black Friday blackout? How do you plan to redirect your spending this holiday season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • 10 Smart Shopping Tips for Black Friday & Cyber Monday

    The holiday season is upon us, and for many, that means the thrilling (and sometimes terrifying) rush of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. If the thought of navigating crowded stores or endless online deals fills you with dread, you’re not alone. A recent survey found that a significant portion of Americans find the holidays financially stressful, with many even losing the joy due to money worries. Add to that the anticipation of higher prices, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t despair! You can still score amazing deals without breaking the bank or losing your holiday spirit. It just takes a smart strategy.

    Your Black Friday & Cyber Monday Game Plan

    Consumer finance expert Andrea Woroch assures us that despite potential price hikes, plenty of deals will still be available. The key is to be strategic. Here are 10 essential tips to help you make the most of these massive shopping events and keep your budget intact.

    1. Make a List and Do Your Homework

    This might seem basic, but a well-planned list is your first line of defense against impulse buys. More importantly, research the average prices of the items you want *before* the sales begin. Tools like Camelizerer can help you track historical pricing, preventing you from falling for inflated ‘original’ prices that make a deal look better than it is.

    2. Set Up Deal Alerts

    Retailers often drop deals at various times, not just on the main days. Platforms like Slickdeals allow you to set specific deal alerts for products you’re hunting for. You’ll get notified the moment a matching discount pops up, ensuring you don’t miss out.

    3. Leverage Cash Back and Stay on Budget

    Why not get paid to shop? Apps like ShopBack offer cash back on purchases from major retailers. Plus, use a rewards credit card to earn points or miles. For extra budget control, consider a secured charge card – you can only spend what you load, preventing debt and keeping you on track.

    4. Understand Return Policies

    Holiday return policies can be tricky. Some have shorter windows, offer store credit instead of refunds, or even charge restocking fees (especially for electronics). Make sure you know the rules before you buy, and only purchase items you’re confident you’ll keep or gift.

    5. Prep Your Online Carts

    Before the sales hit, update your shipping and payment information on your favorite retail sites. Even better, start adding desired items to your cart now! This allows you to check out lightning-fast when the deals go live, beating the sell-out rush.

    6. Act Fast, Then Reassess

    If you see a great deal on something you need, and you’ve checked the return policy, grab it! Don’t hesitate. You can always return it later if you find an even better price elsewhere. Speed is often key during these sales.

    7. Strategize Your Purchases by Timing

    Big-ticket tech items like TVs and laptops often see the steepest discounts as retailers clear inventory for new models. Subscriptions and streaming services are also heavily promoted. Keep an eye out for high-quality accessories from emerging brands, too – they often offer great value at a lower cost.

    8. Consider Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store (BOPIS)

    With potential supply shortages, BOPIS is a smart move. It secures your item before it sells out, and you avoid shipping delays. This is especially helpful if local store inventory isn’t updated in real-time online.

    9. Maximize Loyalty Programs

    Don’t underestimate the power of loyalty programs! Signing up is usually free and can unlock perks like free shipping (DSW), significant annual savings (Sephora’s Beauty Insider), or even early access to sales. It’s a simple way to get more bang for your buck.

    10. Prioritize Your Data Safety

    While this tip doesn’t directly save you money, it protects you from financial loss. Always shop on secure networks, stick to reputable retailers, and never click on suspicious links in emails. Staying vigilant against cyber threats is crucial, especially during busy shopping periods.

    What are your go-to strategies for conquering Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Share your best money-saving tips in the comments below!