A recent TikTok video flagged potential misleading 'holiday pricing' at Home Depot, where Black Friday prices matched the original tags, sparking an online debate about the value of Black Friday deals.
According to Mail Online, the clip has led viewers to scrutinize the validity of holiday discounts advertised by retailers.
The video, uploaded by a user known as @moeburqa, quickly became viral, amassing over 1.2 million views. It features the user peeling off Home Depot's 'holiday prices' signs to reveal identical prices underneath, taped on the store's shelves.
One striking example in the viral video showed a 10-piece screwdriver set. The set had a price tag of $19.97, both before and during the holiday sale period, despite the red "sale" banner advertising it. This revelation led many viewers to question the authenticity of what is traditionally considered a shopping bonanza for unbeatable deals.
Commenters reacted negatively, with one user pointing out, "Even before inflation, I've been to a few Black Friday shopping [events] and the first thing I noticed is nothing is on sale, the prices look the same.” Others echoed this sentiment across the platform, expressing disbelief and frustration at the practice.
Some users even questioned the legality of the marketing practice Home Depot deployed. "How is it not false advertising?" asked one bewildered viewer, reflecting a common concern among those who felt deceived. The controversy highlighted previous accusations against retailers who allegedly inflated prices before slashing them during sales events.
Despite these issues, Black Friday remains a significant event, with U.S. consumers spending approximately $11 billion this year, marking an over 10 percent increase from the prior year.
The high volume of online sales has contributed to the continued success of Black Friday, where price comparison is more straightforward. This year, makeup, Bluetooth speakers, and espresso machines topped the sales charts, showing diverse consumer interests and willingness to spend.
Michelle Meyer, chief economist at Mastercard Economics Institute, commented on the changing trends, noting, "We had this big concentration of spending, which occurred online, given that’s where consumers have the greatest amount of power and choice." This shift has empowered customers to find genuine offers by comparing prices across different platforms.
In response to discussions about misleading pricing, another user recounted finding better rates before the high season, stating, "I found better deals a month before Black Friday."
Despite the mixed feelings Black Friday arouses, the growing sales figures and vibrant online discussions show that the event remains a staple in the American shopping calendar. However, the dialogue initiated by the TikTok video underscores a growing consumer demand for transparency and fairness in pricing, signaling that retailers might need to reconsider their strategies to maintain trust and loyalty among their customers.
