Black Friday 2020 is just days away but there are plenty of retailers that have already kicked off their sales.
Major players like Argos, John Lewis and Currys all decided to launch sales a week ahead of the official 27 November date.
While many others, including online giant Amazon and Boots started even earlier, kicking things off right at the start of the month.
Over the last few years the Black Friday sale event has exploded in the UK, with almost every major brand and retailer taking part.
But due to the pandemic, Black Friday is looking very different. With many retailers forced to close physical stores, online sales are more important than ever and the extended discounting period means shoppers have longer to pick up bargains ahead of the Christmas rush.
Research commissioned by deals-sharing site Hotukdeals.com found that more than three million Brits have shopped online for the first time ever. With over a third of shoppers (35%) claiming they have increased the amount of shopping they do online due to COVID-19.
So we can expect this year's Black Friday will be an even bigger affair than usual, with sales running through to Cyber Monday on 30 November.
As the big shopping bonanza draws closer, we'll be regularly updating this page with the latest news to help you get a head start on all your Christmas shopping.
Retailers already taking part in Black Friday 2020
- Amazon - check out our best Amazon deals page for more info.
- Argos - check out our best Argos deals page for more info.
- Nike - check out our best Nike deals page for more info.
- John Lewis - check out our best John Lewis deals page for more info.
- Currys PC World - check out our best Currys deals page for more info.
- ASOS - check out our ASOS Black Friday page for more info.
- Boots - check out our best Boots deals page for more info.
- Superdrug - check out our best Superdrug deals page for more info.
- Topshop - check out our Topshop Black Friday page for more info.
- O2 - check out our best O2 deals page for more info.
- Missguided - check out our best Missguided deals page for more info.
- Vodafone - check out our best Vodafone deals page for more info.
- Wowcher - check out our best Wowcher deals page for more info.
- Carphone Warehouse - check out our best Carphone Warehouse deal page for more info.
When is Black Friday 2020?
Black Friday will fall on Friday 27 November for 2020, followed by Cyber Monday on 30 November.
Originally a US tradition, the huge sales event has since spread across the pond to the UK, with retailers simultaneously discounting thousands of products across all categories.
Since it is rooted in US history, Black Friday always falls immediately after the Thanksgiving holiday - ideally placed for the last pay check before Christmas.
What Black Friday 2020 deals can we expect?
While Black Friday used to be almost exclusively centred around tech, we're now seeing savings across a wide range of categories - from fashion and beauty to household goods and toys.
Since many retailers - big and small - have been massively impacted by Covid-19, it is likely we will see big discounts pushed online and a longer Black Friday sales periods adopted.
Another factor to note is that Amazon Prime Day, which normally takes place in July was pushed back to the autumn. This move could shape what deals we see made available by Amazon throughout its Black Friday week-long sale - but for now we'll have to wait and see.
One thing is certain is online shopping will be a must for almost every consumer throughout the sale event. So staying in the loop and scoping out your favourite retailers' online offerings beforehand will be vital to getting the biggest savings on the day.
How to find a genuine Black Friday 2020 deal
Do your own research: Look at the price on previous days to make sure you really are getting a good deal. Shop at retailers with price promises, ensuring you can get a refund if your item drops in value in the weeks following your purchase.
Focus your search: The easiest way to avoid being swayed by cut-price discounted price tags is to make a plan of what you actually need/want and how much you're willing to spend. This will make it easier for you to narrow your search and hone in on specific deals quicker.
Bookmark relevant pages ahead of time: If you've been stalking that 42 inch TV or Apple iPad for weeks bookmark the pages so they're easy to find when the sales launch.
Look for additional savings: Find ways to get free delivery, opt for click and collect services and sign up to cashback sites like Topcashback where you'll earn extra cash on purchases you are going to make any way.
Sign up and save – Sign up to newsletters and emails from your favourite retailers to get early access to offers and VIP slots.Get social: Follow retailer social media pages for free delivery codes and more ways to save all day.
