If you thought it was too early to start thinking about Black Friday 2021, you might be right, but also fail to prepare, prepare to fail. We are planners and with the way the online shopping landscape has changed in the last year, it is never to early to do your research.
Last year, we saw everything from cheap coffee machines to affordable Fitbit trackers, bargain Amazon Echo devices and personal care items – hair straighteners and dryers, electric toothbrushes and shavers – all sell for mega cheap prices. Who knows what is in store this year, but if you are already thinking about your Black Friday 2021 purchases, then we have your back. Read on to find out what we know so far.
When is Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021?
For 2021, Black Friday falls on the 26th November, and Cyber Monday is on the 29th November.
What is Black Friday? What is Cyber Monday?
Black Friday actually started in the USA. The term had previously been used for bad economic events like Friday 24th September 1969 when a group of financiers tried to manipulate the gold market, leading to an economic crash. However, it was then applied to the shopping chaos that was noted in Philadelphia on the Friday after Thanksgiving in 1961 and the name has stuck. With many people taking this day off and using it to begin their Christmas shopping, it is one of the busiest days in the commercial calendar, both in malls and online.
Black Friday is no longer just a US phenomenon – it's gained unstoppable momentum in the UK over recent years, too. Along with Cyber Monday, both events are loved by bargain hunters as they offer the chance to make big savings on everything from tech to furniture and more. With Black Friday weekend falling around a month before Christmas, it is a great opportunity to bag Christmas gifts and winter deals, too.
What is the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Not a great deal really, since many deals run from Black Friday through to Cyber Monday and beyond. Once upon a time, Black Friday offered great deals on consumer electronics, while Cyber Monday focused more on clothing and jewellery bargains. Now, though, you can get great deals on everything across the entire weekend.
What can you buy for your home on Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Lots of things! From mattress deals to TV sales, so it's possibly the best time of the year for shopping, big or small. With homeware brands ever more attuned to the Black Friday and Cyber Monday buzz, we saw big savings from well-known brands this year.
When it comes to home tech and appliances, Amazon, Walmart, and John Lewis are probably your best bet. Other retailers worth watching include Wayfair and Habitat. Big savings on furniture and homeware can be expected everywhere from Home Depot to Anthropologie.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2020 bestsellers
Want to know what sold well during Black Friday and Cyber Monday last year? Have a nose below.
Our top tips for bagging a Black Friday and Cyber Monday deal next year
1. Sign up to mailing lists: Subscribe to newsletter lists from your favourite retailers to be informed of deals as they drop. You can also sign up for our newsletter because we will be sharing the best home deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
2. Be prepared to research: Retailers will surface some of their best deals on homepages and top pages, but also the ones they want rid of or the ones they think will get the most traffic to the site. This is why it pays to navigate away from the main Black Friday landing pages. If you know what product you are after, head to that section of the site and get ready to scroll.
3. Check out the lesser known brands: The biggest brands may have the buying power to offer the best discounts, but they will also be the busiest sites and stock is more likely to go quickly. Look for lesser known retailers (check their reviews on Trustpilot first) and see if they have the products you are after.
How to shop safely during Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Just as you would usually, ensure you're shopping securely. Paying by credit card will give you more protection than paying by debit card. If you pay with PayPal or another third party payment service, you may not be eligible for these payment protections.
