Hot Trend in Pakistan: Black Friday

November brings with it a frenzy of huge discounted sales. Brands all over the globe offer their products at lower prices. Have you ever wondered how it started and why it happens? Read on to find out how Friday sales in Pakistan developed as a trend.

The concept has in its roots in the Black Friday sales conducted initially in the US. They celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November. The following Friday, the retailers mark down their prices and offer huge discounts to kick start the holiday shopping spree. Back Friday got its name from the policeman who had to control the traffic and the mob set loose during the sale period.

Millions of people wait the whole year for this single day to get their hands on the discounted products. It offers the best deals that live up to all the shopping dreams that are otherwise quite expensive. Since Christmas is just a month away, retailers facilitate their customers and lure them with attractive prices. Shoppers also make the most of the sales and try to accomplish their Christmas shopping goals on Black Friday.

The enthusiastic response from the public garnered Black Friday the status of a brand. It got its wings from the US and spread around the whole world. It has become a significant business trend in countries like France, Germany, India, Canada, the UK, and South Africa. It has established itself as a day that the whole world looks forward to.

In Pakistan, an online portal first realized its potential. Daraz.pk was the first enterprise to introduce massive sales during this period. The idea was welcomed by Pakistanis with open arms. It generated positive feedback. However, it received backlash too.

People pointed out that using the word Black with the holy day of Friday was against Islamic values. They argued that businesses, in their desire to increase their revenue, are blindly following the west by bad naming the sacred day of Friday. It was also said that this is against our culture as we are Muslims and Black Friday is arranged to welcome the Christmas spirit so we must not take part in it. Some people used social media to mark their protest while others went as far as to file petitions in court to ban it.

Catching up, different brands and retailers adopted different names to offer their Friday deals. White Friday, Blessed Friday, Big Friday, and Bright Friday are some of them. Every year, more and more brands are coming up with catchy names to join the fun. In 2015 it was quite a small event. With each passing year, Friday sales have become a huge phenomenon. A large number of Pakistani stores have geared up to join the bandwagon this year too.

Friday sales bring the biggest discount to fashion and electronics. These items are usually high priced whole year round so make the best of this occasion. Saving money becomes a breeze when you shop for the coming year from these sales. Things like clothes, home appliances, shoes, etc are easily available on pocket-friendly rates.

However, we should not lose our sanity over sale prices. Being on sale doesn’t mean you actually need it. It’s best to make a list of items you actually need beforehand. Also, conduct research to find out where you can easily get them either physically or online. Know the timings of the store location during the sale period if you are opting to shop yourself. Also, remember the biggest sale of the year attracts large crowds so be ready for long lines. Opt for online shopping if you want to avoid frustration. And if shopping online, beware of the catfishes who make the most of the sale period and sell fake or defected products.

Friday sales in Pakistan have become a hot trend. People are still divided over it. Everyone has a right to choose for himself. It’s up to you if you want to make the most of it or not