Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping events of the year, and with retailers across Australia and New Zealand rolling out major discounts, it's the perfect opportunity to get ahead on Christmas shopping, upgrade your home, refresh your wardrobe or finally purchase something you've had your eye on. 

But with thousands of promotions competing for your attention, how do you know which deals are actually worth it? 

The secret isn't simply finding the biggest percentage discount. It's knowing what you want to buy, comparing prices and finding clever ways to make your money go further. 

This year, we're sharing our top Black Friday shopping tips, from planning your purchases and spotting genuine bargains to using discounted eGift Cards through the Entertainment App to unlock even more savings. 

Whether you're shopping for yourself or ticking off your Christmas gift list, here's how to make the most of Black Friday 2026 in Australia and New Zealand.

When Is Black Friday 2026 in Australia & New Zealand? 

Black Friday falls on Friday 27 November 2026, with Cyber Monday following on Monday 30 November 2026. 

While Black Friday originally centred around a single day of shopping, many Australian and New Zealand retailers now extend their promotions across several days or even weeks. This means you don't necessarily have to wait until the final Friday of November to find a great deal. 

Here's what to mark in your shopping calendar: 

• Black Friday: Friday 27 November 2026 

• Small Business Saturday: Saturday 28 November 2026 

• Cyber Monday: Monday 30 November 2026 

Keep an eye out for early Black Friday promotions throughout November, as some retailers launch their offers ahead of the official sales weekend. 

1. Make Your Shopping List Before the Sales Begin 

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of Black Friday, particularly when retailers are advertising limited-time offers and impressive-looking discounts. 

But one of the best ways to avoid overspending is to decide what you're actually looking for before the sales begin. 

Start by making a list of the items you've been meaning to purchase. Think about things you genuinely need, products you've been saving for or Christmas gifts you want to get organised early. 

Some popular categories to look out for during Black Friday include: 

• Technology: TVs, laptops, headphones, tablets and smart home devices. 

• Homewares: Furniture, bedding, kitchen appliances and home décor. 

• Fashion: Dresses, shoes, activewear, accessories and everyday essentials. 

• Beauty: Skincare, makeup, fragrances and beauty tools. 

• Travel: Accommodation, flights, luggage and travel accessories. 

• Experiences: Restaurant vouchers, entertainment, activities and gift experiences. 

Having a list will help you stay focused, prioritise your spending and avoid purchasing things simply because they're on sale. 

Entertainment tip: If you're planning to shop across multiple categories, check out the discounted eGift Cards available through the Entertainment App before you start buying. You may be able to save on purchases you were already planning to make. 

2. Compare Prices Before You Buy 

A big discount doesn't always mean you're getting the best deal. 

Some retailers advertise impressive percentage savings, but the sale price may not be as competitive as it first appears. That's why it's worth doing a little research before committing to a purchase. 

Here are a few ways to make sure you're getting genuine value: 

• Check the original price: Look at what the product has been selling for in the weeks leading up to Black Friday. 

• Compare different retailers: Search for the same product across multiple websites to see who offers the best price. 

• Look beyond the discount: A product advertised at 40% off isn't necessarily cheaper than a competitor selling it at 25% off. 

• Check delivery costs: Factor in shipping fees, additional charges and any minimum-spend requirements. 

• Read the fine print: Look for exclusions, sale conditions and restrictions that could affect your purchase. 

You can also use online price comparison tools and price trackers to monitor products before the sales begin. 

The goal is to focus on the final price you'll actually pay, rather than the percentage discount displayed on the website. 

3. Use Discounted eGift Cards to Save Even More 

Here's where things get interesting! 

One of the smartest ways to maximise your Black Friday savings is to combine retailer sales with discounted eGift Cards. 

Through the Entertainment App, Members can access discounted eGift Cards from a range of popular retailers across Australia and New Zealand. Depending on the retailer and the applicable terms and conditions, these can be used towards purchases that are already discounted. 

This means you could potentially save twice on the same purchase! 

Here's how it works: 

Imagine you've found a product you've been wanting to buy. The retailer has reduced its price for Black Friday, but you can also purchase a discounted eGift Card through Entertainment to use towards the transaction. 

Let's look at an example. 

An example of stacking your savings: 

Illustrative example only. Assumes a $160 eGift Card can be purchased for $152 and redeemed in full towards the Black Friday purchase. Actual eGift Card discounts, participating retailers and redemption conditions vary. 

Instead of saving just 20% through the retailer's Black Friday promotion, you've effectively increased your saving to 24%. 

It's a simple way to make your shopping budget stretch further without compromising on the products you want. 

How to do it: 

1. Browse the discounted eGift Cards available in the Entertainment App. 

2. Find a participating retailer where you plan to shop. 

3. Check the eGift Card value, discount and terms and conditions. 

4. Purchase your discounted eGift Card before completing your retailer transaction. 

5. Apply the gift card towards your eligible Black Friday purchase. 

A little extra planning can make a big difference to your overall savings. 

Just remember to check whether the retailer allows gift cards to be used alongside sale promotions, whether there are any product or transaction exclusions, and whether the gift card can be redeemed online or in-store. 

Here are just some of the eGift Card offers you can enjoy as an Entertainment Member: 

📱 Apple eGift Cards 

🎧 JB Hi-Fi eGift Cards 

💻 The Good Guys eGift Card 

🛍️ Nine West eGift Cards 

🚗 Autobarn eGift Cards 

4. Shop for Christmas Gifts While the Prices Are Down 

With Christmas just around the corner, Black Friday is a great opportunity to get your festive shopping underway. 

Rather than leaving everything until December, take advantage of November's promotions to tick a few gifts off your list while potentially saving along the way. 

Some ideas to get you started: 

• For the fashion lover: A new handbag, beautiful dress, shoes or accessories. 

• For the homebody: Luxury bedding, candles, homewares or a new coffee machine. 

• For the beauty enthusiast: Skincare sets, fragrances or a beauty gift pack. 

• For the tech lover: Wireless headphones, smart watches or the latest gadgets. 

• For the foodie: Restaurant gift cards, gourmet hampers or dining experiences. 

• For the experience seeker: Movie tickets, attraction passes, weekend getaways or an unforgettable experience. 

Don't forget to look at discounted eGift Cards for gift purchases, too. They can be a clever way to save on presents for family and friends, particularly when combined with eligible retailer promotions. 

5. Don't Forget the Experiences and Everyday Essentials 

Black Friday isn't just about electronics, fashion and big-ticket purchases. 

It's also a great opportunity to save on the things you enjoy doing throughout the year. 

From dining out and weekend adventures to family activities and everyday shopping, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the sales season beyond traditional retail. 

Consider looking for deals on: 

• Dining out: Restaurant gift cards and dining experiences for your next date night or family dinner. 

• Family activities: Theme parks, attractions, wildlife experiences and activities to keep the kids entertained. 

• Entertainment: Cinema tickets, bowling, escape rooms and other fun experiences. 

• Travel: Accommodation, car hire and experiences for your next holiday. 

• Everyday shopping: Gift cards for fashion, beauty, homewares and other popular retailers. 

It's worth remembering that some of the best savings aren't necessarily on things you buy once. They can be on the everyday experiences and purchases you enjoy all year round. 

With Entertainment, Members can access thousands of offers across Australia and New Zealand, helping make dining, shopping, travel and entertainment more affordable. 

Black Friday Shopping? Look Out for Boosted Offers with Entertainment! 

For a limited time, some of your favourite retailers will have specially boosted eGift Card offers available through the Entertainment App. 

From fashion and beauty to homewares, technology and experiences, there are even more opportunities to stack your savings this Black Friday. 

Keep your eye on the Entertainment App in the coming days to discover exclusive offers from the below retailers, and snap them up before they're gone! 

• Lorna Jane 

• Hello Fresh 

• Endota Spa 

• Amart Furniture 

• Uber 

• Redballoon 

• The Good Guys 

• JB Hi-Fi 

6. Read the Fine Print Before Checking Out 

Before you get too excited about a bargain, take a moment to check the terms and conditions. 

This is particularly important when combining a Black Friday promotion with a discounted eGift Card. 

Not every retailer allows gift cards to be used alongside other promotional offers, so it's important to understand the conditions before purchasing. 

Here are a few things to check: 

• Sale exclusions: Are certain brands, products or collections excluded from the promotion? 

• Gift card restrictions: Can the gift card be used on sale items? 

• Online versus in-store: Is the gift card redeemable online, in-store or both? 

• Minimum spend: Does the retailer require a minimum purchase amount? 

• Expiry dates: When does the gift card need to be used by? 

• Partial redemption: Can you use part of the balance and save the remainder for another purchase? 

• Returns and refunds: What happens if you return an item purchased using a gift card? 

A quick check before purchasing can help prevent disappointment and ensure you're getting the savings you expected. 

7. Don't Feel Pressured to Buy Everything on Black Friday 

With countdown timers, limited-time offers and constant sale notifications, Black Friday can create a real sense of urgency. 

But remember, not every deal is worth taking. 

If something isn't on your shopping list, doesn't fit your budget or isn't genuinely cheaper than its usual price, it's okay to let it go. 

Some retailers will extend their promotions through to Cyber Monday, while others may offer further discounts in the lead-up to Christmas. 

Our advice? Set a budget, stick to your priorities and focus on purchases that offer genuine value. 

The best Black Friday shopping experience is one where you come away with the things you actually wanted, without spending more than you planned. 

Make Your Black Friday Budget Go Further with Entertainment 

Black Friday is all about finding great deals, but smart shopping is about more than just chasing discounts. 

By planning your purchases, comparing prices and taking advantage of additional savings opportunities, you can make your money go further this November. 

And if you're looking for another way to maximise your savings, the Entertainment App is worth exploring. 

With more than 15,000 offers across Australia and New Zealand, Members can enjoy savings on dining, shopping, travel, entertainment and more. 

From discounted eGift Cards at popular retailers to offers on experiences and everyday activities, Entertainment helps you save on the things you love. 

Why pay full price when you could save a little more? 

Explore the Entertainment App today and discover how much you could save this Black Friday and beyond. 

Join Entertainment and start saving: Discover discounted eGift Cards and thousands of exclusive Member offers across Australia and New Zealand.