Black Friday may not bring the same level of chaos we saw during the pandemic years, but 2025 isn’t exactly a smooth ride either. With inflation doing its thing and supply challenges popping up here and there, the shopping season could get interesting. So, whether you’re worried about rising prices or just don’t want to miss out on the best bargains, prepping early is your safest bet.
To help you make the most of every discount — not just on Black Friday Sale but throughout the entire festive shopping window — here’s your go-to guide. From knowing when to start hunting to keeping your budget tight and avoiding classic pitfalls, this Black Friday Sale 2025 plan has you sorted.
Plan Your Budget Ahead of Time
If you want a successful Black Friday, it all starts with planning. Set a clear budget before you get swept up in the hype. When everything is getting more expensive, people are stressed about money, so you have to be more careful about your spending. Make a list of who you’re buying for, set spending limits, and stay open to switching gift ideas if a better deal pops up.
Price Check Before the Madness Begins
Checking prices before Black Friday isn’t cheating — it’s strategy. Knowing the usual cost of items gives you clarity when discounts roll out. And because many retailers start pushing early Black Friday deals, you could save yourself the headache of slow websites and overcrowded carts.
For example, if outdoor chair covers normally cost £10.14, you might easily save 20% or more just by watching prices ahead of time.
Keep an Eye on Black Friday Ads
The moment ads start appearing, dive in. Look at your usual favourite stores, but also keep an eye on the unexpected ones — sometimes places like Staples or Best Buy run surprisingly good local offers. Watch for time limits, day-specific deals and any “while stocks last” fine print.
Welcome to the Online Shopping Era
Black Friday and online shopping now go hand in hand. With in-store and online deals almost identical in 2025, price comparison becomes your best friend.
If you’re buying custom patio covers, compare across the site — fabric type often affects the price. Yes, online shopping comes with risks like limited-time deals or site crashes, but the convenience and savings still make it worth it.
Bookmark Before the Rush
Bookmarking isn’t old-school — it’s efficient. Save product pages ahead of time so you’re not scrambling when deals go live. Some retailers release specific Black Friday URLs, so bookmarking their homepage is a clever backup.
If you’re eyeing outdoor kitchen covers, outdoor table covers or anything similar, save them early — one less thing to forget when the rush hits.
Know the Limits of Price Matching
Many major retailers pause price matching from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday. Some may extend policies through December, but never assume. Stay informed so you’re not caught off guard when a store politely says, “No price match today.”
Don’t Sleep on Early Black Friday Deals
With many physical stores closing on Thanksgiving Day, early online deals are where the real action begins. Jump in early. Some of the best bargains drop before Black Friday even arrives.
Have Backup Gift Plans Ready
In a typical year, high-demand items might sell out easily, and your favourite item might not see a price drop. And the “perfect gift” sometimes refuses to appear at the price you want. Avoid panic buying by prepping backup options. A solid Plan B saves time, stress, and your budget.
Expect Delivery Delays — and Plan Around Them
Logistics can get messy during peak season, so extend your shopping timeline. Retailers usually share shipping cut-off dates on their websites but delays still happen.
If you’re ordering dangerously close to the holidays, set aside a little extra for expedited shipping. It could be the difference between a perfectly timed surprise and an awkward “your gift is arriving next week” message.
Maximise Every Saving
Black Friday isn’t just about a good discount — it’s about stacking every saving you can. Stay connected to apps, notifications and retailer updates, so you never miss last-minute drops or bonus offers.
Avoid the Impulse-Trap
Online shopping makes it easier to stick to your list — because no one is tempting you with goodies at the tills. Still, the thrill of a good deal can push you to throw in “just one more thing.”
Resist.
Those “free gifts” tied to a £200 minimum spend? They’re rarely worth blowing your budget over — even if it’s a free outdoor cushion cover.
Be Wary of “Final Sale” Temptations
Black Friday often pushes out tempting markdowns labelled “final sale.” Before you click “buy,” check the return policy. Big purchases, especially furniture, can come with strict no-return rules. Make sure you’re okay with the item or at least have a garden furniture cover that suits it, because you might be stuck with it.
Stay Organised from Start to Finish
If you’re doing everything online, create an email folder for order confirmations. After shopping, set up a quick spreadsheet with product names, retailers, price, deal dates, and return details. Right there — you’ve just turned Black Friday chaos into efficiency.
Use Social Media to Your Advantage
Start following your favourite brands now. Many retailers tease deals, release early access codes, or drop exclusive coupons on social media.
Before you shop, scout for promo codes on manufacturer sites and store pages. If you’re going in-store, check local newspapers and circulars for printable coupons too.
The more you scroll smartly, the more you save.
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