The ninth edition of “El Buen Fin” takes place across the nation Friday, November 15 to Monday, November 18 (the day the national holiday marking the Mexican Revolution will be observed).
First implemented with backing from the federal government in 2010, Buen Fin sees thousands of businesses and services offer discounts of between 10 to 50 percent in a nationwide sale that mirrors the Black Friday weekend in the United States.
According to Mexico’s National Information Institute (Inegi), 30 percent of the total sales during last year’s Buen Fin weekend – estimated at U$6.1 billion – went on automobiles, and 20 percent on cell phones, computers, televisions, household items and furniture. More than 60,000 businesses signed up to offer Buen Fin discounts in last year’s edition.
The Guadalajara Chamber of Commerce reports that clothes and footwear account for just over half of all purchases in the Guadalajara metropolitan area. More than 11,000 businesses and services will be participating in the state of Jalisco.
Xavier Orendain De Obeso, president of the Guadalajara Chamber of Commerce, said he expects sales over the four days to increase by about five percent compared with last year.
Research indicates that the majority of retailers will be offering direct discounts to consumers, while others will tempt shoppers with two-for-one promotions, coupons to be used with other purchases, “money back” promotions and gifts.
Retailers throughout the Guadalajara metropolitan area, and even at lakeside, will be offering significant discounts during the four-day sale, many with interest-free payback terms on credit cards.
Those looking for travel discounts should check out the websites of Mexican airlines, such as Aeromexico, Volaris, Interjet and VivaAerobus.
The Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) will again set up booths in major malls to hear complaints of abuses from the public. They also warn that criminals take advantage of Buen Fin, with reports of card cloning having spiked throughout the weekends.
For more information, see elbuenfin.org.