What Is Black Friday: Meaning, Dates & How to Shop Smarter

Black Friday is now one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Millions of people look forward to it because the discounts can be huge. You'll see deals on expensive electronics, but also on everyday things you might already need. For many shoppers, it's a handy way to save money before the holiday season really kicks off.

Still, Black Friday isn't only about rushing to buy stuff. It has an interesting history, and the way deals roll out each year follows a pretty clear pattern. In this post, we'll walk through what Black Friday is, how it started, what kinds of discounts to expect, and a few smart ways to shop without wasting money. Get ready to shop smarter and save bigger!

What Is Black Friday?

Black Friday is a major shopping day that follows Thanksgiving in the US. Retailers slash prices on a wide range of products. This creates a buzz for holiday shopping. In the UK, it's grown popular over the years. Shops offer deals both in-store and online. People hunt for bargains on everything from tech to clothes.

The event signals the start of festive buying. Many use it to grab Christmas gifts early. Prices can drop by up to 50% or more in some cases. It's not just one day anymore. Deals often stretch over weeks. This gives everyone a chance to join in.

Black Friday is exciting, but it can also get crowded fast. Shopping online is a simple way to skip the queues and still catch the same bargains. In the UK, big retailers like Amazon, Currys, and John Lewis all join in, so there are plenty of places to look. Expect quick flash sales and items that sell out in minutes. Planning ahead really helps, because the best deals usually go to people who are ready early.

History of Black Friday

Black Friday has an interesting past. The term first appeared in 1869. It referred to a gold market crash in the US. Two financiers tried to control the gold supply. Their plan failed, leading to financial panic.

Fast forward to the 1960s. Police in Philadelphia used "Black Friday" for a different reason. The day after Thanksgiving brought chaos. Crowds flooded the city for shopping and events. Traffic jams, accidents, and shoplifting were common. Officers dreaded the long shifts.

Merchants tried to rebrand it as "Big Friday." But the name stuck. By the 1980s, retailers flipped the meaning. They linked it to profits. Stores moved from red ink (losses) to black ink (gains). This came from the surge in sales.

In the UK, Black Friday arrived later. It gained traction in the 2010s. American companies like Amazon brought the tradition over. Now, it's a key event for British shoppers. The deals keep drawing people in.

What Day Is Black Friday? And How Long Does It Last?

It's always the Friday after US Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday in November. So, Black Friday shifts each year.

What date is Black Friday in 2025? It lands on 28 November. Mark your calendar for that Friday. In the UK, the date matches the US one. No difference there.

But how long does it last? Officially, it's one day. Yet, sales often start early. Some retailers launch deals in mid-November. Others extend them into December. Cyber Monday follows on the next Monday. That's 1 December in 2025. It focuses on online tech deals.

The whole period is sometimes called Black Friday Week. Early bird offers appear around 21 November. This builds hype. By the main day, stocks can run low. Plan to shop sooner if possible.

What Kinds of Deals Can You Expect?

Black Friday brings a variety of discounts. Expect savings on electronics, fashion, home goods, and more. In the UK, deals can reach 70% off in some categories. Here's what you can expect in 2025.

1. Electronics and tech

Electronics top the list. TVs, laptops, and gadgets see big cuts. For charging needs, check out reliable options like chargers from Anker. They offer fast and efficient power solutions for your devices.

The Anker Prime Charger (250W) is a standout buy. Four USB-C and two USB-A ports cover everything, while USB-C1 hits 140W to get a 16-inch MacBook Pro to 50% in about 25 minutes.

On Anker's Black Friday deal page, power banks are worth a look too. One strong pick is the Anker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W), with £50 off. You get a huge 26,250mAh capacity that's still TSA-safe for flights, plus a 300W total output. The two USB-C ports can each reach 140W for laptops, and 250W fast recharging gets it topped up quickly for travel.

2. Home appliances and smart home

UK retailers push big-ticket home upgrades hard:

• Vacuum cleaners, coffee machines, air fryers, and kitchen gadgets
• Smart home gear like routers, security cams, and speakers

These often hit record-low prices, especially on last-gen models.

3. Fashion and footwear

You'll see wide discounts across:

• High-street brands and department stores (trainers, coats, denim, basics)
• Bigger % off on seasonal items and outlet lines.

4. Beauty and grooming

A huge Black Friday pillar in the UK:

• Skincare devices, hair tools, electric toothbrushes, IPL hair removal
• Gift sets and bundles from major retailers are everywhere.

5. Toys and gifts

Retailers like Argos and Amazon go heavy on:

LEGO, board games, kids' electronics, and top Christmas toys

Here's a quick snapshot of the main Black Friday categories and the savings you'll usually see:

Smart Tips to Shop on Black Friday

Shopping on Black Friday can be exciting, but it requires some planning. Here are key tips to make the most of the deals:

• Set a Budget: Decide how much you're willing to spend and stick to it to avoid overspending.
• Make a Wish List: List the items you want and research their usual prices. Tools like price trackers can help you identify genuine deals.
• Sign Up for Newsletters: Retailers often send early alerts or exclusive discount codes. In the UK, websites like HotUKDeals provide community tips on the best offers.
• Shop Online to Avoid Crowds: Many deals start at midnight. Use secure payment methods and ensure websites are HTTPS-protected.
• Watch Out for Scams: Fake websites may mimic legitimate ones. Check URLs carefully and use credit cards for extra protection.
• Time Your Purchases: Early deals can sell out quickly, but some may improve closer to the main event.
• Understand Return Policies: Know the store's return rules. UK law allows 14 days for online purchases.
• Compare Prices Across Stores: Prices can swing a lot between stores, so it pays to check a couple of places before you buy. For example, on Anker's Black Friday page, the Anker Prime Docking Station is £100 off and often cheaper than elsewhere. You're getting a 14-port hub that charges a laptop up to 140W, runs three screens (one in 8K), and stays cool with a smart display and fan.

Conclusion

Now you know what is day Black Friday. It's a huge shopping day with a lot of strong deals. What started as a busy, messy rush has turned into weeks of sales both online and in stores, giving you more chances to save. In 2025, it falls on 28 November. Keep the tips in mind, plan your buys, and you'll get better bargains with less stress.

FAQs

What is Black Friday celebrated for?

Black Friday is known for big price drops that start the holiday shopping season. Stores use it to clear stock and boost sales, so you often see strong deals on tech, home items, and gifts. Many UK retailers run sales for a full weekend, not just one day.

Why do they call this Black Friday?

The name started in Philadelphia in the 1960s. Police used "Black Friday" to describe the heavy traffic and crowds after Thanksgiving. In the 1980s, retailers pushed a new meaning: they moved "into the black," or into profit, after months of losses.

What exactly happens on Black Friday?

Retailers cut prices on selected items, sometimes in limited numbers. Some deals last only hours, so popular products can sell out quickly. Shopping happens both online and in stores, and many brands launch "Black Friday week" sales that continue through Cyber Monday.

What date is Black Friday 2025 in the UK?

Black Friday in the UK follows the US timing, so it lands on the Friday after US Thanksgiving. In 2025, that date is 28 November. Most UK brands start deals earlier in November and keep them running through the weekend.