Brits Are Putting Off Spending Until Black Friday – But Is It Really Worth The Wait?

Fancy a new telly? Dreaming of a shiny new laptop? Or perhaps you've had your eye on a new winter wardrobe? Well, you might want to hold off just a little longer.

It seems plenty of Brits are doing exactly that, with new figures suggesting shoppers are putting the brakes on spending ahead of this year's Black Friday sales. And while retailers might not be celebrating, bargain hunters could be getting ready for one of the biggest shopping events of the year.

Brits are holding out for Black Friday bargains

According to the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG, UK retail sales grew by just 1.5% year-on-year in October.

But there's an interesting twist. While food sales increased by 3.2%, spending on non-food items remained flat.

In other words, shoppers are still buying the essentials, but they're being a little more careful when it comes to splashing out on bigger purchases.

Sales of items such as furniture and white goods were particularly sluggish, with many consumers choosing to wait for November's discounts rather than pay full price.

It's hardly surprising when household budgets are already feeling the squeeze from rising bills and everyday costs. And with Black Friday falling on 27 November this year, there's still plenty of time for shoppers to get their wish lists ready.

Is Black Friday actually worth waiting for?

Of course, the promise of a bargain is tempting. Black Friday has become one of the biggest shopping events of the year, with retailers competing to offer discounts across everything from tech and fashion to homeware and beauty.

But here's the thing: just because something has a big red SALE sticker on it doesn't necessarily mean you're getting a great deal.

Some discounts are better than others, and it's easy to get carried away when retailers start counting down the hours on supposedly unmissable offers. So, before you part with your hard-earned cash, it's worth doing a little homework.

Check the item's price at other retailers, look at how much it has been selling for recently and ask yourself whether you'd still want it if it wasn't discounted. If the answer is no, it might not be quite the bargain you think it is!

6 ways to make your money go further this Black Friday

Whether you're shopping for Christmas presents, upgrading your tech or simply treating yourself, a little planning can help you avoid spending more than you intended.

Here are five ways to shop smarter this Black Friday:

1. Make a shopping list

Decide what you actually need before the sales begin. It's much easier to avoid impulse purchases when you have a plan.

2. Set yourself a budget

Work out how much you can comfortably afford to spend and stick to it. Remember, a discount isn't a saving if it leaves you out of pocket.

3. Compare prices

Don't assume the first deal you see is the best. Check a few different retailers to make sure you're getting genuine value.

4. Don't forget the smaller savings

Black Friday isn't the only time to save money. Look out for everyday discounts on food, fashion, travel, entertainment and other essentials throughout the year.

5. Think before you buy

A bargain is only a bargain if it's something you actually need or want. There's no point spending £50 to save £20 if you weren't planning to spend anything in the first place!

6. Check through TOTUM!

Before you buy, check whether you can get an extra discount with TOTUM. From fashion and tech to food and days out, you could save even more on the things you're already planning to buy. Every little helps, right? And if you're not a TOTUM member - or you want to renew your membership - take advantage of our own Black Friday discount and grab your chance to win part of our £3,000 prize bundle!

Shop smarter, not harder

With Christmas just around the corner and household budgets under pressure, it's understandable that shoppers are looking for ways to make their money go further.

Black Friday could be a great opportunity to pick up something you've been saving for, but don't let the excitement of the sales tempt you into spending money you don't have.

And remember, you don't have to wait until November to bag a bargain. With TOTUM, you can unlock discounts and offers from a whole range of popular brands, helping you save on everything from shopping and eating out to travel and everyday essentials.

Because the best bargain is one that leaves you with a little more money in your pocket!