Black Friday has long been a highlight of the UK retail calendar, but in 2025, a growing number of savvy shoppers are questioning its value. With household budgets under pressure from the cost of living, and retailers spreading promotions across weeks, the hunt for genuine bargains has become more complex than ever.
The Rise of 'Black November'
Major high street and online names, including Amazon, Argos, Currys, and Boots, have transformed the traditional one-day event into a month-long sales period. This shift to 'Black November' creates a significant challenge for consumers: it's increasingly difficult to identify the lowest price point and easier to mistakenly believe a promotion is a good deal simply because it carries a Black Friday label.
Data from price-tracking websites consistently reveals an inconvenient truth: a large proportion of Black Friday 'deals' have been available for less at other times during the year. For retailers, extended sales help manage demand and avoid pre-Christmas delivery logjams. For shoppers, however, this often means fewer standout bargains and a sea of mediocre discounts.
Where to Find Genuine Savings in 2025
Against a backdrop of fluctuating inflation and cautious consumer spending, retailers in 2025 are walking a tightrope. They are competing fiercely for limited disposable income but are also keen to protect their profit margins.
This year, the most substantial discounts are likely to be found in the tech sector. Products like televisions, laptops, headphones, and smart home devices often see the steepest genuine price cuts. This is typically because newer models are regularly released, and retailers need to clear older stock.
In contrast, categories such as fashion, homeware, and beauty are far more hit-and-miss. While you might discover a few exceptional offers, widespread discounts of 50% to 70% are less common, especially if stores have already been working to reduce excess inventory throughout the year.
Smarter Alternatives to Black Friday
The good news for cost-conscious consumers is that Black Friday is no longer the only game in town. Several other shopping events and outlets frequently offer more compelling savings.
Amazon Prime Day, usually held in July with a more recent October event, often features better prices on the company's own devices and mid-range technology than its Black Friday sales.
The January sales can undercut Black Friday pricing on larger items like home appliances, furniture, and TVs as retailers look to clear winter inventory.
For clothing, end-of-season sales in late December and late June generally provide deeper discounts than those found in November.
Furthermore, warehouse outlets and certified refurbished stores are consistently excellent sources of value. Retailers like the Apple Refurbished store, Dell Outlet, Dyson Outlet, and eBay Certified Refurbished regularly list products at prices that beat Black Friday offers, and these items come with full warranties.
Don't overlook supermarket loyalty schemes either. Programs such as Tesco Clubcard and Nectar Prices can sometimes offer better value on everyday tech, alcohol, and home goods than the hyped-up Black Friday promotions.
Black Friday 2025 can still be a solid opportunity for savings, but success requires a disciplined approach. The key is to track prices on items you actually need, avoid impulse buys driven by marketing hype, and remember that for many product categories, you are likely to find equal or better discounts at other times. Treat Black Friday as just one part of the annual retail cycle, and your bank balance will be better for it.
