Black Friday is the biggest shopping event of the year, when retailers slash prices across everything from the latest tech and fashion to homeware and Christmas gifts. In 2026, Black Friday falls on Friday 27 November, followed by Cyber Monday on 30 November. But if you’re waiting until the big day to start shopping, you could already be too late. These days, Black Friday is less about one day of frantic bargain hunting and more about a whole month of deals, discounts and tempting offers. For example, companies like Back Market who is a leading global marketplace for verified refurbished electronics, often have great prices throughout the whole year.
So, whether you’ve got your eye on a new iPhone, want to upgrade your laptop or are simply hoping to get some Christmas shopping ticked off, here’s everything you need to know about Black Friday 2026.
When is Black Friday 2026?
Black Friday 2026 takes place on Friday 27 November, with Cyber Monday on Monday 30 November.
The date of Black Friday changes every year because it always falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving in the US. Traditionally, it marked the unofficial beginning of the Christmas shopping season, but it has since become a global shopping phenomenon.
And while Black Friday itself is technically just one day, the reality is a little different.
How long does Black Friday last?
Remember when Black Friday meant waking up early on Friday morning and fighting through the crowds to grab a discounted television? Those days are largely behind us.
Retailers now tend to stretch Black Friday across an entire weekend, with many launching early Black Friday deals weeks in advance. Some offers can start appearing in early November, while others are saved for Black Friday week itself.
Then there’s Cyber Monday, which takes place on 30 November and gives shoppers another chance to pick up a bargain.
What deals can we expect in 2026?
The exact Black Friday deals won’t be revealed until retailers start announcing their offers, but there are certain categories that are almost guaranteed to feature heavily.
Tech is likely to be one of the biggest. Expect to see deals on smartphones, laptops, tablets, TVs, headphones, gaming consoles and plenty of gadgets you probably didn’t realise you needed until you see the discounts. iPhone Black Friday deals are often extremely popular, with a range of models being discounted.
Fashion is another Black Friday favourite, with clothing, shoes and accessories often reduced ahead of the Christmas shopping season. Then there’s homeware, where you can expect everything from coffee machines and air fryers to vacuum cleaners, bedding and larger appliances to get the Black Friday treatment.
How to shop smart this Black Friday
Black Friday can be a brilliant opportunity to save money, but it can also be very easy to spend money on things you never planned to buy.
Make a list. Before the sales begin, decide what you actually want. Whether that’s an iPhone, a new pair of trainers or Christmas presents for the family, having a plan makes it much easier to ignore the things you don’t need.
Check prices beforehand. Don’t be fooled by the size of the discount. Look at the price before Black Friday and compare it with other retailers to make sure you’re getting a genuine saving.
Compare the exact product. Two laptops might look similar but have completely different specifications, while two versions of the same phone could have different storage capacities. Make sure you’re comparing like for like.
Consider refurbished. Particularly when it comes to expensive electronics, refurbished products can be a smart way of getting more for your money.
And most importantly Don’t panic-buy – we are all guily of this sometimes. 2