Black Friday, the massive commercial shopping festival that hits the United States the day after Thanksgiving, has become an annual tradition for retail stores and consumers alike. The sales that accompany Black Friday are so notable that queues often start forming days before stores are due to open. Despite the chaos, it’s a day that many shoppers look forward to and increasingly more businesses are taking part. While many of us love to score a bargain on Black Friday, we don’t often think of the positive benefits that Black Friday deals can give us beyond just a cheaper price tag.

1. It’s a great way to save money. Black Friday is the perfect opportunity to stock up on stocking stuffers, treats and toys that could otherwise accumulate an eye-watering bill the rest of the year. Aside from household goods, shoppers can also use Black Friday as an opportunity to save money on bigger ticket items like a new laptop, a TV or fridges and ovens.

2. It lets us try new products. For those who don’t like to take the risk or don’t want to spend money on something until they know if they like it, Black Friday deals can be a great way to test out a product before committing to it. Seeing as some of these offers can also include free delivery, this helps mitigate the risk even further.

3. It helps small businesses. While big chain stores often get the most attention when it comes to Black Friday deals, independent stores can also benefit from the payday. Small businesses can use the day to offer discounts, bonus items or simply increase visibility so they generate more interest. This can be a great way to get more people through their doors and support the local economy.

4. It’s better for the environment. As technology advances, new products enter the market all the time, but it doesn’t always mean we need to upgrade our devices. Hitting up the Black Friday offers can help to reduce our use of vulnerable resources and in turn, our carbon footprint.

In conclusion, while Black Friday can sometimes create a mad rush of shoppers in store, it’s important to consider the many positive benefits that come with it. Not only does it encourage us to save money, but it also supports small businesses and helps us use less resources, all while allowing us to try out something new in the process.