The sales mania of Black Friday is everywhere – in the high street, on the internet and in the junk emails in your mailbox. Now the Dutch media have turned their attention to the latest American craze to hit the Netherlands.

The Volkskrant calls Black Friday ‘unescapable’ and has published a list of tips for would-be bargain hunters.

‘If you can’t beat them join them but at least don’t fall for the retail trick of imaginary discounts,’ the list states. It also recommends checking the prices of electronic goods, at sites such as Tweakers and Hardware Info which monitor prices throughout the year. The Volkskrant’s top tip: ask yourself do I really need another blender?

Bargain hunting

The Telegraaf goes into the history of Black Friday, promoting a couple of deals along the way, and comes to the conclusion that the buying spree is very much in keeping with the Dutch penchant for keeping a firm grip on their wallet.

The NRC has the figures: some 60% of people in the Netherlands will buy something on Black Friday. But their discount will, in reality, be no more than 20% on average, which is no more than at any other given time of the year.

RTL points out that Black Friday’s proximity to Sinterklaas is another reason for its popularity. ‘It is a great opportunity for some people to buy presents more cheaply,’ Marianne de Kruijff of retail research group Q&A told the broadcaster.

Last year, Black Friday spending reached €500m and retailers expect a new record this year, RTL said.

Sustainable

Public broadcaster NOS spoke to retailers whose businesses are too small to be able to carry the cost of mega discounts, particularly those who sell sustainable products which, one such retailer says, are ‘honestly priced’.

Some of them are now turning to Small Business Saturday, in which customers are given a gift token rather than a discount.

‘People can chose whether to keep the tokens or give them as a present,’ Demi Willemsen, who owns a web shop for sustainable skincare products. ‘After all, that is what the holiday celebrations are really about.’