Each year, shoppers across the UK prepare for one of the most anticipated retail events — Black Friday. Known for dramatic discounts and bustling high streets, it has become a staple in the British shopping calendar. But when is Black Friday in 2025, and how did it become such a massive deal in the UK?
Let’s take a closer look at its origins, significance, and what Brits can expect this year.
When Is Black Friday 2025 in the UK?
In 2025, Black Friday falls on 28 November. The date always lands on the Friday following the American Thanksgiving, which occurs on the fourth Thursday of November each year.
This means Black Friday doesn’t have a fixed date but shifts annually between 23 and 29 November. Many UK retailers start early promotions in the weeks leading up to the big day, turning November into an extended shopping season.
How Black Friday Came to the UK
While Black Friday originated in the United States, its influence spread rapidly across the Atlantic. The trend gained momentum in the UK around 2010, largely thanks to American retailers such as Amazon and Asda (owned by Walmart at the time).
By 2014, scenes of chaotic in-store rushes and long queues made headlines across British media, cementing Black Friday’s arrival. The event has since evolved into a primarily online-focused shopping festival, reflecting the UK’s growing preference for digital retail.
According to ONS data, over 80% of UK shoppers now prefer to browse and buy online during Black Friday weekend, compared to only 35% a decade ago.
The Rise of Online Shopping and Cyber Monday
As internet shopping became the norm, Cyber Monday — the Monday after Black Friday — also gained popularity. Initially created to encourage online sales, it now merges seamlessly with Black Friday promotions, blurring the line between the two events.
Major UK retailers such as John Lewis, Currys, Argos, and Tesco now run offers from mid-November through to early December, making it a multi-week sales extravaganza.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported that in 2024, UK consumers spent over £9.2 billion during Black Friday week, with online purchases accounting for more than two-thirds of that total.
Why Black Friday Matters in the UK
For many UK households, Black Friday signals the start of the Christmas shopping season. Shoppers use it to secure early bargains on electronics, clothing, toys, and homeware before festive prices rise again in December.
Retail experts note that Black Friday now shapes the entire fourth quarter for retailers. In an interview with The Guardian, retail analyst Richard Lim explained that the event is “no longer just a single day — it’s a key strategy for brands to boost year-end performance and manage stock levels ahead of Christmas.”
What to Expect from Black Friday 2025
As consumer spending habits evolve, Black Friday 2025 is set to focus on personalised deals, sustainability, and extended offers. Retailers are increasingly targeting online shoppers with tailored discounts based on browsing history or loyalty membership.
In-store events, while smaller than before, are expected to make a comeback. Major shopping centres in Manchester, Leeds, and London plan extended opening hours to attract local shoppers.
The Met Office recently hinted that November 2025 could bring chilly but dry weather, which may encourage more people to hit the high street rather than shop from home.
For more updates on weather forecasts during Black Friday week, you can check The Met Office for the latest official reports.
Tips for Shoppers: How to Get the Best Black Friday Deals
UK consumers have become more strategic about how they approach sales. Experts recommend setting budgets early and comparing prices before Black Friday begins.
Consumer groups like Which? have long warned that not all deals are as generous as they appear. A 2024 Which? report found that around 85% of Black Friday discounts were available at the same or lower prices earlier in the year.
Therefore, checking price history using tools such as PriceSpy or CamelCamelCamel can help shoppers verify if a deal is genuine.
Financial expert Martin Lewis also advises consumers to avoid impulse purchases, saying, “If you wouldn’t buy it at full price, you probably don’t need it at half price.”
How Black Friday Affects UK Businesses
For British retailers, Black Friday is both an opportunity and a challenge. The event can boost sales dramatically but also pressures supply chains, staffing, and logistics.
According to Barclaycard Payments, which processes nearly half of the UK’s credit and debit transactions, spending during Black Friday 2024 rose by 4.6% year-on-year, despite inflation and cost-of-living concerns.
However, small businesses sometimes struggle to compete with retail giants. Some independent stores opt out altogether, promoting “Green Friday” instead — a movement encouraging conscious spending and support for local shops.
The Cost-of-Living Factor
With inflation and rising bills still weighing on UK households, Black Friday 2025 may look a little different. Research by Kantar suggests that 63% of UK consumers plan to shop during the sales, but most are focusing on essential items rather than luxury goods.
Retailers have responded by offering bigger discounts on household electronics, groceries, and winter clothing.
This shift mirrors broader consumer sentiment in the UK, where shoppers remain cautious but still eager for good value.
Safety and Scams: What to Watch Out For
As Black Friday deals move online, so do scams. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has warned consumers to be extra careful of phishing emails, fake websites, and counterfeit goods.
They advise shoppers to stick to trusted retailers, use secure payment methods, and ensure sites begin with “https://”.
It’s also wise to monitor bank statements regularly for suspicious activity.
Cyber safety remains a crucial topic in today’s digital world, especially with increasing reports of online fraud and identity theft — issues that have made headlines similar to those involving Nikolas Cruz and Trump’s mugshot case, both examples of how digital exposure can influence global narratives.
Cultural Shifts: Beyond the Shopping Frenzy
While Black Friday started as a retail event, it has become a cultural phenomenon in the UK. Social media plays a massive role in shaping shopping trends, with influencers on TikTok and Instagram showcasing their best bargains and “haul” videos.
Younger audiences, particularly Gen Z shoppers, are increasingly motivated by sustainability and ethics.
A survey by Retail Economics found that 47% of under-30s in the UK prefer brands that demonstrate environmental responsibility, even during discount events.
This shift reflects a broader awareness of consumer impact — something that resonates beyond retail, much like the changing public sentiment seen in high-profile UK stories such as Matt Hancock’s affair or Muscat’s political developments, which highlight how public perception can shape long-term outcomes.
Black Friday vs Boxing Day Sales
Before Black Friday took hold, Boxing Day was the UK’s biggest shopping event. However, the American import has now overshadowed it. Retail analysts say Boxing Day still attracts bargain hunters, but online pre-Christmas sales have reduced its dominance.
In 2024, Visa reported that Black Friday spending in the UK surpassed Boxing Day totals by nearly £2.1 billion. The shift shows that shoppers now prefer securing their Christmas gifts earlier.
The Environmental Impact
The growing popularity of Black Friday has raised concerns about overconsumption and waste. Environmental campaigners point out that the rush for cheap goods often leads to returns, packaging waste, and unsustainable shipping.
In response, more retailers are promoting eco-friendly deals or extending warranties to reduce product waste.
Some companies, like Patagonia and Lush, even close stores on Black Friday to raise awareness about sustainable consumption.
What Retailers Are Saying
Retail insiders predict a record-breaking season in 2025. Helen Dickinson, CEO of the British Retail Consortium, noted that “Black Friday has become a barometer for consumer confidence in the UK. We expect steady spending, driven by practical purchases rather than extravagance.”
Her comments reflect the broader trend: cautious optimism mixed with a pragmatic approach to spending.
FAQs About Black Friday in the UK
1. What date is Black Friday 2025 in the UK?
Black Friday 2025 falls on Friday, 28 November. It is the day after the American Thanksgiving holiday.
2. When do Black Friday deals start in the UK?
Most retailers begin offering discounts a week or two before the official date, with some launching early deals in mid-November.
3. Are Black Friday deals better than Boxing Day sales?
In recent years, Black Friday has offered deeper discounts, especially on electronics and tech products.
4. How long do Black Friday sales last?
Many stores extend their promotions through the weekend, ending on Cyber Monday, while others continue for the rest of November.
5. Is it safe to shop online on Black Friday?
Yes, if you use trusted websites, secure payment methods, and avoid suspicious links or pop-up ads.
Final Thoughts
Black Friday has become an unmissable event in the UK retail landscape. While its roots are American, the tradition has found a firm home in British culture — blending excitement, strategy, and value-driven shopping.
As the 2025 edition approaches, UK consumers are set to balance budget-friendly shopping with ethical and sustainable choices. Whether browsing online or queuing in the cold, one thing is certain — Black Friday remains the ultimate test of the UK’s retail resilience.