Some stores began their promotions early in the month, others have been preparing to receive hundreds of shoppers tomorrow, Friday, November 25th in the famous “Black Friday”.

Although this is a U.S. tradition, it started gaining traction in Costa Rica and other countries in the world several years ago, as an alternative for stores to get rid of inventory and make space for December’s collections, and for shoppers to take advantage of very good prices. Every year more and more shops and commercial services take part of this tradition, and many Costa Rican’s start their Black Friday very early to find gifts and different articles with unbelievable discounts, many actually take the day off from work to ensure they can get to the stores in time to find the desired item.

According to the Commerce Chamber of Costa Rica this year there will be a 5% increase with respect to last year’s sales, but Ticos will spend in average close to $400.00 USD, about $50.00 USD less than in 2015. Is estimated that 75% of businesses (around 15,000 shops) will have some sort of discount or promotion during this day. Other businesses extend their promotions and offer what they call a “Black Weekend”.

Where to shop for Black Friday deals in Costa Rica?

This depends obviously on what you are looking for, if you are interested in buying your Christmas gifts ahead of time you are better off heading to a shopping mall where you have a wide variety of stores where you are sure to find options for the different kinds of gifts you need.

Malls:

Multiplaza Escazu and Curridabat: have over 500 stores (in each location) offering discounts, some up to 70% off. They have an extended schedule from 8a.m.- 12m.n. and in addition all your purchases adding up to 25,000 colones or more can be activated in the information center to participate in a raffle to win different prices: (a car, a trip to New York and/or Mastercards with $500.00)

City Mall Alajuela: Most of the stores in this new mall are offering discounts, including Labin laboratory clinic, the movie theaters and Depelle esthetic center.

Stores:

Cemaco (home articles and appliances) and Jugueton (Toys) will have different discounts all day in the whole store.

Universal stores: Has offered discounts all through the week and will have special discounts during Black Friday.
Toys stores: Will have discounts of up to 65%

Yamuni Stores: Has a 25% discount in the whole store, and customers with a Yamuni card will earn points applicable to their next purchase.
Online Shopping: If you want to avoid the crowds and traffic jams, opt for online shopping.

Pricesmart: They have been advertising their “Smart Friday” promotions but have not provided additional details on the discounts available, only information given so far is that it won’t apply to toys.

Walmart: This store suspended their Black Friday promotions due to Hurricane Otto emergency. They will celebrate their “Black Weekend” instead December 2nd, 3rd, 4th.

All stores in the red alert zones (Guanacaste, Caribbean, South Pacific including the Golfito duty free) transferred their Black Friday promos to Friday, December 2nd.

Tips for your Black Friday shopping in Costa Rica:

1) Plan your budget, and stick to it, this is the most important aspect to consider.
2) If you are using your credit card to shop, establish a limit, and make it an amount you can pay promptly, otherwise you’ll get charged interests and end up paying more instead of saving money.
3) Make the list of the items you need/want to get, and if possible the normal price listed for that item prior to Black Friday promotions to make sure you are getting a good deal.
4) Plan your schedule and route, try to go early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic or take advantage of the extended schedule offered by some stores and shop late at night.
5) Be safe, don’t carry too many things with you, keep your money and card in a safe place. Remember that in crowded stores you could be a victim of robbery.
6) Do not take small kids shopping with you.
7) Make sure that the price in the tag is the final price.
8) Ask for your invoice and warranty.
9) Facebook is a great source of information; every shop has their page and usually post information on their promotions.
10) Read the small letters and “restrictions apply” information in the advertising to avoid confusion.