We all know it’s one of the biggest shopping days of the year, but what is Black Friday?

Black Friday is a major shopping event where retailers offer discounts across a wide range of products, from tech and gadgets to fashion and homeware.

It traditionally takes place on the Friday after Thanksgiving in the US, but it’s become a big deal here in the UK too. And these days, you don’t always have to wait until Friday to start shopping. Many retailers launch their offers days or even weeks ahead, with deals popping up throughout November.

History of Black Friday

Black Friday has its roots in the US and started during the 1950s and 1960s, where the day after Thanksgiving became associated with the start of the Christmas shopping season.

The name has several suggested origins. One commonly cited explanation is that retailers used the day to move from being ‘in the red’ to ‘in the black’ – the difference between making a loss or a profit.

Today, Black Friday is a global shopping event with retailers offering promotions both in-store and online.

A bit of preparation can go a long way. Here are some simple ways to get ready for the sales.

Plan ahead

Before the Black Friday offers start, make a note of what you want to buy. Having a list can help you focus on the products you’re looking for rather than being tempted by every discount you see.

It’s also worth taking a look at previous Black Friday sales. This can give you an idea of the types of products and discounts retailers have offered before, but keep in mind previous prices don’t guarantee what you’ll see this year.

And don’t assume every deal starts on Black Friday itself. Some retailers launch their offers early (just like we do at O2), while others may extend their promotions over several days or even weeks. Double check when the sale starts so you don’t miss out.

Get notified

If there’s a particular retailer or product you’re interested in, sign up for notifications before the sales begin. This could mean joining an email list or enabling notifications from a retailer’s app.

It’s also worth getting your favourite shopping apps installed ahead of time. That way, you can browse offers and keep an eye on prices without having to wait until the day.

Cyber Monday

Black Friday isn’t the only date to keep in your diary. Cyber Monday takes place shortly after and is another major shopping event, particularly for online offers.

Some Black Friday promotions may continue into Cyber Monday, while other retailers may introduce new offers. If you haven’t found what you’re looking for on Black Friday, it can be worth checking again before the sales season ends.

Popular shops and shopping centres can get busy, particularly at peak times, so check opening hours and plan your journey before you set off.

Shopping online can give you another way to browse deals without heading into a busy store. Some retailers may also have exclusive online offers, so it’s worth checking their websites as well as their physical shops.

If you’re comparing offers, remember to check the full price, delivery costs and any terms and conditions before you buy.

Ready for Black Friday? Make your list, keep an eye on the deals and shop around to find an offer that works for you.

If you’re looking for a new bit of tech this Black Friday at O2, we’ve got you covered. From the latest smartphones to handy tablets, keep an eye out for our offers and see what takes your fancy.

iPhone Black Friday deals

Thinking about upgrading your iPhone? Black Friday could be a great time to check out our latest iPhone deals. Keep an eye out for offers across the latest models and find the one that’s right for you.

Samsung Black Friday deals

Fancy switching things up with a Samsung? Get ready for our Black Friday offers and look out for deals on the latest Samsung smartphones.

 Black Friday tablet offers

Go bigger this Black Friday with our range of tablet offers. Whether you’re after a tablet for streaming, browsing or staying connected on the go, explore our latest deals and find your next upgrade.

Our Black Friday Sale is coming soon, so keep your eyes peeled.