The origins of Black Friday and the best deals in the UK

The Black Friday build-up

As November rolls on, excitement in the UK is reaching fever pitch with the approach of Black Friday. For bargain hunters it’s a chance to snag coveted items at dramatically reduced prices. Retailers tease their offerings while consumers strategise their shopping lists. 

But as we prepare to dive into this annual shopping extravaganza have you ever wondered how it all began? Why is it called Black Friday and how did a distinctly American tradition take root in the UK?

Let’s explore the fascinating history of Black Friday and highlight some of the best deals you can find in the UK today.

Where did Black Friday come from?

Black Friday has its origins in the United States, where it became synonymous with the Friday following Thanksgiving. Historically Thanksgiving marks the start of the Christmas shopping season and retailers have long used this opportunity to lure shoppers with special promotions. But the term "Black Friday" didn’t always have positive connotations.

The first recorded use of "Black Friday" dates back to the 1950s in Philadelphia. Police officers used the term to describe the chaotic scenes that unfolded on the day after Thanksgiving when hordes of shoppers and tourists flooded the city ahead of the Army-Navy football game. Overwhelmed by the traffic and retail crowds, officers dubbed the day "Black Friday."

By the 1960s savvy retailers started to reclaim the term linking it to the financial “black” on their accounting ledgers—a reference to turning a profit. The idea caught on and by the 1980s Black Friday was firmly established as the biggest shopping day in the US.

Black Friday in the UK: a transatlantic arrival

In the UK Black Friday remained largely unknown until the early 2010s. It was introduced by major retailers such as Amazon who sought to replicate the success of the event across the Atlantic. Initially British shoppers were sceptical. But as discounts became more enticing and participation grew among UK-based retailers the phenomenon exploded.

By 2014 Black Friday had become a household name in the UK even eclipsing traditional post-Christmas Boxing Day sales in popularity. Today it is one of the most significant shopping events in the British retail calendar with deals spanning technology, fashion, home goods and more.

Shopper carrying bags

Memorable UK Black Friday deals

Over the years UK shoppers have scored some incredible deals during Black Friday sales. Here are just a few notable examples:

  1. Tech treasures
    Electronics have always been a big draw. In 2022 Currys slashed the price of the Apple MacBook Air by £200 while retailers like John Lewis offered substantial discounts on Samsung 4K TVs.

  2. Fashion finds
    ASOS and Boohoo regularly deliver during Black Friday with site wide discounts of up to 70%. In previous years high-street brands like Marks & Spencer and Zara have also offered rare markdowns.

  3. Travel treats
    Even airlines and travel companies get in on the action. Ryanair, for instance, has offered flights for as little as £5 while luxury travel packages with companies like British Airways have seen significant reductions.

  4. Everyday essentials
    Supermarkets have also embraced Black Friday. In 2021 Tesco launched half-price offers on kitchen appliances and Aldi joined the fray with deals on everything from wine to workout gear.

Tips for scoring the best Black Friday deals

If you’re gearing up for Black Friday shopping here are some tips to ensure you make the most of it:

  1. Do your research early
    Check prices in the weeks leading up to Black Friday to ensure the deals are genuine. Tools like CamelCamelCamel can help you track price histories for online items.

  2. Set a budget
    With so many deals it’s easy to overspend. Decide what you need - and how much you’re willing to pay - before the day arrives.

  3. Sign up for newsletters
    Many retailers give early access to their sales through newsletters or apps. Be sure to sign up for alerts from your favourite stores.

  4. Prioritise big-ticket items
    If you’re in the market for high-value items like laptops or smartphones, focus on these first as stock tends to run out quickly.

  5. Be wary of scams
    Black Friday is a prime time for online fraud. Stick to reputable retailers and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.

Shopper holding bags

What to watch for this year

As Black Friday 2024 approaches UK retailers are already teasing their offerings. Early buzz suggests that gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X will feature prominently alongside discounts on high-end headphones, smartwatches and home appliances. Popular stores like Argos, Amazon and Boots are expected to deliver big while brands like Dyson and Shark may offer exclusive deals on their coveted vacuums and haircare tools.

A tradition worth celebrating

While Black Friday might have American roots, it has firmly planted itself in the UK as a retail tradition. For many it’s more than just a shopping day - it’s an opportunity to prepare for Christmas without breaking the bank. As you navigate the sales this year remember to shop smart, enjoy the thrill of the hunt and maybe even reflect on the history that brought us here.

Happy Black Friday shopping!