Every November, shoppers rush online and into stores to grab huge Black Friday deals. But have you ever wondered: why is it called Black Friday? And how did this day grow into one of the biggest shopping events in the UK?
In this guide, we explore the history and meaning of Black Friday, how the tradition spread worldwide, and why it became such a major event. We also share useful tips to help you plan ahead, find genuine deals, and shop smart during the 2025 Black Friday sales. Read on!
What Does “Black Friday” Mean?
Black Friday is known for big discounts, crowded stores, and endless online deals. It happens on the Friday after Thanksgiving in the US and kicks off the holiday shopping season. Many people use the day to grab early Christmas gifts or big-ticket items at lower prices.
The name comes from business terms. When a shop is “in the black,” it’s making money. When it’s “in the red,” it’s losing money. After Thanksgiving, stores often make so many sales that they move from red to black. That’s how the day got its name.
Now, Black Friday isn’t just an American event. It’s become a global shopping day, and in the UK, it’s one of the best times of the year to find great deals.
The Origin of Black Friday
The name “Black Friday” first appeared in 1869. Two Wall Street investors, Jay Gould and Jim Fisk, tried to drive up gold prices for profit. The government stepped in, gold prices fell fast, and the stock market crashed. Many lost everything, and the day became known as “Black Friday.”
In the 1950s, police in Philadelphia used the same term for something completely different. After Thanksgiving, big crowds filled the city for early Christmas shopping and a football game between the Army and Navy. The streets were jammed, and police worked long hours trying to keep order. They started calling that hectic day “Black Friday.”
By the 1980s, stores gave the phrase a new spin. They said it was the day when shops moved from “in the red,” meaning losing money, to “in the black,” meaning making a profit. The new story made the day sound positive, and it spread fast around the world.
When Did Black Friday Start in the UK?
Black Friday came to the UK in 2010 when Amazon added it to its UK site. It became really popular in 2013 after ASDA launched big in-store sales. People rushed in for cheap deals, and shops were packed with shoppers.
In the early years, people lined up before sunrise. When the doors opened, crowds ran in to grab discounted TVs and gadgets. Big stores like Tesco, John Lewis, and Curry’s soon joined with their own huge sales.
As online shopping grew, things changed. People started buying from home, and some websites even crashed because too many people were trying to shop at once. It made finding deals a lot easier.
Now, Black Friday isn’t just one day anymore. Many stores begin their sales early in November and keep them going through the weekend until Cyber Monday, which is the Monday right after Black Friday. Today, people in the UK spend billions during this shopping period, and most of those purchases are made online.
How Black Friday Has Changed Shopping and Retail in the UK?
Black Friday has changed how people shop in the UK. It is now a big part of the Christmas shopping season. Many people wait until late November to buy gifts because they want the best deals. This has made early November quieter for shops and has made Black Friday even bigger than Boxing Day.
For stores, it brings both good and bad news. The sales help them make money and clear old stock. But it also means more stress. Websites get busy, deliveries pile up, and shoppers expect quick service.
When Is Black Friday 2025?
In 2025, Black Friday falls on November 28, right after Thanksgiving in the United States. But in the UK, the sales start much earlier and often continue well into the next week.
Here are the key dates for 2025:
- Black Friday: Friday, 28 November 2025
- Cyber Monday: Monday, 1 December 2025
- Early Deals Begin: Around Friday, 21 November 2025
If you want to make the most of the sales, start keeping an eye out for discounts in early November. Shops like Amazon, Currys, Argos, and John Lewis usually begin dropping hints or quietly cutting prices before the big day. That gives you time to compare prices, plan your budget, and decide what’s really worth buying.
The week before Black Friday, roughly 17 to 23 November, is when the real action starts. Almost every major retailer will have kicked off their sales by then, so it’s the perfect time to shop before the biggest rush hits.
eufy will offer massive Black Friday discounts on our most-loved products, helping UK customers save more and shop smarter.
Smart Deals to Watch This Black Friday 2025
Black Friday 2025 will bring big savings across many shops in the UK. Many retailers start sales weeks before the main event. According to MoneySavingExpert, shoppers should keep an eye on major stores like Amazon, Argos, Currys, and John Lewis, as they are likely to launch early discounts both online and in-store.
Here’s a look at the types of deals and products that are likely to offer the best value this year.
Tech and Electronics
Tech and electronics are always some of the biggest attractions during Black Friday, with big discounts on laptops, TVs, and smartphones from top retailers. Tablets and headphones are also likely to be popular in early sales.
Home gadgets are another highlight. Many people want tools that make cleaning and daily life easier. As the No. 1 robot vacuum brand in the UK, eufy continues to lead the way in smart cleaning solutions. The eufy X10 Pro Omni gives strong, hands-free cleaning and was named Best Robot Vacuum Overall by The Guardian. You’ll find it in our Black Friday deals this year.
Home Security
Home security products are always popular during Black Friday. eufy, serving over nine million families worldwide, is running sitewide Black Friday deals across the smart home range.
Leading the lineup, the eufy SoloCam S340 Wireless Outdoor Security Camera, praised by The Telegraph as the Best Home Security Camera Overall, delivers powerful, all-day monitoring with sharp 3K & 2K clarity.
The eufy Video Doorbell E340 (Battery Powered), recognised by The Guardian as the Best Subscription-Free Video Doorbell, combines dual cameras and colour night vision for reliable, around-the-clock protection. Both are expected to feature in this year’s Black Friday offers.
Home and Kitchen
Small appliances such as air fryers, coffee machines, and vacuum cleaners are often reduced around this time. Major appliance retailers may also offer bundle or cashback deals on larger items.
Fashion and Beauty
Retailers like ASOS, Boots, and M&S typically join in with clothing and beauty sales. It’s a good time to pick up gift sets, skincare products, and winter essentials.
Gaming and Entertainment
This year, expect strong deals on gaming accessories like controllers and headsets. Consoles such as the PS5 Slim and Meta Quest 3 may see modest cuts, while bundles on games are more likely than major discounts on Xbox or Nintendo consoles.
👉Related Reading: Best eufy Black Friday Deals in the UK
How to Shop Smart This Black Friday
Black Friday is always exciting, but it can also get a bit crazy. There are deals everywhere, and it’s easy to spend more than you planned. A little preparation can help you shop wisely and save more.
- Plan Ahead: Make a list of what you actually need and separate must-buys from impulse wants.
- Set a Budget: Decide on your spending limit before shopping and stick to it.
- Compare Prices: Use tools like CamelCamelCamel, PriceRunner UK, or PriceSpy to check real discounts.
- Check Return Policies: Always read return and refund terms before making a purchase.
- Watch for Fake Discounts: Some stores raise prices before the sale, so look at price history to spot this.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Subscribe to newsletters or follow brands on social media to catch deals early.
- Bonus Tip: Cyber Monday often brings even better prices on electronics, so if you miss a deal, check again a few days later.
Conclusion
Now you know why it is called Black Friday. It’s the day shops start making a profit, and people rush to grab great deals. It began as a single shopping day in the US, but now it’s a big event in the UK too, kicking off the Christmas shopping season.
With early deals and longer sales, it’s the perfect time to plan ahead and save some money. Start getting ready now! Make your list, set your budget, and keep an eye out for the best deals coming your way.
FAQs
What is Black Friday and where does it come from?
Black Friday started in the United States the day after Thanksgiving. The name came from Philadelphia police because there was a lot of traffic and confusion in the 1950s. Later, stores began to use the term to mean the day they start making profits.
How long does Black Friday last in the UK?
In the UK, Black Friday usually runs for four days, starting on the Friday of the event and ending on Cyber Monday. Shoppers often see early promotions in the weeks before the event, especially from big names like Amazon and Boots.
What’s the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Black Friday has both in-store and online deals in many categories. Cyber Monday has only online deals, mostly for tech and gadgets. Both happen around the same time and are part of the same sale period.
When do Black Friday sales start UK?
In 2025, Black Friday is on 28th November in the UK. Many retailers start their sales early, often in the first weeks of November. Popular stores like Amazon, Currys, and Boots launch early offers, and most continue through the weekend until Cyber Monday, giving shoppers more time to find great deals.
When is Amazon UK Black Friday?
Amazon UK’s Black Friday 2025 takes place on 28th November. Shoppers can expect early deals to appear around mid-November, as Amazon typically kicks off its discounts well before the main event. The sale usually lasts through the weekend, ending with fresh online offers on Cyber Monday.
When does Black Friday end UK?
In the UK, Black Friday officially ends with Cyber Monday, which falls on December 1, 2025. However, some promotions may continue until December 3 as part of extended “Cyber Week” sales.
