There’ll be an argument in my house this sales weekend; there always is. You see there’s a Christmas present budget set each year but there’s also the task of selecting and buying said gifts for family and friends. The budget is the charge of my far-more financially sound other half while the latter – deciding what scarf would suit my mother-in-law and knowing our nephew’s latest cartoon craze – is the job that falls to me. At some point during the Black Friday weekend when I can’t find princess pyjamas on discount in my niece’s size, I’ll declare the budget too restrictive in pursuit of an easier life. Cue the inevitable argument.

Yes, Black Friday weekend is upon us, the latest consumer craze to travel across the Atlantic Ocean, following pals such as Valentine’s Day and Halloween – ancient holidays that turned into a money-making exercise.

Over the last decade, Irish consumers have embraced the sales weekend with gusto, but perhaps we’re getting a bit weary of the commercialism. Overall spending this weekend is estimated to be around €422m, down by €36m from last year.

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Research by PwC found that the average Irish consumer plans to spend about €283 this weekend, which is €46 less than last year, where it sat at €329. So, why the cut back? Here’s where we really see the cost-of-living crisis come into play. It is undoubtedly having an impact as people set aside more money for the Christmas shopping trolley and essential bills such as heating to keep the family warm this winter.

Over the last decade, Irish consumers have embraced the sales weekend with gusto, but perhaps we’re getting a bit weary of the commercialism

Interestingly though, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) carried out research which suggests that it’s not just the cost-of-living crisis impacting spend. It seems the festive shine is coming off the Black Friday bargains, as detailed by Irish Country Living deputy editor, Deirdre Verney on page 28. In short, many consumers have become sceptical of all the deals thrown their way to tempt them to part with their cash. Of the 1,034 people surveyed by the CCPC, 63% simply don’t trust that the discounts being offered are legitimate. And one in five consumers who said they were unlikely to make a purchase cited mistrust in the deals.

As Deirdre outlines, although consumer law has strengthened when it comes to sales items – now the discounted price must be based on the lowest price the product was on sale for in the previous 30 days – there are, however, loopholes that retailers are availing of. This is where the price is artificially raised for a period of time, to allow for the announcement of a so-called reduction during this busy shopping weekend. The price doesn’t always represent value for money – hence, the growing consumerism cynicism. And look, there’s an argument that this scepticism is needed, not just because of the aforementioned ‘fake sales’ but because we’ve been too swept up in the mad consumerism of it all.

So, go calmly into this sales weekend. It’s not to say there aren’t bargains to be had – and the real savings come about when you get an item you were planning on buying anyway, at a reduced price.

Make your list, check it twice, try and stick to budget – and yes, I’ll try listen to my own advice. And where possible, support Irish makers, producers and retailers – whether that’s online or in your local town.