Although one in ten Czechs is of the opinion that during Black Friday there are no longer as great discount offers as they used to be, 73 percent of people still think that this shopping event is still a good opportunity to make interesting purchases.
Black Friday, which this year falls on November 29, is most often used by people to buy Christmas gifts, at least according to an online survey by Revolut, where 40 percent of respondents answered this way.
The second most common reason people buy is to get discounts on items they don’t usually buy because they’re too expensive (37%). In contrast, only 14 percent of Czechs use Black Friday to buy everyday necessities, such as laundry detergent or toiletries.
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Among the young generation, there is a trend this year to buy something “for a reward”, which is popularized especially on social networks. “It consists in the fact that a person indulges in small pleasures as a reward for completing something, or simply to make himself happy,” Revolut said in a press release. In the Czech Republic, 21 percent of people in the age group of 25 to 34 are remunerated in this way. Of course, people in older age groups also enjoy themselves, but they usually don’t call it anything special.
Median prices on Black Friday
And what goods are worth buying this year? Portal Zboží.cz like every year, he created a median price from the price offers of e-shops involved in Black Friday, both overall and for individual categories. Looking at the graph, the most noticeable large fluctuations in prices are in the notebook category. As of November 14, their median price was just over 11,000 crowns, but just a few days before it was almost two thousand more.
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“Be careful when buying, for example, desktop computers or smart watches, for which there is a continuous increase in the median price. We note a more significant drop in prices especially for mobile phones and tablets. The other categories are still without major price changes,” states Zboží.cz on its website.
The median price for mobile phones was almost 16,500 as of November 14, which is a fairly significant drop compared to the end of September, when it reached 18,000. There was also a bigger discount for tablets, to the current median of 10,000 CZK from 11,100 CZK at the end of September.
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The Curious Case of Black Friday in the Czech Republic
Ah, Black Friday! The day when consumers buy things they don’t really need at prices that make them feel like they’ve snagged a brilliant deal—until they check their bank statements and realize they’ve just contributed to the Christmas economy of an entirely different nation. According to a recent survey, one in ten Czechs has the audacity to suggest that the discounts aren’t what they used to be. Shocking, isn’t it? Just a decade ago, we could practically trade a kidney for a flat-screen TV!
Yet, 73% are still convinced that Black Friday is a tremendous opportunity for bargain hunting. It’s as if they believe that spending money is a form of sport. Let’s be honest, 40% of shoppers claim they’re merely buying Christmas gifts—because who wouldn’t want a gift card to a fast food joint wrapped up under the tree?
The ‘Reward’ System: Justifying the Splurge
Now, if you’re under 35, there’s a new trend: buying stuff as a reward! Yes, you read that right. This apparent “self-rewarding” system is seeing 21% of young Czechs indulging themselves after each little triumph. So, finishing a presentation on time? Naturally, that deserves a new pair of shoes. I can’t help but think that somewhere along the line we’ve lost the plot—what’s next, rewarding ourselves for waking up in the morning?
Black Friday Skimming: The Price Dance
Now for the real drama: the price fluctuations! According to the clever folks over at Zboží.cz, if you’re looking to buy a notebook, hold onto your wallet. Prices have jumped around like they’re auditioning for “Dancing with the Stars.” One minute you feel like a smart shopper, the next, you’re a contestant on a completely different show called “Who Wants to Get Ripped Off?”
As of mid-November, the median price for a notebook is just over 11,000 crowns, which recently was nearly 13,000 crowns. Talk about a dramatic dip! It’s like watching a soap opera—but with better deals and fewer commercial breaks. Just be cautious with items like desktop computers and smartwatches; the prices on those seem to follow a more sinister plot twist: they’re *increasing* instead of falling!
What are Czechs Buying?
Let’s take stock here. When it comes to the essentials—like laundry detergent or mouthwash—only 14% are splurging during this shopping frenzy. After all, who wants *smelly laundry* during the holidays? The issue is not with the necessities but rather the “luxuries.”
Mobile phones have seen a drop from 18,000 CZK to 16,500 CZK, while tablets took a hit from 11,100 CZK to 10,000 CZK. If only those savings could be transferred to my bank account. Alas, I’m not that lucky!
The Spending Continues: Merchants Smile
Despite some skepticism about ‘real’ discounts, the Czechs are still tapping their cards like there’s no tomorrow. Merchants are raking in sales at a pace reminiscent of a cash register on a Black Friday special! So, folks, whether you see yourselves as savvy shoppers or just victims of marketing, remember: if a store labels it a ‘deal’, it’s practically a rite of passage to claim it—whether you actually need it or not!
In conclusion, whether you’re out there trying to snag that discount on a luxury item or just treating yourself for surviving another week, Black Friday is an affair that will not go unnoticed. Just keep those wallets ready and your expectations low, because who doesn’t love a little financial drama during the holidays?
Despite a growing sentiment among 10 percent of Czechs that Black Friday discounts have dwindled in quality over the years, an overwhelming 73 percent still view this annual shopping event as a prime opportunity to snag enticing deals. Consumers remain optimistic about the potential savings and unique purchasing prospects that Black Friday brings.
This year’s Black Friday is set for November 29 and serves as a crucial shopping occasion, particularly for buying Christmas gifts, as revealed by an online survey conducted by Revolut. Notably, 40 percent of respondents indicated that they primarily utilize this day for holiday shopping, positioning it as a pivotal moment in the festive retail calendar.
Additionally, the survey uncovered that 37 percent of shoppers take advantage of Black Friday to purchase items that are usually beyond their regular budget due to high prices. In contrast, a mere 14 percent of Czechs consider Black Friday a time to restock on everyday essentials such as laundry detergent or personal care products.
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This year has also seen a notable shift among younger consumers, particularly those aged 25 to 34, who are embracing the concept of buying something “for a reward” as highlighted on social media platforms. This behavior reflects a broader trend where individuals indulge in small luxuries to celebrate personal achievements or simply to elevate their mood. According to Revolut’s press release, 21 percent of this age group participates in this rewarding shopping practice.
Median prices on Black Friday
When considering what products offer the best value this Black Friday, the price-comparison portal Zboží.cz has compiled median prices based on offers from participating e-commerce sites. Examining their data reveals significant price volatility within the notebook category, where median prices were recorded at just over 11,000 crowns on November 14, after previously peaking almost two thousand higher just days earlier.
“Be careful when buying, for example, desktop computers or smart watches, for which there is a continuous increase in the median price. We note a more significant drop in prices especially for mobile phones and tablets. The other categories are still without major price changes,” states Zboží.cz on its website.
The median price for mobile phones was almost 16,500 as of November 14, which is a fairly significant drop compared to the end of September, when it reached 18,000. There was also a bigger discount for tablets, to the current median of 10,000 CZK from 11,100 CZK at the end of September.
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How has social media influenced the trend of treating personal purchases as a form of self-reward for achievements?
The concept of treating themselves as a form of reward for accomplishments, a trend spurred by social media influences. According to the survey from Revolut, 21 percent of individuals in this age group engage in this behavior, suggesting that spending money is becoming synonymous with self-care. This raises the question: have we turned consumerism into a personal achievement system?
Moreover, a look at the recommended purchases during Black Friday indicates significant price fluctuations across various categories. The most notable price instability has been observed in the notebook category, where prices soared from nearly 13,000 crowns to just over 11,000 crowns within a short period. It’s as if each product has its own dramatic storyline—at one moment a prized possession, the next, just another discount item vying for attention. In comparison, mobile phones and tablets have witnessed a more steady decline in prices, making them attractive options for cautious consumers looking for legitimate savings.
The reluctance among Czechs to buy everyday essentials during Black Friday is particularly telling, with only 14 percent using the day for restocking necessities. Instead, it appears that most are focused on gifts and luxury items—essentially anything but the mundane aspects of daily life. In a culture increasingly driven by experience and pleasure, many would rather treat themselves to new gadgets than stock up on laundry detergent.
As we approach this year’s Black Friday on November 29, one thing is clear: both consumers and merchants are ready to participate in this annual spectacle. Despite concerns regarding the authenticity of discounts, Czech shoppers continue to embrace Black Friday as an opportunity to indulge, with 73 percent still optimistic about finding valuable deals.
Ultimately, whether driven by necessity or desire, Black Friday remains a significant moment on the shopping calendar, sparking excitement and preparation among consumers. As they prepare their shopping lists and navigate the bustling sales, the interplay between spending, saving, and satisfying desires will continue to shape the experience within the Czech retail landscape.
