Black Friday 2020 is still happening despite the fact that England is in a second lockdown at the moment. However, Black Friday this year is going to be quite different from years past.
Gone will be the giant crowds surging into stores all at once to grab discounted TVs and toasters in the Black Friday sale, instead you can expect a day that abides by current rules and restrictions. So think social distancing and staying at home!
Here is how Black Friday is still happening in the second lockdown and how to get the best deals this year…
How is Black Friday still happening in the second lockdown?
As you know, non-essential shops are currently closed until 2 December (at the earliest). That’s the bad news for Black Friday sales. The good news is that Black Friday – which occurs on and around 27 November – is still happening during the second lockdown because it will be mainly online.
The benefits of internet shopping means you won’t need to queue outside your favourite stores and you’ll avoid the crowds and aching feet. The drawbacks are you can’t take a closer look at what you’re buying and you have to be ready to accept numerous deliveries.
How to find the best Black Friday deals in lockdown…
With Black Friday mainly taking place online this year, there are more deals than ever before across hundreds of brands. Finding the discounts isn’t always easy – especially when you’re under time pressure – so we’ve done some of the hard work for you.
We’ve been super busy at Good to Know sourcing the best Black Friday deals so you don’t have to. To make your life easier, do your research beforehand and make a list of what you’d like to buy. This will help you find the best deals for when sales are live, and you’ll be less likely to impulse buy. If you want to avoid being scammed, buy from reputable websites – either from brands you know and trust, or check Trustpilot reviews before purchasing.
Check out our pick of the best products to buy right now at the best prices here:
- Best early Black Friday Kitchenaid mixer deals
- Best early Black Friday instant pot deals
- Best early Black Friday Disney deals
- Best early Black Friday toy deals
- Best early Black Friday baby product deals
- Best early Black Friday car seat deals
- Best early Black Friday trampoline deals
- Best early Black Friday blender deals
- Best early Black Friday Nutribullet deals
- Best early Black Friday deals on tablet for kids
- Best early Black Friday toaster deals
- Best bread maker deals
Plus, check out our top tips for shopping the Black Friday sales online this year:
1. Sign up to newsletters
To be the first to know about deals as and when they’re released, sign up to the newsletters of your favourite stores and retailers selling specific items you’d like to buy. Be sure to check your junk folder so you don’t miss any!
2. Keep an eye out for pre-Black Friday deals
There are already pre-Black Friday promotions online. These are some of the best:
- Amazon is urging people to ‘shop early, relax later’ and has Early Black Friday Deals running from 26 Oct-19 Nov. There are also Amazon’s daily Lightening Deals – these are for a limited time and need to be claimed early before they run out.
- Boots is doing a month of Black Friday deals, as is Superdrug – both stores are great for gifts and stocking up on essentials.
- Currys and PC World are also offering Black Friday deals now, or they’ll refund the difference.
- Wayfair currently has a 48 hours sale and expect more deals, while Ebay is offering up to 30% off until 12 November as a pre-Black Friday incentive.
- Very’s Black Friday deals are up and running, as is Mango’s pre-Black Friday sale. Cath Kidston is promoting Holly Jolly offers, and JD Sports is having a Black Friday preview with up to 50% off footwear and accessories.
We’ll let you know about more early Black Friday deals when they happen, so watch this space.
3. Regularly visit Good to Know
We’re frequently updating our website with the latest info and deals from a range of big retailers, including Argos and sports retailer Wiggle. For all-things home-related head to our round up of the best Lakeland Black Friday deals or treat yourself or loved ones to something gorgeous from our pick of the best deals at Cath Kidston right now.
4. Stay up late on Thursday 26 November
If you’re a night owl or willing to stay up late to bag a brilliant bargain, we recommend lots of coffee or setting your alarm so you can go online as the clock strikes midnight. Some of the best deals will go live at 00:01am on Black Friday and as the saying goes, the (very) early bird catches the worm.
5. Expect discounts throughout December
Some retailers, such as Primark, don’t have an online shopping platform. “What we’ve seen with Primark is when people are able to shop they prefer to shop with us than do so online,” AB Foods chief executive George Weston told the Retail Gazette.
So when lockdown ends (if it ends when planned) and non-essential retailers can eventually re-open in December, you can expect to see sales, deals and discounts in shops all the way up to Christmas. You’ll just need to be prepared to visit them with your face mask and hand sanitiser in tow.
