The massive shopping event has become a major date in the UK's shopping calendar as people hunt for bargains in preparation for Christmas.
What is Black Friday?
On Black Friday, shop prices dip for 24 hours in an attempt to get people splashing the cash in the run-up to Christmas.
But many retailers now spread out their deals over two weeks, with some now gearing up for Cyber Monday.
The day earned its name as it’s often the day shops "move into the black" – meaning they have enough money to cover their costs.
And it works – as customers often queue for hours, even days, to get their hands on the best bargains.
Unfortunately, the shopping mania can sometimes descend into violence, as people argue over discounted gadgets and appliances.
Many shops release details of their sale items before the day, so there are plenty of ways to bag the best deals.
The trick is to be prepared and organised and to always know what you want before the sales start – to avoid unnecessary spending.
When is Black Friday 2018?
Traditionally, Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving – an American holiday which falls on the fourth Thursday in November.
This year, the event falls on Friday, November 23.
To mark the festivities, retailers tend to have different discount days throughout the week.
Last year, Amazon – arguably the king of Black Friday sales – ran deals from November 17 to November 26.
In Britain, it's considered to be one of the biggest internet shopping days of the year, as retailers pack their websites with oodles of offers.
Which shops offer the best deals during last Black Friday?
Find even more on our Black Friday 2018 hub page.
- Argos
- ASOS
- Boots
- Currys PC World
- Debenhams
- Samsung
- Amazon
- Adidas
- Nike
- Very
- New Look
- John Lewis
- Marks & Spencer
- Halfords
- Sainsbury's
- Smyths
- House Of Fraser
- GAME
- JD Sports
- River Island
How can you get the best Black Friday discounts?
Shop early in the day
Sadly, queuing up early in the day is the best way to get your pick of discounts.
Often, by the afternoon, the most exciting products have already flown off the shelves.
Don't just focus on Friday
While many will look to Black Friday for all the best deals, this isn't always the case.
Keep your eyes peeled all week (and on Cyber Monday) for bags more budget-friendly buys.
Do your research
Been waiting for the sales to purchase an expensive item?
Have a look around online to see the average price of the goods before you fork out for something on a whim.
Often, discounts won't be as impressive as they first seem.
Watch out for doorbusters
The majority of stores will use doorbusters to get customers through their doors on shopping events.
These stand-out items will be drastically reduced in price, but they tend to be few and far between.
If you're going to get your hands on one of these items, you may have to fight off some stiff competition.
When in store, try not to get suckered in by any other deals that aren't actually saving you much money.
Find our 'Best Black Friday deals' pages
- Beauty
- Fashion and footwear
- Food and alcohol
- Gaming
- Home and garden
- Toys
- Tech
- Travel
Prepare the night before
When placing online orders, heavily discounted items can sell-out in seconds.
To beat queues, it's worth creating accounts on your favourite retailers' websites in advance.
If you want to be extra speedy, try putting items that are set to be reduced in price in your basket before the sale period begins.
Then when you check-out, the items will be already reduced in your basket waiting for you.
Stack your vouchers
You may be stung with delivery fees when ordering a cheap item online.
Stacking vouchers, including free delivery or 10 per cent of sale items, can bring the cost of your shopping basket down further.
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