Black Friday: The Hidden Costs and How KIDDYKIND Is Doing It Differently

As we approach the end of November, the familiar buzz around Black Friday begins to take over. Shoppers flock to stores, eager to grab discounts on everything from electronics to toys, often in a frenzied race to snag the best deals. But before you dive into the whirlwind of sales and savings, it's important to pause and consider the bigger picture.

Black Friday may seem like the perfect opportunity to score a bargain, especially with the holidays around the corner, but the reality is that this day of deep discounts comes with a heavy price—one that many of us don't see right away.

The Truth Behind Black Friday Deals: Why Some Retailers Aren't Being Honest

Black Friday: the day we’ve all come to associate with jaw-dropping discounts, once-a-year sales, and the promise of unbeatable deals. For shoppers, it’s an exciting time, a day to grab the latest tech, the hottest fashion, or maybe even a new mattress at a fraction of the price. But what if I told you that some of the deals you’re seeing this Black Friday might not be as great as they seem? In fact, some retailers may not be quite as upfront as they should be about what you're really saving. Let’s break down the truth behind Black Friday and why some retailers aren’t always playing fair when it comes to “savings.”

1. Inflated “Original Prices”

One of the most common tricks retailers use during Black Friday is inflating the original price of an item, only to “discount” it to a price that’s not actually that much of a deal.

For example, a store might advertise a television that’s “regularly” priced at £1,000 but is now “on sale” for £500. What they don’t tell you is that the TV was never actually sold for that £1,000 price. In many cases, the £1,000 price is just an inflated number that makes the discount look far more impressive than it really is. Some retailers will even set up fake “original” prices for items they never sold at those prices, simply to make the discount appear larger.

2. The “Doorbuster” Con

Every year, retailers advertise “doorbuster” deals with incredibly low prices, usually on high-demand items like electronics, toys, or appliances. These deals sound too good to pass up—who wouldn’t want a £200 tablet that’s usually £500?

The catch? Often, there are very limited quantities of these items available, and many shoppers arrive at the store only to find out that the deal is “sold out” before they even get to the checkout counter. Sometimes, the retailers only have a handful of the discounted items, and the rest are stocked at full price.

This practice creates a sense of urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out), driving shoppers to spend money even when the actual deals might not be as plentiful as they seem.

3. Price “Shifting” Weeks Before Black Friday

It’s not uncommon for retailers to raise the prices of products in the weeks leading up to Black Friday, only to lower them again just in time for the sale. While this isn’t illegal, it’s certainly a deceptive practice. By artificially inflating the price, they can then advertise a “Black Friday price” that looks like a bigger discount than it really is. For instance, an item that was priced at £200 for most of the year might be marked up to £250 just before Black Friday, and then discounted back to £200 for the sale. The price hasn’t really dropped much at all, but it appears to be a significant markdown.

4. Exclusively Online Deals (and the Hidden Costs)

Many retailers now offer Black Friday deals exclusively online, which may seem convenient. However, these deals can sometimes have hidden costs—such as higher shipping fees or even extra charges for faster delivery. What seemed like a “deal” in the store may not be such a bargain once you factor in shipping costs, restocking fees, or unexpected taxes. Additionally, the convenience of shopping online can also lead to impulse buying, where you end up spending more than planned, even if the deals don’t really save you as much money as expected.

5. Quality vs. Price: Cheap Versions of Popular Products

Another tactic used by retailers is offering a cheaper, lower-quality version of a popular product during Black Friday. Think of it as a “knock-off” version, marketed as the real deal but without the same performance or durability. These products are often branded with similar names and features but are made with inferior materials or stripped-down functionalities.

Take, for example, a brand-name blender that’s heavily discounted. What you might not realise is that the Black Friday version being sold is a cheaper model with fewer functions or lower-quality parts, making it less of a bargain than it appears. The promise of a discount can blind shoppers to the fact that they’re actually getting less value for their money.

6. Lack of Price Transparency

Even when the discounts appear genuine, the lack of transparency can lead to confusion about whether you’re really saving money. Some retailers bundle items together and claim that the bundle is “worth more,” but what they don’t mention is that some of the items are cheaper-quality or are products you didn’t even need in the first place. This bundling can give the illusion of savings when, in fact, you're just buying more than you intended to. Additionally, some online stores make it hard to compare prices for the same item across different platforms, especially if it’s a limited-time sale.

7. "One Day Only" Deals that Last Longer

Some retailers market Black Friday sales as “one-day only” or “limited-time offers,” creating a sense of urgency. However, in many cases, these deals will either last longer than advertised, or they will pop up again with similar discounts as soon as the holiday shopping season kicks into full gear.

This marketing strategy plays on the fear of missing out (FOMO), but if you’re patient and savvy, you might find the same items at similar prices after Black Friday, or even during Cyber Monday.

How to Avoid Falling for These Traps

So, how can you be a smart shopper and avoid getting duped by these tactics?

• Do Your Research: Before buying anything, look up the product and check prices across multiple platforms to see if the Black Friday price is truly a good deal.
• Check the Reviews: Sometimes the deal sounds too good to be true because it is. Research product reviews from trusted sources to ensure you're getting quality for your money.
• Look for Authentic Discounts: If a product’s “original price” is inflated just for Black Friday, it’s not a real discount. Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true.
• Factor in Extra Costs: Don’t forget to consider shipping fees, taxes, and any other hidden costs when comparing Black Friday deals.
• Be Patient: Not every deal is a Black Friday exclusive. Some of the best discounts are offered after the holiday season or around Cyber Monday.

 

The Dark Side of Black Friday

Black Friday, for all its allure, has other downsides which are often not considered. The environmental impact, the toll it takes on workers, and the cycle of overconsumption are all serious concerns.

Environmental Harm

The "deal" mentality encourages people to buy more than they need, often opting for cheap, poorly made products that don't last. These items are often made with materials that are harmful to the environment and manufactured using practices that contribute to pollution and waste. In the case of children's products, these can end up in landfills long before they've had a chance to be properly loved and used. The fast-paced, high-volume nature of Black Friday leads to a culture of disposable consumption that ultimately harms the planet.

Overconsumption and Consumerism

Black Friday feeds into a cycle of overconsumption. It turns shopping into a sport, encouraging people to buy more than they can use or afford, simply because "it's on sale." This mentality has negative consequences not just for the planet but for our well-being. In a world where we already have an abundance of goods, is it really necessary to buy even more just because it's discounted? For families, especially parents trying to make thoughtful decisions about what their children need, it can feel like an overwhelming temptation to join in the rush.

Unfair Pay for Makers and Workers

Behind those discounts are the people who make the products and the workers who help get them into our hands. Unfortunately, the pressure to cut costs and offer steep discounts often means that the artisans and workers who create the items don't see the benefits. At many big retailers, the people who make products or work in stores are paid low wages and work under stressful conditions. In the rush to offer the "best" deals, these workers often pay the price in terms of long hours, low pay, and little recognition.

Undeniably Black Friday is a great time to score deals, but as with anything in life, it’s important to remain cautious. Retailers are masters at creating urgency, excitement, and the illusion of “huge” savings, but the reality is that not every Black Friday deal is a good one. By doing your homework and staying vigilant, you can avoid falling into the trap of overpaying for items that aren’t really discounted. Keep your wits about you this Black Friday and, above all, shop smart!

 

KIDDYKIND's Honest Friday: A Better Way to Shop

At KIDDYKIND, we believe in doing things differently. As a store dedicated to offering sustainable, natural, and ethically-made children’s products, we recognise the importance of supporting families during the holiday season without compromising on values. That’s why, instead of participating in the traditional Black Friday madness, we’re introducing Honest Friday.

What Is Honest Friday?

Honest Friday is our way of bringing you the best of both worlds—fair discounts without compromising on the fairness of the people behind the products. Here's how it works:

1. We Honour Brand Discounts – Many of the brands we work with already offer sales and promotions that align with their values, which is why we’re not trying to push deeper, unsustainable discounts just to create a "deal." Instead, we honour the discounts set by each brand we work with, respecting their pricing strategy and the hard work that goes into creating their beautiful, sustainable products.
2. We Pay for 10% of Your Order – To make sure you still get a fantastic offer, we’re going to pay for 10% of your order ourselves. This way, you can save while also knowing that each brand is fairly compensated for their work. It’s a win-win for your family and for the makers behind the products you love.
3. Supporting Fair Wages and Sustainability – Every time you shop with us, you’re supporting small businesses, artisans, and sustainable practices. By choosing to shop with KIDDYKIND this Honest Friday, you can feel good knowing that your purchase is directly helping to support fair wages, ethical production, and the health of our planet.

Why Honest Friday?

We understand that many parents rely on Black Friday to check off their Christmas shopping lists. But we also believe that holidays are about more than just buying stuff—they’re about celebrating what really matters: quality time with loved ones, sustainable practices, and meaningful gifts that last. Honest Friday allows you to shop with integrity, knowing that the products you choose are not only good for your child, but also for the planet and the people who made them.

Why It Matters

As a parent, you want to make thoughtful, informed choices. You want your kids to have toys that inspire creativity, foster learning, and, most importantly, are safe and kind to the environment. Black Friday, with its focus on overconsumption and waste, doesn’t align with those values. At KIDDYKIND, we’re committed to creating a shopping experience that empowers you to choose the best for your family without the guilt.

This holiday season, let’s take a step back from the frenzy of mindless consumerism. Let’s make decisions that reflect the values we want to pass on to our children—values like sustainability, fairness, and mindfulness. Honest Friday is our way of making sure you get the best deals without sacrificing the integrity of the brands you love or the health of the planet.

Shop with Purpose

So, this Black Friday, we invite you to do things differently. Join us for Honest Friday, where thoughtful shopping meets real savings. By shopping with KIDDYKIND, you’re not just purchasing high-quality, natural, and sustainable products for your children—you’re also supporting a fairer, more sustainable world for all of us.

Happy Honest Friday! 💚