Everything you need to know about Black Friday 2025: dates, history, shopping tips, statistics, and where to find the best deals
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Black Friday is a major shopping event that takes place on the last Friday of November, marking the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season in the United Kingdom. While Black Friday originated in the United States as the day after Thanksgiving, it has become a global phenomenon, with many countries including the UK adopting the shopping tradition. The term "Black Friday" refers to retailers moving from "in the red" (losses) to "in the black" (profits) due to the high volume of sales.
According to Wikipedia, Black Friday has become a global phenomenon, with many countries adopting the shopping tradition. The name "Black Friday" also refers to retailers moving from "in the red" (losses) to "in the black" (profits) due to the high volume of sales.
Today, Black Friday has expanded beyond a single day, with many retailers starting their sales earlier in November and extending them through the weekend into Cyber Monday. The event has also moved significantly online, with e-commerce platforms offering competitive deals that rival traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Deals for the event are marketed globally, you can view great Cyber Monday deals here.
Black Friday has transformed dramatically in the UK over the past decade. What began as a relatively small shopping event has evolved into one of the biggest retail events of the year. Modern Black Friday sales often begin weeks in advance, with "early access" deals for members and subscribers. Online shopping has become increasingly important, with many consumers preferring to shop from home rather than face crowded stores. According to recent Office for National Statistics retail data, online sales continue to grow year on year.
Black Friday 2025 falls on November 29, 2025 - the last Friday of November. This date is consistent with the traditional pattern where Black Friday always occurs on the last Friday of November in the UK.
You can verify the exact date on timeanddate.com, which provides official holiday calendars. The shopping weekend typically includes:
Many retailers now start their Black Friday sales in early November, offering "early access" deals to email subscribers and loyalty programme members. This trend has accelerated in recent years, with some stores launching Black Friday prices as early as October. According to Citizens Advice, it's important to compare prices and verify that advertised "deals" are genuinely discounted.
While both Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer significant discounts, they have distinct characteristics and appeal to different shopping preferences.
Black Friday traditionally focuses on in-store shopping, though online deals are now equally important. It's known for doorbuster deals, limited-quantity items, and the excitement of in-person shopping. Categories like electronics, appliances, and home goods often see the biggest discounts.
Cyber Monday, as the name suggests, is primarily an online shopping event. According to Wikipedia's Cyber Monday article, it was created in 2005 to encourage online shopping. It typically features the best deals on electronics, software, and digital products. Many consumers prefer Cyber Monday for its convenience and the ability to shop from home.
Both events now overlap significantly, with many retailers offering similar deals throughout the entire weekend. The best strategy is to research deals in advance and be ready to shop when prices drop.
Black Friday continues to be one of the most significant shopping events in the United Kingdom. Based on recent data from the Office for National Statistics retail data and industry reports, here's what shoppers can expect in 2025:
Industry experts predict that Black Friday 2025 will continue the trend of earlier sales and increased online shopping. According to recent BBC Business news coverage, retailers are expected to offer more competitive deals to attract budget-conscious consumers. The Citizens Advice website recommends creating a budget and shopping list before Black Friday to avoid overspending.
Early indicators suggest that consumers are planning to spend more time researching deals online before making purchases, with price comparison tools and deal aggregators becoming increasingly popular.
Black Friday 2025 is expected to feature significant discounts across multiple product categories. Based on historical trends and early retailer announcements, here's what shoppers can expect:
Electronics typically see the biggest Black Friday discounts, with savings of 30-60% on popular items. Expect deals on:
Clothing retailers often offer 40-70% off during Black Friday, with many stores providing additional discounts on clearance items. Popular categories include winter coats, boots, and holiday party attire.
Home goods and kitchen appliances frequently see 30-50% discounts. Look for deals on cookware sets, small appliances, bedding, and home decor items.
Beauty products often feature buy-one-get-one offers and gift sets. Many retailers bundle popular items together at discounted prices.
For the most current deals and specific product recommendations, check our curated Black Friday deals page which is updated regularly with the best offers available.
Preparation is key to maximising your savings on Black Friday. Here are proven strategies to help you get the best deals:
Before Black Friday arrives, determine how much you can afford to spend and create a list of items you actually need. The Citizens Advice website emphasises the importance of sticking to a budget to avoid post-holiday financial stress. Research prices in advance so you can recognise genuine deals.
Many retailers offer early access deals and exclusive discounts to email subscribers. Sign up for newsletters from your favourite stores several weeks before Black Friday to receive advance notice of sales.
Take advantage of browser extensions and price comparison websites to ensure you're getting the best price. Some tools can also track price history to show you if a "sale" price is actually lower than recent prices.
Before making purchases, verify return and exchange policies. Some Black Friday deals may have different return terms than regular purchases. The Citizens Advice recommends understanding return policies before buying.
Many of the best deals are available online and may sell out quickly. Consider shopping online to avoid crowds and take advantage of early access deals. Mobile shopping has become increasingly popular, with many consumers making purchases directly from their smartphones.
Beyond basic preparation, these advanced tips can help you save even more money and avoid common Black Friday pitfalls:
According to consumer protection experts, common Black Friday mistakes include:
The Citizens Advice recommends being cautious of deals that seem too good to be true and verifying retailer legitimacy before making purchases.
As Black Friday 2025 approaches, several trends and news stories are shaping the shopping landscape:
Economic conditions play a significant role in Black Friday shopping behaviour. According to recent BBC Business news coverage, consumer spending patterns are being closely watched by economists and retailers alike. Factors such as inflation, employment rates, and consumer confidence all influence how much shoppers are willing to spend.
The retail industry continues to evolve, with many traditional stores expanding their online presence. Recent Guardian business reports indicate that retailers are investing heavily in e-commerce infrastructure to compete effectively during Black Friday. The integration of online and in-store shopping experiences has become a key focus for major retailers.
The Citizens Advice continues to monitor Black Friday advertising and pricing practices to protect consumers from deceptive marketing. Recent enforcement actions have targeted retailers who advertise false discounts or use misleading pricing strategies.
Environmental concerns are increasingly influencing Black Friday shopping. Some consumers are choosing to participate in "Buy Nothing Day" or focus on sustainable and ethical purchases. This trend reflects growing awareness of the environmental impact of consumerism, as reported by various BBC Business news articles.
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