Black Friday 2024: Top tips for snagging the best bargains

Written by: Ryan O’Connell
Published on 14 November 2024

Black Friday, the annual shopping extravaganza known for jaw-dropping discounts and intense crowds, can be both exciting and overwhelming. As retailers roll out their biggest deals of the year, savvy shoppers need a game plan to make the most of the excessive number of deals to wade through.

Whether you're hunting for tech gadgets, fashion finds, or holiday gifts, being well-prepared can mean the difference between scoring great deals and missing out. Luckily, we are here to give you the essential Black Friday shopping tips you will need to navigate the sales smartly, avoid pitfalls, and ensure you walk away with the best bargains—without the stress or buyer’s remorse.

Black Friday: What You Need To Know

The first question you may be asking is when exactly is Black Friday. As it is a part of the Thanksgiving holiday corridor in the US, Black Friday moves around and can be a bit confusing for us across the pond in the UK.

Black Friday takes place the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, typically falling on the fourth Friday of November, but not always. In 2024, Black Friday is on the 29th of November. This marks the start of the holiday shopping season, with retailers offering significant discounts both in-store and online to attract eager shoppers.

However, just because Black Friday falls on 29th November, doesn’t mean that there will only be discounts available on that one day. Retailers have traditionally run their sales all weekend long, through to Cyber Monday (which falls on the 2nd of December this year). But, deals have slowly been released earlier and earlier each year. In fact, some early Black Friday deals have already dropped for 2024.

Even the best bargain hunters among us can get caught up in the hubbub of so many deals and discounts. Each year, more brands and stores find new ways to join in the fun of Black Friday, coming up with new ways to capture your attention. The way to come out on top of the Black Friday battle, is to go in prepared.

Here are our top tips for getting the most out of Black Friday:

Make a list and set a budget

Our first steps for ensuring you save in any shopping situation is to always make a list and set yourself a budget. With so many deals on so many products at so many stores, it is inevitable that you will be tempted by something if you go browsing.

By crafting a list of the items you want to pick up at a discount, you’ll be able to search for these items directly and see what deals are available without the distractions of other deals. Setting yourself a budget will also help to prevent yourself from overspending, as it will encourage you to keep track of your expenditure as you pick up bargains.

Get ready with research

Researching in advance is crucial for successful Black Friday shopping. Take time to compare prices across multiple retailers and track promotions on the items you want. Knowing the standard price helps identify genuine discounts and avoid misleading deals. This way, you can make sure you're getting the best value and make confident, informed purchase decisions when the big day arrives.

Sign Up for Newsletters

Looking to get early access and be the first to know when your favourite brands’ Black Friday sale is starting? Our top tip here is to sign up for their newsletter. A lot of retailers have begun offering early access as a way to encourage shoppers to sign up for their email marketing. Another perk is that email subscribers can sometimes benefit from extra discounts or deals that are exclusive to subscribers. Some top brands who offer early access to those with accounts include Pandora and Oliver Bonas.

Early bird gets the deal

Shopping early is key to securing the best Black Friday deals. Many retailers launch their promotions earlier in the week, so waiting until the last minute could mean missing out on popular items or sizes. By starting your shopping as soon as sales begin, you’ll have a better selection and a higher chance of snagging top deals.

Some of the retailers who have already kicked off their Black Friday sales include:

• John Lewis & Partners: Up to 20% off fashion, fragrances, makeup, and more.

• Currys: Up to 50% off laptops, washing machines and everything electronic.

• Argos: Lowest prices ever on hundreds of tech products, 50% off selected toys.

• Boots: 25% off top fragrances and makeup.

• Dyson: Save up to £150 on vacuums, hair tools, and more.

• Very: Black Friday deals, including up to 40% off top toys.

Utilise Apps and Websites

Leveraging apps and websites that track price drops is essential for a smart Black Friday strategy. These tools provide alerts when your chosen products go on sale, saving you the hassle of constant monitoring. They often include comparison features, allowing you to see which retailer offers the best deal. This proactive approach ensures you’re always informed and ready to save big.

Keep an Eye on Flash Sales

Many retailers host flash sales during Black Friday week, offering substantial discounts for a limited time. These deals often last only a few hours, so being alert is crucial. Set up notifications or check retailer websites frequently to stay ahead. Jumping on these flash sales can mean scoring high-demand items at unbeatable prices before they’re gone.

Check Social Media

Following retailers on social media platforms is a great way to get real-time updates on Black Friday promotions. Many brands share exclusive deals, surprise discounts, and limited-time codes on their pages. Social media also helps you stay informed about flash sales or stock updates. Engaging with these posts can also give you access to insider tips and special giveaways.

So those are our top tips for bagging those essential Black Friday bargains! If you’re finding Black Friday a bit overwhelming, we’ve got you covered. Check out our Black Friday hub to find some of the top deals, as well as some category sales, where to find top products and more. You can also pick up even more savings with one of our discount codes!