Shoppers left black and blue by ‘sale’ deals
Don’t get carried away, experts warn
BLACK Friday bargainhunters could end up blue because of dodgy deals, watchdogs have warned.
Research by Which? found six in 10 bargains cost less or were the same price at other times of the year.
And the experts are warning shoppers to do their research in order not to end up out of pocket.
One of the worst Black Friday 2016 offers uncovered was a Neff Slide and Hide oven made popular by the Great British Bake Off.
The oven had a price tag of £494.99 after being available at Currys PC World for £599.99 in September and October.
But three weeks after Black Friday, shoppers could buy it for £45 less at £449.99.
Which? also found a Samsung 55in Smart 4K Ultra HD curved TV was advertised by Currys PC World as “save £400, now £849”, but was £50 cheaper at least 29 times in December, January and April, the same price at least seven times in April and £79 cheaper at least 18 times in May.
The investigation, which tracked the price of 35 products in last year’s Black Friday blitz, found an Oral B toothbrush from Amazon at £29.99, down from £40.49. Which? said: “This sounded like a good offer, until you realised it was £5 cheaper on at least two days in July.”
Alex Neill, Which? managing director of home products and services, said: “Although Black Friday can offer great discounts, not all are as good as they seem.
“It’s easy to get swept along by the hype and excitement on the day, so we recommend doing some preparation and research.”
But the chains hit back and defended their deals.
Currys PC World said: “We make no apology for reducing some (products) even more.”
Meanwhile, Christmas spending is predicted to fall for the first time since 2012 as Brexit uncertainty and a drop in real wages weigh on UK households.
Research compiled by IHS for Visa forecasts consumer spending is set to fall 0.1 per cent in real terms compared with the same period last year.