Get ready bargain hunters – the Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday sale season is almost upon us! Each year, retailers across the country spanning technology, fashion, beauty, homewares and more offer discounts and deals on a range of products. So if you love shopping, appreciate a good sale and are in need of a few Christmas presents this year, now is the perfect time to start adding to your wish list.
But what exactly are Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday, and where can you find the best deals? We’ve pulled together this guide so you can find all the best end-of-year bargains and how to get the most out of your shopping experience.
Black Friday sales Australia 2024
Black Friday is an annual sales event that originated in America but now takes place all around the globe. The term ‘Black Friday’ refers to the first Friday after Thanksgiving and marks the start of the Christmas shopping season with many stores offering huge discounts. In the United States, shops have been known to open at midnight attracting huge crowds all seeking a good bargain (you’ve probably seen the online videos of huge, pushy crowds!)
Discounts are offered both in-store and online so thankfully there’s no need to wake up at the crack of dawn to score a deal.
This year, Black Friday falls on Friday 29 November 2024.
Cyber Monday Australia 2024
As the name suggests, Cyber Monday takes place on the Monday immediately following Black Friday. After the success of the Black Friday sales, retailers created Cyber Monday as a way to encourage buyers to continue their shopping online by offering the same and sometimes deeper discounts.
As shoppers are now online savvy, many stores have combined the two sales events into one mega shopping period spanning from Black Friday and ending on Cyber Monday. However, you may often see retailers starting Black Friday sales early and extending any discounts past Cyber Monday to give shoppers a larger window to nab a bargain.
This year, Cyber Monday falls on Monday 1 December 2024.
Travel Tuesday 2024
Travel Tuesday is a prime opportunity for international students in Australia to snag travel deals. This day, emerging after Cyber Monday is specifically tailored for discounted travel offerings. It’s becoming increasingly popular in Australia, offering a chance to book affordable flights, accommodations, and vacation packages. For students wanting to explore Australia or visit home, Travel Tuesday’s deals across various destinations cater to diverse budgets and travel preferences.
This year, Travel Tuesday takes place on Tuesday 2 December 2024.
Top tips for successful shopping
With so many sales throughout Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it can be challenging to know where to start. Here we share our best tips on how to enjoy a relaxing shopping experience while taking advantage of the best deals:
Sign up to your favourite brand’s online mailing list
Many brands allow you to be the first to know about their deals if you sign up for their newsletter in advance. You’ll get early access to deals delivered straight to your inbox.
Join the OzBargain community
OzBargain is a website that shares the best bargains across Australia. You can register an account, source deals and even share discounts with others in the online community.
Make a list – and stick to it
It can be tempting to purchase items just because they’re on sale. To avoid this, write a list of the items you’re actually looking for and stick to it. This will keep you accountable and allow you to spend within your budget.
What are the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales?
Technology
JB Hi-Fi – Save across the entire JB HiFi store, online and in-person including discounts on brands such as Apple, Breville, Microsoft, Xbox, Samsung, Bose, Dyson and more.
Kogan – Kogan will be offering up to 65% off hundreds of items ranging from smartphones to home appliances, through to fashion and beauty.
Amazon – Score savings on your tech gear like electronics, video games, computers and more, plus deals for the kitchen, home and office.
HP – Need a laptop upgrade for the new year? Save up to 40% on laptops and monitors for all your student needs.
Fashion and beauty
Adore Beauty – Up to 40% off skincare, makeup and haircare storewide.
Afends – Up to 70% storewide in their ‘Green Friday’ sale.
The Iconic – Get up to 50% off a select range of Black Friday products across clothing, accessories, shoes, home and nursery.
Sephora – Get 20% off sitewide, including brands like Fenty Beauty, Laneige, Bangn Body and The Ordinary.
Cotton On – Stock up on basics, sleepwear and activewear with 30% off storewide.
Myer – Up to 40% off men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories.
Homewares
Bed Threads – Take 20% off everything, plus over 35% off bedding bundles and up to 40% off last-chance items
Temple and Webster – Take 50% off over a thousand products across their site.
Koala – Save up to 30% off sitewide including mattresses, sofa beds, and bed bases including new arrivals.
Dyson – Save up to 45% on select Dyson models. Choose from vacuum cleaners, air purifiers and hair tools like the Airwrap and hairdryer.
Emma – Take up to 60% off the Emma mattresses, pillows, bed bases and bundles.
House – Upgrade your student kitchen and save on cookware, kitchenware, plates, bowls and cutlery.
Travel
Booking.com – Get at least 15% off your holiday when you travel before 7 January 2025.
Contiki – The social tour company for young travellers is offering up to 25% off selected tours.
Expedia – At least 20% off last-minute getaways.
Virgin Australia – Book early and save 10% off your airfare.
Antler – Up to 50% off a range of suitcases and travel gear.
In-store shopping
If you prefer a more traditional shopping experience, then shop local for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Head in-store where you can speak with a sales representative and test out the product before purchasing. It’s also an excellent time to consider supporting local businesses.
Stay safe shopping
Do your research in advance and only buy from reputable stores online. Be aware that scams can happen online, especially during a heightened shopping period. Cross-check the items you wish to purchase across multiple sites to make sure the deal is legitimate.
Happy shopping, and good luck scoring a deal!
