Cyprus Consumers Association warns of risks ahead of Black Friday

Ahead of Black Friday, scheduled for November 27, 2026, the Cyprus Consumers Association has issued a warning to the public regarding potential consumer traps and fraudulent online activities. While the event typically lasts one or two days in the United States, local businesses in Cyprus have been aggressively promoting offers well in advance, with some campaigns beginning as early as the start of October.

Virginia Christou, a legal officer for the Association, highlighted that these premature and extended sales periods often conceal risks for shoppers. She emphasized that because Cyprus does not have legally established sales periods, retailers are technically permitted to lower prices at any time of the year. The Association is urging citizens to exercise extreme caution when navigating online deals and advertisements to avoid falling victim to fraud or deceptive marketing practices.

This warning follows observations from previous years, where some retailers opted not to provide significant discounts during the actual Black Friday period. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and critical of early promotions that use the Black Friday branding to drive long-term sales, as the intensity of advertising campaigns continues to escalate throughout the island.