Black Friday week has officially arrived, bringing with it a wave of impressive discounts across major UK retailers. With the main event taking place on Friday 28th November 2025, shops including Currys, John Lewis and Amazon have already launched significant price reductions on popular products.
Expert-Approved Shopping Strategies
According to consumer analysis conducted by The Independent's team, Black Friday often presents better value than the traditional Boxing Day sales. Molly Greeves, consumer writer, examined 50 IndyBest-approved items and discovered that more than half were cheaper during Black Friday than in the post-Christmas period.
The key to finding genuine bargains lies in careful research and price tracking throughout the year. The Independent's experts test thousands of products annually, only highlighting deals on items they've personally tried and loved, or from brands known for their reliability.
Standout Technology Deals
Technology enthusiasts can find substantial savings on premium gadgets during this year's Black Friday event. Senior tech critic Alex Lee recommends sticking to brands the IndyBest team has tested and trusts for longevity.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 have been reduced from £229 to £169 at John Lewis, representing a significant saving on what tech critic David Phelan described as superior to the newer AirPods 4 in his review.
The Oura Ring 4, rarely discounted, offers a £100 reduction at Amazon, bringing the price down to £249. Alex Lee noted the improved durability, comfort and accuracy compared to previous generations.
Gaming fans can save £10 on the Nintendo Switch 2 at Argos, a modest but rare discount so soon after the console's summer launch. Meanwhile, the Meta Quest 3S has been reduced by £60 at Argos, making virtual reality more accessible.
Home and Beauty Bargains
Black Friday serves as an ideal opportunity to invest in high-quality home appliances and beauty products, with many items reaching their lowest prices of the year.
The Ninja Creami Deluxe Ice Cream Maker has been reduced from £249.99 to £179.99, while the Shark Clean and Empty Cordless Vacuum Cleaner offers powerful suction at just £198, down from £349.99.
In the beauty department, premium brands are participating with generous discounts. The Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Dreams Come True Christmas Make-up Gift Set, worth £430, is available for £272 at John Lewis. Meanwhile, the Dyson Airwrap i.d. Hair Styler has seen significant price reductions following the release of newer models, now available for £329 at AO.com.
Fashion and Mattress Discounts
Fashion retailers are joining the Black Friday festivities with discounts on winter wardrobe essentials and accessories. The M&S Cotton-Rich Belted Longline Trench Coat has been reduced from £80 to £64, while Radley's Mercer Street Suede Flapper Russet Bag offers an £80 saving.
For those considering a sleep upgrade, Black Friday presents rare opportunities to save on premium mattresses. The Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress has been discounted by £510, now priced at £1,189.30 for a double. The Dusk Memory Foam 2,000 Pocket Sprung Hybrid Mattress provides excellent value at £223.20 with the code EXTRA20.
Avoiding Fake Deals
Shoppers should remain vigilant during the Black Friday sales, as not all discounts represent genuine bargains. Prices on certain products, such as electric toothbrushes, fluctuate regularly throughout the year.
Experts recommend using price comparison tools like Camelcamelcamel for Amazon products and checking prices across multiple retailers before purchasing. The Independent's team tracks prices year-round to distinguish between authentic bargains and marketing tactics.
With just four days remaining until the main event, now is the time to research and prepare shopping lists to maximise savings during this annual shopping extravaganza.
