It’s almost that time of year again when you look out for the best possible deals at all of your most-loved brands. Whether you’re looking to save on Christmas presents or you’ve been waiting all year to make a big purchase for less, the Black Friday sales are a good place to start.
Sometimes it can be difficult to know if you’re actually saving – retailers can use sneaky marketing tricks to convince you to cash in at this time of year.
That’s why we’ve made this ultimate guide, covering everything you need to know when shopping the Black Friday sales.
When is Black Friday 2025?
This year, Black Friday takes place on Friday, 28th November. This is when you can expect most brands to launch their Black Friday offers and promotions.
It's worth noting that many retailers start their Black Friday sales in the week leading up to Black Friday, so keep an eye on your most-loved brands throughout November to avoid missing out.
What time does Black Friday start?
As mentioned above, you can expect Black Friday to begin on the day of Friday, 28th November, though some brands have been known to start before this day.
You’ll be able to shop the Black Friday sales at any time of day, and you’ll be surprised to know that the most popular time to shop Black Friday isn’t as early as you think.
Black Friday VS. January Sales
As a money-savvy shopper, you might be wondering what the difference is between the Black Friday sales and January sales, and which is more worth your time (and money).
Shopping the Black Friday sales, you can expect impressive discounts on popular items and products – including electronics & tech, toys, and luxury items too.
Brands typically advertise Black Friday sales across multiple platforms like email newsletters and social media countdowns. As a result, Black Friday sales tend to be more hyped by retailers, meaning items tend to sell faster.
January sales, on the other hand, typically offer discounts (potentially not as large a discount as Black Friday) on items that have not been sold over the festive period, like clothing, homeware and lifestyle products. In the past, we’ve seen a lot of January sales centre around the new year, new me resolutions.
How to check if a deal is genuine?
While Black Friday offers some of the best discounts on the market, it’s important to know how to avoid wasting money. From checking prices and considering hidden costs, in our article, we cover all the best tips so you can avoid wasting money over Black Friday.
Unfortunately, Black Friday has also been known to be prime time for scammers. But worry not, we have an entire guide dedicated to tips to help you avoid being scammed on Black Friday.
A good, general rule of thumb is that if a deal looks too good to be true, avoid it.
Tips for smart shopping
Make sure you’re in the know when it comes to shopping the Black Friday sales this year.
Knowledge is power. Find out which products see the biggest deals on Black Friday and why. Set budgets and stick to your wishlist. Avoid getting sucked into the marketing campaigns that want you to spend, spend, spend. Check that deals are genuine so you can purchase with confidence.
How to prepare for Cyber Monday
Cyber Monday takes place on Monday, 1st December this year, and is another fantastic way to save money on your purchases. To prepare, we advise you to use the same tips as for Black Friday.
Set a budget, keep an eye on prices around and before Cyber Monday, and avoid deals that seem like a scam.
It’s worth noting that sometimes Cyber Monday deals are actually better than Black Friday, especially when it comes to tech and electronics. That’s why it’s worth comparing the cost across both sales periods.
Black Friday Christmas Gifts
Black Friday sales can be ideal for purchasing Christmas gifts without spending a fortune. With Christmas just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get organised.
The perks of purchasing during the Black Friday sales mean you’ll likely get your order sooner, so no more sweating a last-minute delivery close to the big day.
Set yourself up for a no-stress Black Friday Christmas shopping experience. Like with shopping in general, it’s good to make a list so you can avoid excess spending. Do your homework and check prices in the run-up to Black Friday to see if you’re actually saving money.
Something worth noting is that popular items can sell out fast over Black Friday. Be aware that scammers can make fake websites to trick you. Only purchase items from retailers you trust.
Is Black Friday really worth it?
Black Friday is known for its time-limited offers and promotions. But, sometimes it’s tricky to know what the real deal is with Black Friday shopping, and whether it’s really all that worth it.
In short, the answer is yes, Black Friday can be worth it if you follow our handy advice.
Don’t let all of the hype take advantage of your wallet. Black Friday is a great opportunity to make a killer saving, as long as you’re strategic. Avoid making impulse purchases, keep an eye on price increases and decreases, and if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
