The biggest shopping event of the year, Black Friday delivers savings on everything from luxury fashion to trending beauty, brand-new tech, must-have appliances, and more.
Your best chance to save on Christmas shopping, stock up on favourites for the new year, or finally make that big investment: the countdown to Black Friday 2026 is officially on.
As a shopping editor who’s covered the sale for six years, I’ll be handpicking the very best deals here throughout the event. Expect Ninja air fryers, Ring doorbells and Medicube skincare, alongside Coach bags, Dyson hair tools, Simba mattresses and Shark vacuums.
Black Friday has long been a major date in the retail calendar, but the post-pandemic boom of online shopping has replaced queues on Oxford Street with browsing from the comfort of your own sofa.
But when faced with thousands of online offers from countless retailers and brands, Black Friday can equally feel overwhelming at best – and that’s where I come in. Consider this your cheat sheet to Black Friday 2026, from dates to deals to expect – and the best early discounts to shop now.
When is Black Friday 2026?
Black Friday historically falls on the Friday immediately after Thanksgiving in the United States. In 2026, Black Friday will take place on Friday 27 November, with Cyber Monday – traditionally the online-only day of the sale, which now concludes Black Friday – following on Monday 30 November.
Although Black Friday once lasted for just one day, many retailers now launch their promotions weeks in advance. This extended shopping period, often called Black November, allows consumers to compare prices and spread out their purchases rather than rushing to find bargains on a single day.
In the UK, major retailers such as Amazon, Currys, John Lewis and Argos regularly participate in the event. Their offers can cover a wide range of products, including televisions, smartphones, laptops, kitchen appliances, clothing and beauty products. The discounts continue through the weekend and into Cyber Monday – often getting bigger and better.
What is Black Friday?
Black Friday is an annual shopping event during which retailers offer discounts and deals across a wide variety of products, getting rid of stock ahead of the new year. Originating in the US, Black Friday has expanded internationally and is now a global event.
The name is commonly associated with the period when retailers aim to move from operating at a loss to making a profit, traditionally described as moving from the red into the black in accounting terms.
There are always huge savings on beauty to be had
Nessa Humayun/The Standard
Black Friday is the best time of the year to invest in expensive items at their lowest-ever prices, prepare for Christmas and find gifts without paying full price. Popular categories include big-ticket tech, gaming devices, premium home appliances, designer fashion, toys and beauty products.
However, not every discount represents a genuine saving. Comparing prices across retailers and checking a product's previous selling price can help shoppers distinguish worthwhile bargains from year-round promotions. Planning purchases also reduces the risk of overspending on products they do not really need.
What were last year’s best Black Friday deals?
Black Friday 2025 featured discounts across technology, homeware, beauty and fashion.
Apple AirPods are always among the most heavily discounted products
David Phelan/The Standard
Among the standout deals were the Apple AirPods Pro 2, reduced from £229 to £169 at John Lewis, and the Ninja Creami Deluxe ice cream maker, discounted from £249.99 to £188.99. The Oral-B iO2 electric toothbrush was also available for £39.99, down from £64.38, while the Ninja Crispi air fryer fell from £149.99 to £114 on Amazon.
Beauty lovers could find the Marc Jacobs Daisy 30ml fragrance for £37.50, reduced from £75 at Superdrug. Meanwhile, a GHD Platinum+ straightener and Helios hair dryer bundle dropped from £418 to £293.
Best early Black Friday deals
Dyson airwrap i.d hair styler
Amazon
The airwrap i.d has been treated to a rare £130 price cut. A game changer for styling your hair at home, the AI-powered hair tool works with the brand’s Bluetooth app to adjust the heat and airflow, helping you achieve the perfect curls or a bouncy blow-dry. I use mine for everything from drying and taming frizz to curling and sleek looks – it’s that versatile.
Ninja Air Fryer MAX PRO 6.2L AF180UK
Shark
Air fryers may feel as though they’ve had their moment in the spotlight a while back, but they’re still very much the star of the kitchen, and Ninja continues to lead the pack. This is the compact model I use at home. It helps maximise worktop space, with its large 6.2L drawer fitting up to four chicken breasts, plenty of chips, salmon fillets, burgers and more.
Calvin Klein Men’s 3 Pack Trunks with Logo Waistband
Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein
The enduring appeal of Calvin Klein’s lingerie lies in its marriage of comfort and subtle sexiness – embodied in the brand’s monochrome ads, from Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg’s iconic 1990s campaign to this year’s shoot starring Dakota Johnson. If you or your partner’s underwear drawer is in need of a refresh, take advantage of this deal on a three-pack of Calvin Klein boxers.
Prada paradox eau de parfum
Lookfantastic
Not only will Prada’s Paradoxe Eau de Parfum look gorgeous on any dresser, but its feminine, floral ambery fragrance will earn you countless compliments. Light and crisp with notes of neroli, amber accords add warmth and long-lasting depth. With 20 per cent off, why not get ahead with Christmas gifting?