As Black Friday approaches, Australians are embracing diverse opportunities to save, from entertainment deals to practical cost-cutting measures. While HOYTS entices moviegoers with discounted gift cards, a surprising focus on electricity savings highlights shifting consumer priorities. Meanwhile, cybersecurity experts warn shoppers to stay vigilant against the surge of holiday scams, emphasizing the importance of safety amidst the seasonal shopping frenzy.
HOYTS Offers Holiday Magic
HOYTS is gearing up for the festive season with a special Black Friday offer, giving movie enthusiasts the chance to score discounted gift cards for their loved ones.
From November 27 to December 2, HOYTS gift cards will be available at 15 per cent off both in cinemas and online through the HOYTS Gift Shop across Australia and New Zealand.
With blockbuster films set to hit the big screen this summer, HOYTS Director of Sales, Marketing, and Content Stephanie Mills highlighted the versatility of the gift cards as an ideal present.
Audiences can use the cards for movie tickets, snacks, beverages, or exclusive merchandise. Mills emphasized that the holiday season’s lineup of films offers something for everyone, making HOYTS Gift Cards a perfect choice for all ages and tastes.
The summer schedule features highly anticipated releases like Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King on December 19, which explores the origins of Simba’s father, Mufasa. Boxing Day will see the premieres of Better Man, a biographical take on pop icon Robbie Williams, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3, continuing the adventures of Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails against a formidable new foe, Shadow.
For those seeking an elevated experience, HOYTS LUX offers premium in-cinema dining and drinks. Moviegoers can also try D-BOX motion recliners for an immersive viewing experience. Remaining funds on the gift cards can be used for treats at the candy bar, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, or Artie’s Bar & Café.
Gift cards can be purchased physically at HOYTS cinemas or online in both physical and digital formats. Full terms and conditions are available on the HOYTS Gift Shop website.
Aussies Seek Savings
Black Friday in Australia has traditionally been dominated by retail giants like JB Hi-Fi, Amazon, and The Good Guys, with search volumes exceeding 20,000 for these popular brands.
However, this year, a surprising contender has emerged among the tech and shopping frenzy: electricity deals.
While gadgets like AirPods and Lego F1 sets remain popular, “Origin Energy” has quietly entered the search trends with over 200 searches.
Though modest compared to retail giants, this uptick signals a growing shift in consumer priorities as Australians look beyond shopping sprees to address rising utility costs.
The rising cost of living may be driving this trend, with Australians seeking ways to lighten their financial load before the holidays.
Black Friday’s spirit of discounts is prompting many to explore offers from Origin Energy, aiming to secure better electricity rates for the coming year.
“Black Friday is no longer just about splurging on the latest gadgets or luxury items,” says Adrian Falk, founder of Believe Advertising & PR.
“This trend shows that Australians are becoming more intentional with their spending, using this sales period to make smarter, more practical financial decisions—like securing better electricity deals. A reflection of the times.”
While tech gadgets dominate the headlines, the emergence of electricity providers in trending searches highlights a shift toward financial practicality.
For some Australians, Black Friday is less about indulgence and more about securing essential savings.
Aussies Warned of Holiday Scams
Norton warns Australians to stay vigilant as Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, with nearly half planning their holiday shopping online. The rush for deals has led to risky behaviors, with 62% easily swayed by discounts and 1 in 16 willing to shop on questionable websites.
Rising scams include phishing, malvertising (up 53%), and adware (up 227%) during the holiday season. Many shoppers share personal data like emails (91%) or phone numbers (40%) to unlock deals, while 30% shop via social media ads, increasing their exposure to scams.
Mark Gorrie of Norton urges Australians to prioritize online safety and offers tips like avoiding fake stores, securing payment options, and using scam detection tools like Norton Genie.
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