Blackwashing: Black Friday deals that really aren't

Jason Cochran
Nov 11th 2010 at 9:00AM

They call it "Christmas creep" -- that gradual advance of the holiday season that, year by year, means the decorations are up earlier and earlier so retailers can get you in a spending mood sooner. Black Friday is now practically bolted into the American calendar as another national holiday, so is it a surprise that retailers are pushing their luck with that, too?

I call it "blackwashing." Like "greenwashing," with which companies try to make themselves look golden by touting a few meaningless environmental initiatives, blackwashing is what happens when a sale is promoted as a Black Friday deal when it's really not. Either it's a normal discount offered for a long period that just happens to include Black Friday, or it's not much of a deal at all.


Take International Hotels Group, which launched a perfectly good promotion -- get $50 off a flight anywhere as long as you stay one weekend night at one of its hotels (including Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites) there and follow it at @IHG_Deals on Twitter -- as a Black Friday deal. But rather than being good for hotel stays on Black Friday weekend, as you might expect, or only being sold during Black Friday weekend, the deal is for sale starting November 1 and is good all the way until the end of April.

It's really a standard promotion -- definitely not "Black Friday" deep -- offered over standard dates, but like a parasite, it's hitching onto true, blink-and-miss-it Black Friday deals as a way of stealing a little of the spotlight. Several respected publications took the bait.

I asked an IHG press representative what made a promotion like that a Black Friday deal. The response: "As some Black Friday deals are beginning to start earlier, we decided to begin Nov. 8, but it will end at midnight on Cyber Monday. During this booking period, you can make reservations for stays Nov 1-April 30, 2011."

In other words, "Black Friday creep."

Brad Wilson, the force behind BradsDeals.com and BlackFriday2010.com, has tracked blackwashing first-hand. "Last year, we launched BlackFriday2009.com on November 5. This year, we launched about three weeks earlier, and the minute that we launched, we were getting 30,000 or 40,000 visits that first week. The whole season has gone from Black Friday to Black November."

Most stores can't sustain heavy discounting for the five weeks leading up to the actual Black Friday, leading to a widespread blackwashing of otherwise standard deals.

"In no uncertain terms stores are re-purposing their weekly circulars and slapping a Black Friday stamp on it, and it's working," said Wilson. "The Black Friday brand is so powerful that retailers are trying to apply it to almost anything because they know that shoppers are going to take a look."

Some people may argue that any sale that happens to be valid on Black Friday is a Black Friday sale, but most of us consider it to be a special pursuit, and most of us see the day after Thanksgiving as the starting line for the holiday shopping season. True Memorial Day sales aren't held over to April and June, either.

Some major retailers, too, are muddying the definition of Black Friday, or worse, are using the day's herd mentality to slip in non-deals amongst the genuine finds. Keep an appraising eye on the deals offered by Sears, Kmart, and Toys R Us, which in particular are gaining a reputation for taking advantage of Black Friday crowds to move lamely discounted merchandise, and make sure what you buy is truly discounted off the normal price.

Other blackwashing tactics including claiming an item is on sale when the discount is actually very slight, or inflating the standard retail price before discounting.

Shoppers also often grab duds amongst the doorbusters, especially once the limited stock of true deep discounts is exhausted, and in the frenzy fail to notice the deal isn't very sharp.

Wilson cited Overstock.com, Amazon.com, and Walmart as three major retailers who backed up their "Black Friday creep" with "legitimate, all-time low prices," as he put it.

But if companies slap a "Black Friday" onto the promotion, as IHG has done, and they put a little public relations muscle behind promoting it, they may get some sales mileage out of something that would (and probably should) pass with little notice.

Remember one of our golden rules of holiday shopping 'gotchas': It's not a deal just because the seller says it is. It's a deal because you know it to be so.

With all the Black Friday websites that are now online, it's easy to do advance price comparisons and find out what the true going rate of merchandise is. You are empowered to compare prices before heading out to the stores on the big day.

To purchase or not to purchase?

Thinking of making a big purchase but not sure if you should do it now or wait? Check out this link (click on the title) and maybe get your questions answered!

Additional Coupons & Savings - Including Christmas Tree Shops!

It may not be coupon Tuesday but these coupons were too good not to share today! Like Christmas Tree Shops and White House/Black Market. Some of my favorite stores…

Christmas Tree Shops – Save 20% on your ENTIRE purchase

http://goo.gl/JpfYy

White House/Black Market – Save 20% on your entire purchase. Print the coupon or use the code online.

http://goo.gl/Iowt8

AC Moore – Save 25% on your entire purchase

http://goo.gl/yXXJx

Gap, Old Navy & Banana Republic – Save 30% on your entire purchase

http://goo.gl/0vfoU

Coupon Tuesday - Links to the Best Deals This Week!

Panasonic 12.1 Megapixel Camera - $79.99 online and today only!

http://www.hhgregg.com/dynamic.asp?SID=n&did=1757&slider4

Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale – Going on now until Sunday!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/all-womens-sale?origin=hp

Old Navy – Outerwear at 50% off for the whole family in-store and online. Plus use the 30% off coupon starting the 11^th. Can’t beat that deal!

http://goo.gl/0vfoU

MAC Tartan Holiday Collection

http://www.maccosmetics.com/whats_new/4036/index.tmpl

Discovery Channel Store – Save 25% on your order, including the Glow Star Globe and Lady Sky Invaders Remote Control – enter coupon code “INSIDER” at checkout.

http://store.discovery.com/

RapidLash Serum – only $34.95 now at Drugstore.com

http://goo.gl/utktx

Hottest Toys for the Holiday’s – starting under $20

http://shopping.aol.com/articles/2010/10/20/hot-toys-starting-at-18-97/

Deals Before Black Friday!

 Looking to score some serious deals before Black Friday on very popular brands? Check out what's on sale right now (including UGG and North Face) and get a jump on your holiday shopping!

The countdown to Black Friday has begun!!

The pumpkins haven’t even withered yet but the malls have already revamped their hallways, stores, lobby’s and even bathrooms with everything Christmas. I love Christmas as much as the next person…but seriously?? However, unlike most people who are counting down the days til Christmas (50 from today if you were curious) I, for one, have begun my countdown to BLACK FRIDAY. Just 21 days people!

BUT, before you hit the pavement running, you should always have a plan of attack. Which means, plan ahead! Set a budget and stick to it. I go as far as to break down, by person, who I am going to shop for and how much I can afford to spend on that individual. I will typically consult with other family members or friends to see what they are planning to purchase for everyone so I can avoid the dreaded return lines the week after the mayhem is over.

By default, I am a tried and true “Black Friday shopper”. To me, the true feeling and spirit of the holidays permeates the air on that day. I wouldn’t miss it! But that doesn’t mean that you have to haul your children out of bed at 3 a.m. to hit up the stores before you’ve had your morning cup of joe to get the best deals. In fact, most of my best buy’s have been made the night before on various retailers websites like Sears, Best Buy and American Eagle. Many stores are offering deep discounts, including free shipping and better-than-Black-Friday deals on many of their popular products just for purchasing online Thanksgiving night. Subscribe early to your favorite store or mall e-mail mailing lists or, if you’re not technically challenged, become a fan of or “like” their official page on Facebook or follow on Twitter. By doing so, you typically become the first to know about their specials, coupons and sales.

I am all about making my money go further. So if you’re an online shopper, sign up for free programs like EBATES, which gives you cash back on purchases (up to 25%) just for linking to your online destination through their website first. Pretty simple! And I never hit “purchase” before looking around online for a coupon or promo code. Sites like RetailMeNot can give you the latest and greatest codes out there, posted by other online bloggers and shoppers.

Whether you shop online or prefer to hit up the stores, see if your bank has a debit or credit card that can earn you points for free things like airline miles or hotel stays. Many banks are now offering Visa or Mastercard debit cards that earn miles the same way interest charging credit cards do. Keep in mind, there is usually a small annual fee associated so weigh out the value.

With these few simple tips, you can spend more time enjoying the holidays than dreading them. More tips and tricks to come. Stay tuned and happy shopping!

Coupon Tuesday!

Hollister – Save 20% off your entire purchase online (enter code 3017 at checkout) or print the coupon below for in-store
http://www.printablecouponfeed.com/hollisterco/25870

LL Bean – Save 10% by using coupon code LLBFRIENDS10 at checkout
http://www.llbean.com/

Abercrombie – Save 20% off your entire purchase. Enter code 1017 at checkout.
http://www.abercrombie.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/home_10051_10901_-1

Folica.com – Save 25% off your purchase of $50 or more plus FREE shipping! Enter code MISSYOU25 at checkout.
http://www.folica.com/

DSW – Save 10% off your purchase. Enter code 920 at checkout.
http://www.dsw.com/

Costume Super Center – Save 15% off your purchase. Enter FF15 at checkout.
http://www.costumesupercenter.com/boys+costumes-spiderman.html?PID=OOTtr9mlaCk&siteID=OOTtr9mlaCk-sOmVDW1Lgcdg.5wqEwCptQ&cd=aff&lspid=OOTtr9mlaCk

Coupon Tuesday!!

Shoebuy.com – Save 20% off your purchase plus FREE shipping. Order by 4 pm EST and get same day shipping.

http://goo.gl/9ejd

Bath and Body Works – Save 20% online by entering code F102459 at check out – thru 10/10

http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/home/index.jsp

Oriental Trading – Save $10 off orders of $79 or more or $5 off $59, plus FREE shipping. Great for upcoming holiday parties! Enter code WCE9842 at checkout – TODAY ONLY!

http://www.orientaltrading.com/

Children’s Place – Save 20% off all purchases now thru 11/15. Enter code H9ATRMT610A at checkout or print in-store coupon from their website.

http://www.childrensplace.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/home_10001_10001_-1

JC Penney – Save 15% during the month of October. Enter code SUROCT10 at checkout.

http://www.jcpenney.com/jcp/default.aspx

Boston Market (printable) – Save $1 on individual plate, $2 off $10 purchase or $4 off $20. Print here!

http://www.bostonmarket.com/restaurant?page=coupons

Sears – Save $5 off your purchase of $50 or more in-store thru 10/16

http://goo.gl/ZHlO

Store Credit Cards - To apply or not to apply?

It never fails. I go into a store, browse around, try on a few things and then bring the items I settled on to the register. It’s then that I mentally prepare for the shutdown as I like to call it. That moment when the cashier says “would you like to apply for our store credit card and save 15% on your purchase today?” It’s sooo tempting. An extra 15% off a $200 purchase isn’t too bad of a deal. However, take this into consideration first. Is saving that $30 upfront going to be worth it if you are hit with interest charges at rates upward of 27-30%? Also, there is another little know fact. Every time a creditor, store or lender pulls your credit report, it lowers your score by 2 points! Doesn’t sound like much? It can be if you already have a low score to begin with. Or if you are on the brink of buying or leasing a new care, home or apartment. Additionally, the more open, available revolving credit that you show on your credit report can decrease your income to debt ratio. Which can prove to be a huge risk to creditors trying to extend you credit. Your best bet is to stick with cash, your good old Visa/Mastercard/AMEX and look for coupons to save you that 15% or more. Unless you’re a heavy shopper at that store and are disciplined enough to pay that balance before your bill, its best to steer clear of those store cards. It’s not worth it in the end!

Coupon Tuesday!!

Another fabulous roundup of deals coming your way. Stay tuned for more helpful shopping hints this week! Also, if there is a coupon or deal for a particular store or website you would like, please let me know. I will personally hunt one down for you. Happy shopping! : )

Gap and Gap.com – Save 25% on news styles and FREE shipping on orders of $100 or more (enter GAPSAVE at checkout online or visit your local Gap store) – thru 9/29 only

http://www.gap.com/browse/home.do?cid=5058&tid=gpemgolm25&EV=9282010_N_GWM&DI=55033769&CD=GNC_GPR

FREE Bare Escentuals Buxom Lash Mascara sample at Sephora inside JC Penney. No catch, just print the coupon to redeem! While supplies last thru 10/22/10

http://f.chtah.com/i/2/95827765/092210_SIJCP_ePDF_FINAL_4.jpg

The Limited – Take $15 off every $50 you spend thru 10/10 online or in store with this coupon

http://f.chtah.com/i/5/1385098083/20100901_wcoupon.html

Michaels Stores (printable) – Save 40% on one regularly priced item now thru 10/2

http://www.mommysavesbig.com/printable-coupons/40-michaels.html

Borders.com – Take 33% off full list price of any one item (valid for Borders Rewards members only, BUT membership is free) – enter code BXV8393P at checkout

http://www.borders.com/online/store/Home

**as a side note, you get tons of other great coupons and offers sent to you via e-mail when you sign up for Borders Rewards and NOT just for Borders! Other great stores too like Best Buy, Sephora, JC Penney, etc.

Carters or Carters.com – Save 25% off your entire purchase thru tomorrow 9/29 (enter FRIENDS at checkout OR print the coupon on the website for in store purchases)

http://www.carters.com/carters

Coldwatercreek.com – Save 40% off your purchase thru 10/3 or 25% off plus free shipping. Enter WHH7449 for the 40% or AFLA726 for the 25% plus free shipping

http://www.coldwatercreek.com/default.aspx?fj=true&email=&oc=&flood=&bar=

Coupon Tuesday!!

It’s coupon Tuesday again! Woo hoo! Here are some of my favorites for this week. Happy shopping!

Dermstore.com – Save 10% off your entire order, plus free shipping!

http://www.dermstore.com/ and enter DSCANDY at checkout

Bath and Body Works – FREE Signature Collection Body Care item with any $10 purchase in store – expires 9/26

http://ebm.cheetahmail.com/r/regf2?aid=528207786&a=0&n=33&cm_mmc=CH-_-20100830RDMSC30-_-10015102-_-mainPrintCoupon&cm_lm

Urban Outfitters – Save 10% off your entire online purchase through 9/30/10 –

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/index.jsp and enter HAPPYFALL at checkout

Lands End – Save 20% off outerwear and FREE shipping until 9/28/10 –

http://www.landsend.com/ and enter SEP28AFF with PIN 2647

Kohls.com – Save 30%  off everything when you use your Kohl’s card or save 15% off regular orders using ADOFF15 –

http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/webstore/home.jsp

JC Penny – Save $10 off $50 in Home through 9/23/10 or FREE shipping of any purchase over $49 using 4FALL49 or print coupon below –

http://f.jcpenneyem.com/i/50/221750778/WeddRegWebinar.html

Ralph Lauren Handbag Collection

Just in time for fall! Ralph Lauren has just introduced their new Lauren handbag line featuring timeless essentials to statement-making fashion. Including Acadian, Larchmont, Martingale, Lauren Check, Chatsworth, Gloucestershire, Modernaire, Brompton & Cumberland Collections. Check out the photo gallery of gorgeous pictures and pricing for these handbags that are sure to be a staple in your wardrobe!

Click on this link to view the collection:
Lauren Handbag Collection

The Lure of the CLEARANCE Sign

Clearly we have established that I am a shopper who is all about going for the bargains.  You’ll notice stores will typically lure you in with a sale sign outside the door. Maybe even put a table right up front with shirts priced at $20. But everywhere around it most everything is full price. But as you slowly meander around the store to the back, you spot them. The CLEARANCE signs. I know they’re back there before I even set foot in a store. But I usually don’t just beeline it for the back. I mean, I don’t want to seem cheap or anything. : ) I just casually saunter over while browsing the full price racks. Maybe even picking up a shirt or two to inspect it further. But my heart and interest lies pretty much within the racks of clothes with the bright red signs flashing 50-70% off. This is where I typically find my best deals. But it’s also when I become my pickiest. Like outlets, many items are off-season, have limited sizes or are super trendy. To the point where no one would wear it or it’s just plain ugly. This is also the time to double check for stains, broken zippers, missing buttons or clothes that are odd fitting (super long sleeves, too high collars, etc). But when I do find something that I deem a great find, I walk out of that store with my head held high. Proud of my accomplishment!

You could also get a discount on top of a discount. Stores like Aeropostale and New York and Company allow you to use your AAA or military discounts on top of their clearance prices. It can’t hurt to ask wherever you go! But keep this point in mind. Always second guess yourself. Most importantly, ask yourself, "Would I buy this if it wasn't on sale?" If the answer is no, move on. It's not a bargain if you won't wear it.

Shoes, shoes and more SHOES!

So clearly I take great pride in my shopping habits. And one of my biggest vices are SHOES. I could have 200 pairs and still not have enough. Actually, I’m pretty sure I have close to that many already…if you count my 20 pairs of flip-flops. Why shoes? Well, like jewelry, it’s the one of those things that no matter what size pants I get my butt into that month, my shoes will always fit. I can take a boring black and white outfit up a notch by adding my little red flats. In fact, since I’m such a budget shopping, the cheapest way for me to get a new outfit is to simply dig through my closet, pair up a shirt/skirt/pants that I don’t normally wear together, add a piece of statement jewelry and a cute pair of shoes. Sometimes I actually put together an outfit solely on the shoes alone (no pun intended). Ha. The only shoes I actually spend a decent amount of money on are the ones that I regularly wear to work or if I need a comfortable but stylish pair for doing a lot of walking or sightseeing. Like a basic pair of black heels for work and Hushpuppies, Aerosoles or Clarks for walking. So my rule of thumb; cut corners on trendy clothes but invest in everyday basics and SHOES!

On that note, here’s a little deal I would like to share with you all. From today, September 15^th through Sunday, September 19^th, Macy’s is having a major shoe sale. Save 25% when you purchase two pairs of shoes. Even on those that typically NEVER go on sale. Score! Happy shopping!

Coupon Tuesday!

Today is coupon Tuesday! Which means every Tuesday I will post links to coupons that you can use now or in the foreseeable future. Today’s featured coupons are from Old Navy, Gymboree, Express and a few from Glamour magazine including Armani Exchange, Bare Esscentuals, Origins and Talbots.

Don’t see a coupon you really want here? Let me know and I’ll do my best to dig one up for you. : )

Happy shopping!

Express - $50 off a $150 purchase or $25 off a $50 purchase

http://www.printablecouponfeed.com/express/25738

Old Navy – Save 30% off a single item (or 40% with your Old Navy or Gap credit card)

http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/info.do?cid=34939&tid=onembt0245

Gymboree – Save 20% everything in store or online, including sale items

http://links.mkt2170.com/servlet/MailView?ms=MzI0OTMzMwS2&r=MTUwODExMTY5NTIS1&j=MTk0NjgyMjU2S0&mt=1&rt=0

Various – Courtesy of Glamour Magazine

http://www.glamalert.com/1009/pages.cfm?section=1&promo=0

The Real Deal About Outlet Shopping

Obviously I am shopping fanatic. And you would think that a someone like myself would absolutely LOVE outlet shopping. It’s like the Mecca of good deals and steals…right? Errr, not so much. While there are many deals to be had at outlets, their “blowout and clearance” prices are not always what they appear. If you’re a frequent shopper to an outlet stores regular, full price store, you may notice that the prices are often comparable to a regular sale any other day of the week. It’s kind of a “bait and switch” really. And people really do believe they are getting a fantastic deal. And sometimes you really can!


The best thing you can do is research before you go. If you’re looking for something in particular, look online or in their regular store first before trekking off to the outlet. Keep in mind that you may not find what you’re looking for if you go in looking for something specific at an outlet. True outlet stores typically try to get rid of last years stock, out of season apparel and accessories or discontinued items. With that in mind, make sure you ask about their return policy before you plop down the plastic.

Also, many outlet stores also do not take coupons or discounts so many times a coupon at the full price store gives you a better deal than if you had purchased it at the outlet. With that being said, there are some who do honor those additional savings. It’s wise to check out the webpage or customer service office for the outlet mall to see if there are online coupons, specials or VIP coupon books that you can utilize to save even more money. Some even take AAA or AARP discounts on top of their discount prices! Happy shopping!

Make Your Money Work for You!

I am all about making my money go further. So if you’re an online shopper, sign up for free programs like EBATES, which gives you cash back on purchases (up to 25%) just for linking to your online destination through their website first. Pretty simple! And I never hit “purchase” before looking around online for a coupon or promo code. Sites like RetailMeNot can give you the latest and greatest codes out there, posted by other online bloggers and shoppers. You can also just Google "promo coupon code for Old Navy" (or whatever site you're shopping on) and it should pull up several links to get one.


Whether you shop online or prefer to hit up the stores, see if your bank has a debit or credit card that can earn you points for free things like airline miles or hotel stays. Many banks are now offering Visa or Mastercard debit cards that earn miles the same way interest charging credit cards do. Keep in mind, there is usually a small annual fee associated so weigh out the value.

Welcome!

Sooo, this is my first official blog and posting! Bear with me folks. I have a lot of information to share that so far only my friends and family have been privy to. But why keep a good thing to myself, right? In this day and age especially, all of us want to save some money. Anyone who knows me will agree that I like to have nice things but I don’t want to pay a lot for them. And you don’t have to. I am a self-proclaimed budget-shopaholic and I’m proud of it! I think it comes from my very frugal German mother who I affectionately used to refer to as “cheap” before I actually had to start paying for things on my own of course. I am a firm believer that the rich don’t get rich by throwing their money away. And hopefully this blog will help all of you realize that you don’t have to spend a lot to get a lot. It’s all about timing, coupons (yes, coupons) and a little bit of research. Which I will be doing the bulk of for you. I will post about shopping for clothing, accessories, beauty products/make-up, furniture, home goods, online shopping - you name it! So I hope you all enjoy this blog and feel free to hit me up with any questions you may have!