Black Friday is famous for its deep discounts on electronics and toys. In recent years, grocery stores have tried to get in on the action. They will release their own Black Friday ads. These are filled with deals on holiday foods and pantry staples. However, a closer look at these promotions reveals that they are not always what they seem. Many Black Friday grocery deals are a form of marketing hype. They are a clever illusion that is not actually a great deal at all.
The Deals Are on “Holiday” Items, Not on Your Staples
The front page of a Black Friday grocery ad will be filled with amazing deals on a few key, seasonal items. This will include things like a whole turkey, a ham, or a prime rib roast. These are the “loss leaders” that are designed to get you in the door. However, the store’s regular, everyday staple items, like milk, eggs, and bread, are rarely on sale during this time. The deals are a distraction, not a store-wide event.
The “Bulk” Buys Are Not the Best Price
The ad will often feature what looks like a great deal on a bulk-buy item. This could be a large, multi-pack of paper towels or a huge bag of potatoes. However, the “sale” price on this bulk item is often not the best price you will find. The store will frequently have a better unit price on these same items during a regular, non-holiday sale period. The Black Friday “deal” is just an average sale with better marketing.
The Doorbuster Is a Low-Quality, “Derivative” Product
Many of the small kitchen appliances that are sold as a Black Friday “doorbuster” in a grocery store are a trap. These are often low-quality, “derivative” models that have been made specifically for sale. A cheap, off-brand air fryer or a coffee maker might seem like a great deal. However, it is often made with inferior components that are designed to break after just a few uses.
The “Free Gift Card” Deal Requires a Huge Purchase
A common Black Friday grocery promotion is an offer for a “free” gift card. The ad will say, “Get a free $20 gift card when you spend $100 on groceries.” While this seems like a great 20% discount, it is a powerful tool to get you to overspend. The high spending threshold encourages you to add extra, unplanned items to your cart just to reach the goal.
The Hype of the Holiday
Black Friday is a masterclass in marketing psychology. It is an event built on a feeling of urgency and a fear of missing out. The grocery store deals are a part of this hype machine. While you can find a few good deals on a holiday-specific item, it is rarely the best time to do your regular, weekly shopping. A savvy shopper knows to treat the Black Friday grocery ads with a healthy dose of skepticism.
What is the best or the worst grocery deal you have ever gotten on Black Friday? Do you do your food shopping during the big sales event? Let us know!
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The post Why Black Friday Grocery Deals Aren’t Always What They Seem appeared first on Grocery Coupon Guide.
