Black Friday vs Boxing Day sales - new research reveals a clear winner for the best bargains
Are you more likely to bag a deal on Black Friday or Boxing Day? Here's what the experts say
Black Friday might be an American invention, but brands and shoppers alike have fully embraced it. This year Black Friday sales officially kick-off on the 29th of November and will run until Monday (Cyber Monday). However, if you are wondering if you should hold off pressing buy until a better deal on Boxing day our advice would be to buy now.
Black Friday deals are usually stronger than those found in pre-Christmas or Boxing Day sales. The reason is that Black Friday has become the biggest sale event of the year in the UK in which nearly every retailer participates. You'll find many retailers offering site-wide discounts on new releases and bestsellers, The White Company deals are a perfect example of this, offering 20% off across the site.
In contrast, while you can find some serious bargains on Boxing Day they are usually focused on shifting surplus stock so they won't extend to new season products or bestsellers.
In an ITV Money Saving Expert Christmas Special, finance expert Martin Lewis proved this point by revealing that his team had found out of 50 popular items 70% of them were cheaper on Black Friday and 12% were cheaper in the pre-Christmas and Boxing Dale sales.
Nick Grey, founder and CEO at Gtechagrees saying: ‘Black Friday is now easily the biggest sale day of the year. With sales up to five times those of the traditional Boxing Day or January sales, it is definitely the one where the biggest savings are offered.’
Black Friday vs Boxing Day
Brett Janes, e-commerce expert at Salience Search Marketing reports that ‘based on 2021 shopping data, Boxing Day is now 25% smaller than Black Friday in terms of how many people visit online stores that day.’
'Black Friday is more associated with tech, and Boxing Day with home and fashion, but there are always exceptions.' Therefore, although data shows us that Black Friday's deals are the hot topic, it all boils down to what exactly it is you're after discounts on.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
If you are looking to get your hands on the best sofa you might be better snagging a deal on boxing day, while Black Friday will likely be the best time to pick up the best air fryer.
Are there still deals on Boxing Day?
Like we said there are still some deals to be had on Boxing day, and it's when you are actually likely to find some serious steals on items they're hoping to shift before the Spring and Summer collections land in store.
It is also worth noting that some powerhouses on the UK furniture scene do still avoid partaking in the Black Friday sales. For example, Next famously holds it's biggest sale event of the year on Boxing Day.
Shoppers, be warned though as in the past, Black Friday sales were often disputed as a con as 'retailers double the price of products in the days prior to Black Friday, only to then offer a 50% discount during the event,' alerts Gilson Pereira, marking director at Zendbox. However, the simple solution to combat this is to do your research prior to ensure you're bagging a genuine, irresistible deal.
Ultimately, 'anyone looking to bag a deal this holiday season is to shop early,' advises John Upton, head of merchandising at OnBuy. With cost of living worries at the forefront of many's minds, taking advantage of the incredible deal you've been eyeing is never a bad idea.
Our top three Black Friday deals
This is the original cult sell-out air fryer and It is currently the lowest price we've seen.
This dehumidifier has a powerful extraction rate for its size and is a steal at under £100.
One of Simba's bestselling mattresses it is currently reduced to a much more purse-friendly £600.
Jullia is Ideal Home’s Junior Writer and the Ideal Home Certified Expert in Training on Vacuums, having spent over 60 hours testing different models. She’s always loved all things homes and interiors, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Studies from the University of Nottingham where her love for writing blossomed following her internship at ArchDaily. Now focused on home tech and cleaning, Jullia works on writing features and explainers to help people make the most of their home appliance investments, putting the newest launches through their paces. When she isn’t writing, she loves exploring the city, coffee shop hopping, and losing hours to a cosy game or book.
-
5 decluttering trends to try in 2025 – these are the trends taking off on social media at the moment
The experts share their top tips for getting on top of clutter this year
By Ellis Cochrane
-
‘We decorated by using colour to influence how we feel in each space.'
Check out this luxurious, well- thought-out family home, packed with stunning design features and striking artwork
By Marisha Taylor
-
How to care for Fiddle Leaf Fig to make the most of this swoon-worthy statement plant
It brings a tropical flair to any interior scheme
By Holly Reaney
-
Does Next do Black Friday? This is the best time to shop the high street brand, according to insiders
Get your basket ready for when the sale launches
By Holly Cockburn
-
I've had this Pooky light on my wishlist for months - this is the deal that's making me hit 'buy'
An early Christmas present from me, to me...
By Holly Cockburn
-
This bestseller Pro Breeze dehumidifier is currently on sale for under £100 – it's a steal at this price
It's the cheapest we've seen it so far
By Jullia Joson
-
The White Company deals – the best savings on this iconic brand
What to pick up on offer, and the best times to find deals
By Amy Lockwood
-
How to find the best furniture deals from brands like John Lewis, Habitat, Heal's and more
When and where to shop for top savings on key furniture buys
By Amy Lockwood
-
Dehumidifier deals – when and where to get the best savings on Meaco, De'Longhi, Pro Breeze, and more
How to snap up your best defence against damp and mould for less
By Amy Lockwood
-
Argos has cut the price on its Christmas decorations - including a 7ft tree for under £35
Deck the halls with boucle stockings, sparkling gold baubles and a finishing-touch wreath
By Holly Cockburn
-
La Redoute is having a massive Cyber Monday sale and these are the key pieces we're shopping
The Cyber weekend is here! Will you be picking up any of these La Redoute Cyber Monday bargains?
By Amy Hunt