Black Friday 2026: how to tell a real deal from a rerun

Black Friday falls on Friday 27 November 2026, with Cyber Monday on 30 November. In practice, most UK retailers now run offers for the whole fortnight before, and some start in early November.

Check the price history, not the 'was' price

A crossed-out price tells you what the store says the item used to cost. UK consumer law says that reference price must not mislead, but it can still be a price that only held for a short time. A price-tracking tool shows what the item actually sold for over the last few months.

Watch for different model numbers

Tech is the category to watch. Some TVs and laptops sold over Black Friday are versions made for the event, with a slightly different model number and spec. Compare the full model number before you compare prices.

Stack a code on top

Many stores still accept discount codes during their sale, especially newsletter and student codes. Try your code at checkout before you pay. The worst outcome is the box saying no.

• Make a list now of what you actually need, with today's prices.
• Set price alerts on the big items.
• Sign up to store newsletters a week ahead: welcome codes often arrive within minutes.
• Check returns windows. Many stores extend them over Christmas.

Our plan

We'll run a live Black Friday page from mid-November, updated through the day, with every code checked before it goes up. Turn on alerts for your favourite stores and we'll email you when a new code lands.