Black Friday: how to shop wisely Here's how to navigate lists, budgets and zero waste (or almost)

On your marks, get set, go! 24 November marks the start of Black Friday 2023, a tempting opportunity to take home bargains and products at reduced prices. Not only does this offer those on a tight budget the chance to take home the things they wanted or needed but couldn't afford at full price, but it also encourages the development of a consumer economy where the thrill of hoarding cheap goods drives us. In recent years, aided by a heightened awareness of the environmental impact that this cascade of discounts causes in terms of waste and pollution, these seven days (but often many more) are increasingly the result of a responsible wish list. In any case, it never hurts to remember a few tricks to manage the potential risk of compulsive shopping and a pile of clothes and accessories gathering dust in our wardrobes.

Here's a quick guide on how to manage Black Friday without stress, but in a sensible and sustainable way.

Buy what you really need

It may sound trite, but we can't repeat it often enough: The secret to a conscious approach to Black Friday is to only buy what we really need. Is the hairdryer broken and we need to replace it? Have we lost weight or put on a few pounds and our favourite jeans no longer fit? Have we run out of shimmering lipstick? Do we need a face cream for winter? Okay, then let's buy that one thing by taking advantage of the discounts.

Check the wardrobe

Before we walk past the checkout with a pile of reindeer jumpers or click "pay" online, let's take a good look in our wardrobes. A bit of healthy decluttering not only ensures that the hangers and drawers are neatly organised, but also makes it clear what we already have available, what needs to be replaced and which items of clothing or accessories we still have room for. It only takes one look to work out whether it's better to avoid buying another pair of clogs that we'll never wear, or whether adding a nice pair of tights is enough to freshen up our outfits.

Don't give in to the hype

Your emails have probably been filled with announcements of discounts and price reductions for many days now, piquing the curiosity to click on the links and take a look at the many products on offer and thus satisfy the hunger, the desire to hold them in your hands and say: "I've got the deal of the century." But no one is forcing you to do that. It's true that our wallets are getting emptier and prices in general are getting higher, as is the constant urge to consume and chase the latest trend. Black Friday can be a way to save money and maybe get all those Christmas presents you wouldn't otherwise buy at full price. But if you put a patchwork musk coat in your shopping trolley just because Rihanna has it too (and you only wear blue jumpers and classic cut trousers), then it's safe to say you won't be picking up any bargains.