Black Friday, although it has its roots in the United States, has become a global phenomenon, with countries across Europe adopting the tradition of discounts and promotions. In the Netherlands, Portugal and other parts of Europe, Black Friday has become increasingly popular, with retailers offering a wide range of products at steep discounts.
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, Black Friday started to gain traction a few years ago and has become an important date in the shopping calendar. Many stores, both physical and online, participate in this promotion. Sales begin on the last Friday of November, but many retailers start their offers at the beginning of the month, creating a kind of “month of discounts”.
- Attractive Discounts: Shoppers can find a variety of products on sale, including electronics, clothing, household goods, and more. Stores often run massive advertising campaigns, encouraging customers to take advantage of the deals before they’re gone.
- Online Shopping: E-commerce in the Netherlands is very strong, and many consumers prefer to shop online, avoiding the crowds of physical stores. Retailers offer fast delivery and easy return policies, which makes online shopping even more attractive.
Portugal
In Portugal, Black Friday has also become a tradition in recent years. Although it was not widely celebrated a decade ago, the concept of “Black Friday promotions” quickly spread among consumers.
- Marketing Campaigns: Portuguese stores take advantage of the event to launch aggressive marketing campaigns, and many consumers eagerly await this time of year to purchase products at reduced prices. Black Friday is especially popular among young people looking for electronics, fashion and beauty products.
- Influence on Christmas Shopping: Black Friday marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season, with many consumers taking advantage of the deals to buy gifts. Some stores even extend their sales through Christmas, offering ongoing discounts to attract more customers.
Differences from the US
Although Black Friday in Europe has many similarities to the American version, some differences are notable:
- Less Emphasis on Thanksgiving: Unlike in the US, where Black Friday follows Thanksgiving, in Europe there is no similar celebration, allowing promotions to begin without the need for a preceding holiday.
- Focus on Online Shopping: In Europe, the trend towards online shopping is very strong, and many consumers choose to avoid queues in physical stores, resulting in a significant increase in online sales during Black Friday.
Black Friday has established itself as a significant event across Europe, including the Netherlands and Portugal. With attractive discounts and a wide range of products on sale, it is a great opportunity for consumers looking to save money. As traditions evolve, Black Friday is likely to continue to expand, becoming an even more important date in the European shopping calendar.
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