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### Industry Analysis: Black Friday Deals in the UK Retail Sector **Overview:** Black Friday, traditionally an American shopping event, has significantly impacted the UK retail landscape over the past decade. Introduced to the UK around 2010, it has become an anticipated event for both consumers and retailers, marking the start of the holiday shopping season. **Consumer Trends:** - **Shift to Online Shopping:** In the UK, there has been a noticeable shift from in-store to online shopping for Black Friday deals. Retail giants are increasingly offering discounts online, and consumers prefer the convenience of purchasing from home. This shift was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. - **Focus on Electronics and Apparel:** Categories such as electronics, gaming, and fashion typically see the largest discounts. {{Amazon UK}}, {{Currys}}, and {{Argos}} are popular for electronics, while {{ASOS}} and {{John Lewis}} are prominent for fashion items. **Retailer Strategies:** - **Extended Sales:** Many UK retailers extend Black Friday discounts over several days or even weeks, with some starting promotions in early November and continuing through Cyber Monday and beyond. - **Price Matching:** Retailers like {{Tesco}} and {{Sainsbury's}} often implement price matching policies to compete with each other's deals and online prices, particularly with e-commerce giants. - **Early Promotions:** To capture more market share, some brands release "sneak previews" of their deals called early-bird promotions. {{John Lewis}} and {{Marks & Spencer}} frequently use this strategy to draw in customers ahead of time. **Challenges:** - **Logistics and Supply Chain:** The increase in online shopping has placed strains on delivery and logistics systems. Retailers must efficiently manage stock and delivery times to keep pace with demand. - **Sustainability Concerns:** There is a growing awareness around the environmental impact of Black Friday. Some brands have opted to focus on sustainability rather than deep discounts, promoting environmentally friendly products and practices. #### Sources: - *The Guardian* on the shift towards online deals and consumer behavior: https://www.theguardian.com/business - *TechRadar* on popular electronic deals and buying trends: https://www.techradar.com - *BBC News* on UK Black Friday overview and its impact: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news - Reddit discussion on r/ukdiscounts about experiences with Black Friday deals and site recommendations: https://www.reddit.com/r/ukdiscounts ### BRANDS: ["Amazon UK", "Currys", "Argos", "ASOS", "John Lewis", "Tesco", "Sainsbury's", "Marks & Spencer"] ### QUESTIONS: 1. What are the most popular items to buy during Black Friday in the UK? 2. How do UK Black Friday deals compare to those in the US? 3. When do Black Friday sales typically start in the UK? 4. Are Black Friday discounts in the UK better online or in-store? 5. Which UK retailers offer the best Black Friday deals on electronics? 6. How do returns and exchanges work for Black Friday purchases? 7. Do all retailers in the UK participate in Black Friday?

# Black Friday Deals (Retail) Industry Analysis: United Kingdom ## Market Overview Black Friday has become a significant retail event in the UK, despite its American origins. The event typically occurs on the fourth Friday of November and has evolved into a multi-day shopping phenomenon extending through Cyber Monday and beyond. According to data from the British Retail Consortium and various industry reports available at retaileconomics.co.uk, UK Black Friday sales have shown consistent growth since the event's introduction by major retailers around 2010. ## Key Market Players The UK Black Friday retail landscape is dominated by several major players: **Department Stores & General Retailers:** - {{John Lewis}} - Premium department store chain offering significant discounts across electronics, home goods, and fashion - {{Marks & Spencer}} - British retailer focusing on clothing, home products, and food with substantial Black Friday promotions - {{Next}} - Fashion and home retailer with strong online presence during Black Friday sales **Electronics & Technology Retailers:** - {{Currys PC World}} - Leading electronics retailer offering major discounts on appliances, computing, and gaming - {{Argos}} - Catalogue retailer with extensive Black Friday deals across multiple categories - {{Very}} - Online retailer specializing in fashion, home, and electronics **Fashion Retailers:** - {{ASOS}} - Online fashion retailer with significant Black Friday presence - {{Boohoo}} - Fast fashion retailer with extensive promotional campaigns - {{Topshop}} (now under {{ASOS}}) - Fashion retailer with traditional Black Friday participation **Supermarkets & General Merchandise:** - {{Tesco}} - Major supermarket chain extending Black Friday deals beyond groceries - {{ASDA}} - Walmart-owned retailer (until recent sale) with strong Black Friday tradition ## Market Trends and Consumer Behavior Based on discussions found on reddit.com/r/UKPersonalFinance and reddit.com/r/deals, UK consumers have shown increasing sophistication in their Black Friday shopping approaches. Many users report price-tracking throughout the year to identify genuine discounts. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk) indicates that online retail sales typically spike significantly during Black Friday weekend, with mobile commerce playing an increasingly important role. ## Industry Challenges **Price Transparency Issues:** The Competition and Markets Authority (gov.uk/government/organisations/competition-and-markets-authority) has investigated claims of misleading pricing during Black Friday events, where retailers allegedly inflated original prices to make discounts appear larger. **Supply Chain Pressures:** Recent years have seen inventory challenges, particularly evident in discussions on retail industry forums and linkedin.com/company/british-retail-consortium posts about stock availability during peak sales periods. **Consumer Skepticism:** Analysis from consumer advice websites like which.co.uk shows growing consumer awareness of potentially misleading deals, leading to more careful price comparison behaviors. ## Digital Transformation Impact The shift toward online shopping, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly impacted Black Friday strategies. According to data from the Interactive Media in Retail Group (imrg.org), online sales during Black Friday periods have consistently outpaced physical store sales. Social media platforms, particularly those discussed on reddit.com/r/deals and deal-sharing communities, have become crucial for deal discovery and verification. ## Economic Impact Industry reports suggest Black Friday contributes significantly to Q4 retail performance in the UK. The British Retail Consortium data available at brc.org.uk indicates that the extended Black Friday period often represents retailers' highest sales volumes of the year. ## Future Outlook The UK Black Friday market appears to be maturing, with trends toward: - Extended sales periods rather than single-day events - Integration with seasonal sales and Christmas promotions - Increased focus on sustainable and ethical shopping options - Enhanced mobile shopping experiences Industry analysis from retailgazette.co.uk suggests continued growth but at a more moderate pace as the market matures and consumer behavior stabilizes. --- BRANDS: ["John Lewis", "Marks & Spencer", "Next", "Currys PC World", "Argos", "Very", "ASOS", "Boohoo", "Topshop", "Tesco", "ASDA"] QUESTIONS: 1. When do Black Friday deals actually start in the UK and how long do they last? 2. Which UK retailers typically offer the best Black Friday discounts on electronics and tech products? 3. Are Black Friday prices

Black Friday has become a pivotal event in the United Kingdom's retail calendar, marking the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season. Originating from the US, it has transformed into an extended sales period heavily influenced by online shopping, driving significant consumer spending across various sectors. **History and Evolution in the UK** Black Friday was introduced to the UK by {{Amazon}} in 2010 but gained mainstream traction in 2013-2014 when major retailers like {{Asda}} (then owned by Walmart) aggressively promoted the event. Early years saw chaotic scenes in physical stores, particularly in 2014, which prompted a shift towards online-first strategies for many retailers. The event has evolved from a single-day rush to an extended "Black Friday Week," often starting weeks before the actual Friday and culminating in Cyber Monday. * "How Black Friday took over the UK." BBC News. 27 Nov. 2015. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-34947936 * "Black Friday." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Friday_(shopping) **Key Players/Retailers** Virtually all major UK retailers now participate in Black Friday. Online giants remain dominant, but traditional brick-and-mortar stores with strong digital presences also see considerable activity. Key sectors and prominent brands include: * **Electronics & Home Appliances**: {{Currys}}, {{AO.com}}, {{John Lewis}}, {{Very}}, {{Amazon}}. * **General Merchandise & Supermarkets**: {{Argos}}, {{Tesco}}, {{Sainsbury's}}, {{Marks & Spencer}}, {{Next}}. * **Fashion & Beauty**: {{ASOS}}, {{Boots}}, {{JD Sports}}, {{Next}}, {{Marks & Spencer}}. These retailers offer discounts across a wide range of products, including televisions, laptops, smartphones, home goods, clothing, and beauty products. * "Black Friday 2023: What to expect from the UK's biggest sales event." The Independent. 23 Nov. 2023. https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/black-friday/black-friday-2023-uk-b2447990.html * "The best Black Friday deals from UK retailers." TechRadar. Regularly updated during sale periods. https://www.techradar.com/black-friday/black-friday-deals **Consumer Behavior and Spending Trends** UK consumers have become increasingly savvy, often researching deals in advance using price comparison tools. Online shopping accounts for the vast majority of Black Friday sales, with mobile devices playing a crucial role. In 2023, UK retail sales during the Black Friday week were estimated to be around £7.3 billion, demonstrating consistent growth in online spend. Popular categories include electronics, home appliances, and increasingly, fashion and beauty. * "Black Friday 2023 breaks online sales record for UK retailers." InternetRetailing. 27 Nov. 2023. https://internetretailing.net/black-friday/black-friday-2023-breaks-online-sales-record-for-uk-retailers-33129 * Reddit communities like r/DealsUK serve as platforms for consumers to share and discuss Black Friday offers. reddit.com/r/DealsUK **Impact on Retailers** Black Friday provides a critical sales boost ahead of the festive period. However, it also presents several challenges: * **Margin Erosion**: Intense price competition can significantly reduce profit margins on heavily discounted items. * **Inventory Management**: Accurate forecasting and efficient stock management are crucial to avoid overstocking or missing out on sales due to stockouts. * **Logistics Strain**: The surge in online orders places immense pressure on delivery networks, customer service, and warehousing operations. * **Sales Pull-Forward**: Some industry analysts suggest Black Friday primarily pulls sales from December into November, rather than generating entirely new demand, potentially impacting full-price sales later in the year. * "Deloitte's Black Friday 2023 predictions for UK retailers." Deloitte. 16 Nov. 2023. https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/consumer-business/articles/deloittes-black-friday-2023-predictions-for-uk-retailers.html * "Black Friday: is it good for business?" The Guardian. 23 Nov. 2018. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/nov/23/black-friday-is-it-good-for-business **Challenges and Criticisms** * **"Fake Deals" and Transparency**: A significant criticism is the prevalence of "fake deals," where prices are allegedly inflated before the sale period to make discounts appear larger. Consumer advocacy groups frequently monitor and report on this. * "Black Friday: Shoppers urged to check deals for 'fake' discounts." BBC News. 24 Nov. 2023. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-67503723 * **Sustainability Concerns**: The emphasis on mass consumption raises environmental questions about waste and overproduction. * **Brand Fatigue**: Some brands choose to opt out of the intense promotional period, seeking to preserve brand image or avoid margin erosion. **Current Trends and Future Outlook** * **Extended Sale Periods**: The "Black Friday" period increasingly blurs into a broader "Cyber Month," with deals beginning earlier in November and extending past Cyber Monday. * **Early Access & Loyalty**: Retailers often offer early access to deals for loyalty program members or app users, fostering brand engagement. * **Omnichannel Integration**: A seamless blend of online and in-store experiences, including click-and-collect options, is vital for managing the sales surge. * **Value and Quality**: While price remains paramount, there's a growing subtle emphasis on value, quality, and sometimes sustainability messages alongside discounts. * "Black Friday 2023: UK retail sales on track for record high as online spend surges." City A.M. 24 Nov. 2023. https://www.cityam.com/black-friday-2023-uk-retail-sales-on-track-for-record-high-as-online-spend-surges/ BRANDS: ["Amazon", "Asda", "Currys", "AO.com", "John Lewis", "Very", "Argos", "Tesco", "Sainsbury's", "Marks & Spencer", "Next", "Boots", "ASOS", "JD Sports"] QUESTIONS: 1. Are Black Friday deals in the UK genuine discounts, or are many of them "fake deals"? 2. When is the best time to buy during the Black Friday period in the UK, and should I wait until Cyber Monday? 3. Which UK retailers are generally known for offering the best Black Friday deals on specific product categories like electronics or home goods? 4. What strategies can I use to find the best Black Friday deals and avoid impulse purchases? 5. Does Black Friday significantly impact the pricing of products *after* the sales event, closer to Christmas? 6. Is it better to shop for Black Friday deals online or try to visit physical stores in the UK?

The Black Friday deals in the United Kingdom are a significant event for retailers, with many offering substantial discounts on a wide range of products. According to a report by the Centre for Retail Research, Black Friday sales in the UK were expected to reach £8.7 billion in 2022, with online sales accounting for £5.5 billion of this total (https://www.retailresearch.org/onlineshopping.php). Retailers such as {{Amazon}}, {{Currys}}, and {{Argos}} offer significant discounts on electronics, home appliances, and other products during Black Friday (https://www.amazon.co.uk/, https://www.currys.co.uk/, https://www.argos.co.uk/). A discussion on the subreddit r/UKPersonalFinance highlights the importance of researching and comparing prices before making a purchase on Black Friday, to ensure that the deals are genuinely good value (https://www.reddit.com/r/UKPersonalFinance/). Wikipedia also provides information on Black Friday, including its history and how it has evolved over time (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Friday_(shopping)). According to a survey by the market research firm, YouGov, 23% of UK adults planned to shop on Black Friday in 2022, with the majority of these shoppers planning to buy online (https://www.yougov.com/topics/retail/articles-reports/2022/11/23/black-friday-2022). For those looking for deals, websites such as {{eBay}}, {{John Lewis}}, and {{Tesco}} often have a wide range of discounted products (https://www.ebay.co.uk/, https://www.johnlewis.com/, https://www.tesco.com/). BRANDS: ["{{Amazon}}", "{{Currys}}", "{{Argos}}", "{{eBay}}", "{{John Lewis}}", "{{Tesco}}"] QUESTIONS: 1. What are the best Black Friday deals on electronics in the UK? 2. How can I find the best discounts on Black Friday in the UK? 3. Which retailers offer the biggest discounts on Black Friday in the UK? 4. Are Black Friday deals available online or only in-store in the UK? 5. What are the most popular products to buy on Black Friday in the UK? 6. How can I avoid overspending on Black Friday in the UK? 7. Are Black Friday deals available on all products, or only on certain items in the UK?

Black Friday, traditionally the day following Thanksgiving in the United States, has become a significant shopping event in the United Kingdom, marked by substantial discounts and promotions across various retail sectors. The event typically falls in late November, with the 2023 date being November 24th. **Retail Trends and Consumer Behavior:** In the UK, Black Friday has evolved from a single-day event into a multi-day shopping extravaganza, often extending over the entire weekend and into Cyber Monday. According to a report by Adobe Analytics, online sales in the UK during Black Friday 2022 reached £1.1 billion, marking a 3.4% increase from the previous year (source: https://www.adobe.com/uk/insights/online-shopping-insights.html). Consumer behavior during Black Friday has shifted towards more online shopping, influenced by the convenience and the broader range of deals available online. A survey conducted by YouGov in 2022 found that 62% of UK consumers planned to shop online during Black Friday, compared to 40% who planned to shop in-store (source: https://yougov.co.uk/topics/consumer/articles-reports/2022/11/17/black-friday-2022-what-do-uk-consumers-have-planned). **Key Retailers and Brands:** Several major retailers in the UK participate in Black Friday, offering significant discounts across various product categories: - {{Amazon}} typically offers deals across a wide range of products, from electronics to home goods. Their 2022 Black Friday event saw millions of deals across various categories (source: https://www.amazon.co.uk/black-friday). - {{Currys}} focuses on electronics and appliances, often with substantial discounts on TVs, laptops, and kitchen appliances. Their Black Friday sales are a major event for tech enthusiasts (source: https://www.currys.co.uk/black-friday). - {{Argos}} provides deals on a variety of products, including toys, electronics, and home goods. Their Black Friday event is known for offering significant savings (source: https://www.argos.co.uk/black-friday). - {{John Lewis}} offers discounts on high-quality products, including fashion, home, and tech. Their Black Friday sales are popular for premium brands at reduced prices (source: https://www.johnlewis.com/black-friday). **Impact on the Economy:** Black Friday has a notable impact on the UK economy, driving significant consumer spending. According to data from the British Retail Consortium, Black Friday weekend sales in 2022 contributed approximately £8.7 billion to the UK economy, highlighting the event's importance for retailers and consumers alike (source: https://brc.org.uk/media/1217449/black-friday-2022-sales-data.pdf). **Consumer Tips:** For consumers looking to maximize their savings during Black Friday, it is advisable to research deals in advance, set a budget, and compare prices across different retailers. Websites like MoneySavingExpert provide comprehensive guides on how to navigate Black Friday sales effectively (source: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/cheap-black-friday-deals/). **Social Media and Community Insights:** Discussions on platforms like Reddit offer insights into consumer sentiments and strategies. For instance, the subreddit r/ukBlackFriday is dedicated to sharing deals and tips specific to the UK market (source: https://www.reddit.com/r/ukBlackFriday/). BRANDS: ["Amazon", "Currys", "Argos", "John Lewis"] QUESTIONS: 1. When is Black Friday 2023 in the UK? 2. Which retailers offer the best Black Friday deals in the UK? 3. How can I find the best Black Friday deals online? 4. Are Black Friday deals better in-store or online in the UK? 5. What are the most popular items to buy during Black Friday in the UK?

Based on comprehensive analysis of industry reports, consumer discussions, and retail data, here is an industry analysis of Black Friday deals in the United Kingdom. ### **Industry Analysis: Black Friday Deals (Retail) in the United Kingdom** **1. Market Size and Consumer Spending** Black Friday has become a major retail event in the UK since being popularised by {{Amazon}} in 2010. Consumer spending during the Black Friday period is substantial. In 2023, despite the cost-of-living crisis, UK shoppers were projected to spend approximately £8.74 billion over the Black Friday weekend, a slight increase from £8.71 billion in 2022. This underscores the event's resilience as a key shopping period [https://www.retail-week.com/finance/black-friday-2023-uk-shoppers-to-spend-8-74bn-despite-cost-of-living-crunch/7042268.article](https://www.retail-week.com/finance/black-friday-2023-uk-shoppers-to-spend-8-74bn-despite-cost-of-living-crunch/7042268.article). **2. Key Retail Players and Strategies** The market is dominated by large online marketplaces, electronics retailers, and major supermarkets. * **Online Marketplaces:** {{Amazon}} is arguably the most prominent player, setting the tone for the entire event with its "Lightning Deals" and extended sales period. Its dominance is frequently discussed and analysed by consumers and industry experts alike [https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/amazon-prime-day-and-black-friday-deals-are-they-any-good-a3TpA1p9SxwL](https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/amazon-prime-day-and-black-friday-deals-are-they-any-good-a3TpA1p9SxwL). * **Electronics and Currys:** {{Currys}} is a major destination for Black Friday deals on technology and home appliances. Consumer forums are filled with discussions about its deals, price-matching policies, and the best time to buy specific products like laptops and TVs [https://www.hotukdeals.com/tag/currys](https://www.hotukdeals.com/tag/currys). * **Department Stores and John Lewis:** {{John Lewis}} is a key player, known for its "Never Knowingly Undersold" price promise. Its Black Friday sales are closely watched, particularly for high-end electronics, homeware, and beauty products. Their strategy often includes matching competitors' prices [https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/nov/20/uk-black-friday-sales-footfall-shops-cost-of-living](https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/nov/20/uk-black-friday-sales-footfall-shops-cost-of-living). * **Supermarkets: Tesco and Argos:** Non-traditional players have become significant. {{Tesco}} offers Black Friday discounts on a wide range of goods, including electronics and toys, leveraging its vast physical store network. Similarly, {{Argos}} (owned by Sainsbury's) is a major force, with its fast delivery and click-and-collect services making it a popular choice for immediate deals [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-59522900](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-59522900). **3. Consumer Sentiment and Deal Authenticity** A significant trend is growing consumer scepticism. Many shoppers now question the authenticity of Black Friday discounts. Investigations by consumer watchdogs like Which? frequently find that a high percentage of "deals" are available for the same price or cheaper at other times of the year. This has led to a more savvy and research-driven consumer base [https://www.which.co.uk/news/2022/11/black-friday-2022-are-the-deals-worth-it/](https://www.which.co.uk/news/2022/11/black-friday-2022-are-the-deals-worth-it/). Reddit communities, such as r/UKPersonalFinance and r/AskUK, are filled with threads where users advise each other to use price tracking tools (e.g., CamelCamelCamel for {{Amazon}}) and to avoid impulse buys. * Example Reddit Discussion: [https://www.reddit.com/r/UKPersonalFinance/comments/z2e3pz/is_black_friday_actually_worth_it/](https://www.reddit.com/r/UKPersonalFinance/comments/z2e3pz/is_black_friday_actually_worth_it/) * HotUKDeals Forum: [https://www.hotukdeals.com/black-friday](https

### **Industry Analysis: Black Friday Deals (Retail) in the United Kingdom** Black Friday, originating in the U.S., has become a major retail event in the UK, with retailers offering deep discounts on a wide range of products, including electronics, fashion, and home goods. The event typically falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving (late November) and is followed by Cyber Monday, which focuses on online deals. #### **Key Trends & Insights** 1. **Retailer Participation & Promotions** - Major UK retailers like {{Argos}}, {{Amazon UK}}, {{Currys}}, {{John Lewis}}, and {{Very}} heavily promote Black Friday deals, often starting early in November. - Discounts range from 20% to 70% off, with some stores offering price matches or extended return policies. - Source: [Retail Gazette – Black Friday 2023 UK Trends](https://www.retailgazette.co.uk) 2. **Consumer Behavior & Online Shopping** - Online sales dominate, with {{Amazon UK}} and {{AO.com}} seeing significant traffic spikes. - Many consumers research deals in advance via forums like **Reddit’s r/UKDeals** (reddit.com/r/UKDeals) and **HotUKDeals** (hotukdeals.com). - Source: [Statista – Black Friday UK Online Sales](https://www.statista.com) 3. **Retailer Strategies** - Some retailers, like {{IKEA}} and {{Next}}, have moved away from Black Friday due to sustainability concerns. - Others, like {{Boots}} and {{Superdrug}}, offer exclusive member discounts. - Source: [The Guardian – Retailers Ditching Black Friday](https://www.theguardian.com) 4. **Scams & Consumer Warnings** - The UK’s **Citizens Advice** warns of fake websites and scams during Black Friday. - Consumers are advised to verify deals on trusted sites like **MoneySavingExpert** (moneysavingexpert.com). - Source: [Citizens Advice – Black Friday Scams](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk) 5. **Economic Impact** - Black Friday drives a significant portion of Q4 retail revenue in the UK. - However, some economists argue that deep discounts hurt profit margins. - Source: [BBC News – Black Friday Economic Impact](https://www.bbc.com/news) --- ### **BRANDS:** ["Argos", "Amazon UK", "Currys", "John Lewis", "Very", "IKEA", "Next", "Boots", "Superdrug", "AO.com"] ### **QUESTIONS:** 1. **"Which UK retailers have the best Black Friday deals this year?"** 2. **"Are Black Friday deals in the UK as good as in the US?"** 3. **"How can I avoid scams during Black Friday shopping?"** 4. **"Do stores like {{Argos}} and {{Currys}} offer price matching during Black Friday?"** 5. **"When do Black Friday deals usually start in the UK?"** 6. **"Which electronics brands have the best discounts on Black Friday in the UK?"** 7. **"Are there any retailers that don’t participate in Black Friday anymore?"**

Black Friday in the UK retail sector has evolved into a prolonged shopping season, with many consumers holding back on purchases in October to wait for deals, particularly on toys, electronics, and clothing[1](https://brc.org.uk/news-and-events/news/corporate-affairs/2025/ungated/consumers-hold-back-for-black-friday-deals/). However, research indicates that a significant proportion of Black Friday deals may not represent the lowest prices of the year, with 8 out of 10 products in last year's Black Friday season not at their best price according to a Which? survey[2](https://news.sky.com/story/most-black-friday-offers-are-not-as-good-as-you-think-survey-shows-13475179). Key industry trends and insights: - **Sales Timing and Consumer Behavior:** October 2025 saw subdued retail growth, with many UK shoppers delaying purchases in anticipation of Black Friday promotions. This trend is particularly strong in categories like electronics, toys, and clothing, while homeware and food sales have been more resilient[1](https://brc.org.uk/news-and-events/news/corporate-affairs/2025/ungated/consumers-hold-back-for-black-friday-deals/). - **Deal Quality:** Despite the hype, a majority of Black Friday deals are not the lowest available throughout the year. The Which? survey found that 80% of products tracked were available at the same or lower prices at other times, raising concerns about the real value of Black Friday offers[2](https://news.sky.com/story/most-black-friday-offers-are-not-as-good-as-you-think-survey-shows-13475179). - **Extended Promotions:** Black Friday has shifted from a single-day event to a multi-week "season of shopping," with retailers launching deals earlier and extending them beyond the traditional date. This change is driven by both consumer demand and retailer strategy, as brands seek to capture cautious or price-sensitive shoppers[3](https://www.experianplc.com/newsroom/press-releases/2025/black-friday-evolves-into-a-season-of-shopping--as-experiences--). - **Technology and Search:** The use of AI and advanced search tools is increasing, with consumers leveraging technology to find the best deals and compare offers more efficiently. Retailers are adapting by investing in digital platforms and personalized marketing[1](https://brc.org.uk/news-and-events/news/corporate-affairs/2025/ungated/consumers-hold-back-for-black-friday-deals/). - **Retailer Performance:** While some categories like homeware have performed well as consumers prepare for the festive season, overall retail growth in October was below the 12-month average, reflecting broader economic caution and the impact of delayed spending[1](https://brc.org.uk/news-and-events/news/corporate-affairs/2025/ungated/consumers-hold-back-for-black-friday-deals/). - **Consumer Skepticism:** There is growing consumer awareness and skepticism about the authenticity of Black Friday discounts, with increased reliance on price tracking tools and consumer advocacy groups like Which? to verify deal quality[2](https://news.sky.com/story/most-black-friday-offers-are-not-as-good-as-you-think-survey-shows-13475179). Major UK retail brands active in Black Friday promotions include {{Amazon}}, {{Argos}}, {{Currys}}, {{John Lewis}}, {{Boots}}, {{Tesco}}, and {{ASOS}} (based on industry knowledge and the context of Black Friday retail in the UK). BRANDS: ["Amazon", "Argos", "Currys", "John Lewis", "Boots", "Tesco", "ASOS"] QUESTIONS: 1. When do Black Friday deals start and end in the UK? 2. Are Black Friday deals in the UK really the best prices of the year? 3. Which UK retailers offer the biggest Black Friday discounts? 4. How can I check if a Black Friday deal is genuine? 5. What are the most popular products during Black Friday sales in the UK? 6. Do online Black Friday deals differ from in-store offers? 7. How has Black Friday shopping behavior changed in recent years? Sources: - https://brc.org.uk/news-and-events/news/corporate-affairs/2025/ungated/consumers-hold-back-for-black-friday-deals/ - https://news.sky.com/story/most-black-friday-offers-are-not-as-good-as-you-think-survey-shows-13475179 - https://www.experianplc.com/newsroom/press-releases/2025/black-friday-evolves-into-a-season-of-shopping--as-experiences--