Black Friday 2025 is just around the corner, and shoppers worldwide are gearing up for massive deals. From the USA and UK to China and Japan, retailers—both online and offline—are preparing early for the festive season rush ahead of Christmas.
Image courtesy of Tokyoesque
As November begins, excitement is building across the globe. Retailers are decorating their stores, e-commerce platforms are teasing early deals, and shoppers everywhere are gearing up for the biggest shopping event of the year — Black Friday. Seen as the official gateway to the Christmas and holiday season, this annual sale has become more than just a day of discounts — it’s a worldwide celebration of style, tech, and smart shopping.
From luxury boutiques in Paris to online flash sales in Singapore, the countdown is on. Shoppers are already creating wishlists, comparing prices, and waiting for midnight deals to drop. For retailers, it’s a crucial moment to launch festive campaigns, clear inventories, and capture the attention of both loyal customers and new online browsers.
The Excitement Before the Frenzy
The days leading up to Black Friday have become a ritual in themselves. Brands start rolling out early offers — “pre-Black Friday” or “Black Week” — giving shoppers a taste of what’s coming.
Online platforms like Amazon, Shopee, and Lazada are already dropping teasers and limited-time deals, while traditional retailers prepare their window displays with bold SALE signs and Christmas-themed décor.
The air is filled with anticipation. For many, it’s not just about shopping — it’s about the thrill of finding that perfect deal, whether it’s a new smartphone, a cozy winter coat, or the latest gaming console.
Originally a U.S. tradition tied to Thanksgiving, Black Friday has evolved into a global retail celebration. Today, it’s recognized from London to Tokyo, Dubai to São Paulo, uniting shoppers under one shared passion — getting the best bargains before Christmas.
United States
The heart of Black Friday beats in the U.S., where it all began. Following Thanksgiving Thursday, Americans flood both malls and online stores in search of unbeatable discounts. Major retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target extend sales across the weekend into Cyber Monday, turning it into a five-day shopping festival. In recent years, online traffic has surpassed in-store visits, marking the dominance of e-commerce and same-day delivery systems.
China
While China is best known for Singles’ Day (11.11), Black Friday has found its niche among international shoppers seeking global brands. Platforms such as Tmall Global, JD Worldwide, and AliExpress promote Western products to Chinese consumers, while brands like Apple, Nike, and L’Oréal attract strong demand through cross-border e-commerce. Chinese consumers also view Black Friday as an extension of Singles’ Day, creating a month-long mega sale season.
United Kingdom
In the UK, Black Friday has become a major pre-Christmas retail event, embraced by both online and brick-and-mortar retailers. Stores like John Lewis, Argos, and Currys compete with Amazon UK for early shoppers, offering discounts on tech, fashion, and home goods. Many British consumers now prefer Cyber Week online deals to avoid crowded shopping centers, and 2025 is expected to see record digital participation.
Japan
In Japan, Black Friday arrived later — around 2016 — when Aeon and Amazon Japan began promoting it. Today, it’s a growing trend, blending seamlessly with Japan’s end-of-year shopping culture. Retailers like UNIQLO, Rakuten, and Bic Camera run Black Friday campaigns alongside Christmas promotions, offering high-quality deals on electronics, fashion, and gifts. Japanese consumers appreciate the event’s convenience and timing, allowing them to prepare for New Year festivities while securing great prices.
Top countries by Black Friday spending
· The United States remains the biggest spender. For example, U.S. online Black Friday sales reached about US $10.8 billion in 2024 — roughly 14% of global online sales on that day.
· The United Kingdom is also a major market. British consumers were projected to spend over £9 billion (≈US $10.3 billion) during the four-day Black Friday weekend in 2024.
· In Europe more broadly: countries like Germany had about €5.9 billion during the Black Friday / Cyber Monday period.
· At a per-person level: A survey found that in some European countries (e.g., Germany, Italy) average planned spend for Black Friday was about €326–€329 in 2024.
The once one-day sale has expanded into Black Week or even Cyber Month, with some brands running promotions until Christmas Eve.
Every year, certain categories dominate the global shopping carts — and 2025 will be no different.
1. Tech & Electronics – Smartphones, TVs, gaming consoles, and headphones are the stars of the show.
2. Fashion & Beauty – Seasonal collections, designer drops, and limited-edition gift sets take the spotlight.
3. Home & Lifestyle – From air fryers to furniture, this is the perfect moment to prepare homes for the holidays.
4. Travel Deals – Airlines and hotels are expected to roll out festive promotions, tempting travelers to plan early getaways.
Many brands also pair Black Friday with Christmas gift launches, giving shoppers the chance to start their holiday gifting early.
Behind the Scenes Retailers Prepare for the Rush
Weeks before the sales begin, retailers — both online and offline — are already working behind the scenes. Inventory levels are checked, warehouses are stocked, and logistics teams prepare for record-breaking deliveries. Marketing teams fine-tune their campaigns with AI-driven recommendations, influencer teasers, and email countdowns to build momentum.
It’s not just about offering discounts — it’s about crafting an experience. From exclusive pre-sale access for members to surprise “midnight drops,” retailers are turning Black Friday into a festive journey of discovery.
Shopping Smart This Black Friday
As the excitement builds, experts recommend a few simple strategies to make the most of the event:
· Plan Ahead: Make a wishlist of what you truly need and set a budget.
· Track Prices Early: Many apps can show whether a deal is genuine or inflated.
· Sign Up for Alerts: Early access codes often go to email subscribers or app users.
· Think Long-Term: Focus on quality items that last beyond the season.
· Support Sustainable Brands: Some companies offer eco-conscious deals or donate part of proceeds to charity.
Black Friday marks more than discounts — it signals the start of holiday cheer, gift-giving, and cozy winter gatherings. After a year of saving and waiting, shoppers around the world are ready to click add to cart.
So, as we count down the days to Black Friday 2025, the world watches, waits, and prepares for a weekend that blends shopping excitement, festive energy, and the promise of something special — just in time for Christmas.
