Simple question – Are you a savvy shopper?
With many of us feeling the pinch more than ever this year, we’ve been speaking to money-saving blogger Kara Gammell to get some tips on how we can bag a bargain in the run-up to Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas.
The pandemic may have caused absolute havoc with life as we know it, we have become better, and seemingly wiser shoppers. The good news is Black Friday is set to go on as normal this year, more so online. Here in South Wales however, we have the advantage of not being in the middle of a lockdown, so hopefully we can enjoy a bit of ‘proper shopping’ to pick up some great deals.
We have links to some of our main shopping outlets at the bottom of this page.
Before we go any further, grab a cuppa and take a listen to Kara Gammell sharing her tips on how to pick up a fantastic bargain.
Officially, Black Friday is on 27th November, but many retailers have gone early on the deals hoping to entice us to some Pre-Friday deals.
We also have Cyber Monday taking place on 30th November, our experts have told us that we shouldn’t really expect any great reductions from the Friday. It is though a very good opportunity for the retailers to make it a long weekend of shopping.
If you’re looking for some great deals, you’ll find the best of them over the Black Friday – Cyber Monday weekend, although companies like Amazon have thrown in some lightning deals to catch us early.
It comes as no surprise that AMAZON is leading the way, and you may not realise this but they were responsible for bringing Black Friday to the UK. They have deals in all departments, take a look by clicking on the link below. Remember, Amazon change and add to the offers daily (sometimes hourly).
We’ve checked out some pretty good deals. If you haven’t signed up for AMAZON PRIME click on that link and we’ve got you 30 days for free. This will also give you free unlimited delivery on millions of items, perfect if you’re indulging in the sales. You’ll also get access to books and video, so it’s worth a try, for free at least.
Keep an eye out for the likes of CURRYS PC WORLD, JOHN LEWIS and BOOTS who are all ramping up the deals. In fact Boots have launched a ‘month’ of Black Friday offers. Don’t forget ARGOS who also like to get in front with a few early deals, especially with games and tech. With new Playstation and X Box consoles due soon, we reckon there’ll be some great bargains to be had for your current machines.
For us in South Wales though, we have it better than most. We can move relatively freely around the country, doing our shopping inside, rather than online, and as much as we love a bit of electronic browsing, it really doesn’t beat the thrill of looking, touching, and when we’re allowed, trying on.
So, give all our local retailers a helping hand this year and get back out and give them some support. This includes the smaller independent shops, and of course our brilliant markets.
Take a look at our features and direct links to some of our larger shopping outlets.
RETAIL OUTLETS
FRIARS WALK is a major shopping and leisure scheme in Newport city centre with more than 36,230 square metres of retail and leisure space including a department store, cinema (closed at the moment), shops and restaurants. For full details just go here. FRIARS
To download the Friars Walk centre map, just go HERE.
There’s also the NEWPORT RETAIL PARK which has over 30 stores at Spytty Park. With the likes of Next, River Island, JD, Clarks, Trespass and more.
To find out what they’re up to, go here. SPYTTY
The QUADRANT in Swansea has a Boots, Animal, Debenhams, Holland & Barrett, Disney Store, WH Smith, Superdrug and so many more. For details, go here. QUADRANT
FESTIVAL PARK in Ebbw Vale Poundland, Cotton Traders, Pavers, Holland & Barrett, Fresh N Fruity, Select and plenty of places to eat and drink.
For more information, and to see what they have on offer, go here. FESTIVAL
To download the Festival Park map, just click HERE
CAPITOL SHOPPING Cardiff have a mix of stores, leisure and places to eat and drink. To take a look, go here CAPITOL
CWMBRAN CENTRE has mix of everything, with public transport taking you right into the heart of it all. With Argos, Asda, Claire’s, CEX and a stack of places to eat and drink, it’s definitely a one-stop destination. They even have a theatre too (when the world is working properly). For details, just head here CWMBRAN
BRIDGEND DESIGNER OUTLET (McArthur Glen) offer designer products at outlet prices, with the likes of BOSS, Joules, Radley, Tommy Hilfiger, Le Cruset and some fine places to grab some food. They have some great deals on offer as well, take a look here. BRIDGEND
ST DAVID’S DEWI SANT Cardiff is always a favourite for locals and visitors into the centre. With the likes of Apple, Boux, Clarks, Fossil, Hamleys and Lakeland, this is another one-stop destination. As for eating, you really are spoilt for choice with everything from a quick cuppa and snack, to a proper sit down meal. Take a look at what they have, and check out the shopping and dining clubs they have too. ST DAVID’S
To take a look at the centre map, just go HERE
TRAGO MILLS in Merthyr Tydfil is huge, there’s no other way to say it. Be prepared to spend hours walking up and down the aisles picking up some real bargains.
All 38 departments are open and they have whatever you want for Christmas, your home and garden. They also have a soft play centre for the kids. For details, go here TRAGO
And there is always the traditional department store offered by Nicholls in Abergavenny, Crickhowell and Brecon. They have a special Christmas Preview this weekend which is well worth a visit. It is free but ticket only. For details go here NICHOLLS
It’s going to be a fun, and no doubt busy time at our shopping outlets, and we’re looking forward to seeing staff back at work. Have fun in the sales, but above all, stay safe.
Finally, take a look at the OUR SOUTH WALES features below for ideas on things to do in this amazing area of ours……..