The Ultimate Black Friday Shopping Guide for 2025

Summary of Black Friday 2025

Black Friday, held on November 28, 2025, marks the start of the holiday shopping season with significant sales both online and in stores. Originating in the 1950s Philadelphia as a term describing post-Thanksgiving crowds, it evolved into a profitable retail event symbolizing retailers moving “into the black.” Now a global phenomenon, Black Friday reflects economic health and shifting consumer values, including a focus on sustainability. Retailers leverage technology like AI and mobile commerce to attract shoppers, while consumers increasingly start shopping early and prioritize ethical purchases. However, the event also faces challenges such as cybersecurity threats and physical safety concerns. Black Friday 2025 continues to showcase evolving spending habits balancing value and mindfulness, with related events like Cyber Monday expanding the shopping period.

Historical Context and Evolution

Initially used negatively by Philadelphia police in the 1950s, “Black Friday” was rebranded in the 1980s to signify retail profitability after Thanksgiving. The event expanded nationwide and internationally, influencing shopping cultures in countries like Canada and the UK. Recent trends show younger consumers favoring sustainable and ethical products, prompting retailers to adapt. Online scams have increased with the event’s growth, necessitating greater consumer vigilance.

2025 Shopping Trends and Consumer Behavior

Black Friday 2025 falls on November 28, with retailers continuing to use advanced technology for personalized promotions. About 63% of shoppers plan to start holiday buying early, requiring brands to announce deals sooner. Discounts average around 28%, focusing on categories like gaming, toys, and home tech. Online shopping dominates, with 71% of purchases made digitally and mobile commerce growing to 63% of Cyber Monday sales. Influencer marketing and AI tools increasingly influence purchases, while consumers combine planned and impulse buys. Despite nominal spending growth, inflation-adjusted sales remain flat, highlighting strategic consumer behavior amid rising cybersecurity risks.

Sales Performance and Economic Impact

Black Friday 2024 saw $74.4 billion in global spending, with U.S. online sales reaching $10.8 billion, growing faster than in-store sales. Flexible payment options and big-ticket electronics drove significant sales spikes. Retailers offered discounts averaging 28%, with Amazon generating nearly $900 million. Macroeconomic factors like inflation and employment influence spending patterns, with many consumers maintaining or modestly increasing budgets. The event reflects cautious yet focused consumer behavior, emphasizing durable goods and sustainability in purchasing decisions.

Shopping Preparation and Strategies

To navigate Black Friday effectively, shoppers are advised to plan purchases with lists and budgets, emphasizing ethical and sustainable products. “Buy Now, Pay Later” options provide payment flexibility, but potential tariff-related price increases may affect discounts. Retailers like Amazon are expected to maintain strong deals. These strategies help consumers maximize value and avoid impulsive spending during the 2025 shopping season.

Shopping Methods and Technological Innovations

AI-powered shopping tools are rapidly adopted, with a 1,950% increase in chatbot-driven retail traffic and over half of shoppers planning to use AI assistance in 2025. Mobile shopping dominates, accounting for about 70% of Black Friday purchases in 2024, and social commerce platforms like SHEIN and TikTok Shop influence buying habits. These technologies enhance personalized experiences and convenience, reshaping how consumers engage with Black Friday sales.

Safety and Security Concerns

Black Friday 2025 poses physical and cybersecurity risks. Crowded stores require vigilance to avoid accidents and theft. Online, cybercriminals exploit AI and sophisticated scams, with phishing and QR code fraud rising sharply. Consumers should use secure websites, avoid suspicious links, update passwords regularly, and verify deals through official channels. While AI enhances shopping, it also introduces security vulnerabilities, making year-round cybersecurity awareness essential for a safe shopping experience.

Retail and Economic Influence

Black Friday significantly affects retail and the economy, with e-commerce sales growing 14.6% in 2024 versus minimal in-store gains. The extended “Cyber Week” promotes planned buying and sustained sales, with Amazon showing strong growth. Consumer spending rose 4%, boosted by deep discounts on popular categories. A shift towards mindful, sustainable shopping is influencing retail strategies, emphasizing durable goods and ethical products. Black Friday remains a key period for retailers to move into profitability after annual losses.

Related Events and Global Reach

Cyber Monday, immediately following Black Friday, features exclusive online deals and is predicted to exceed $14 billion in U.S. sales in 2025. Internationally, events like Mexico’s El Buen Fin mirror Black Friday to stimulate spending. The event’s meaning has transformed from a day of chaos to a symbol of retail profitability, now embraced worldwide as a major shopping tradition.

Future Outlook and Innovations

Black Friday 2025 will be shaped by AI integration, with personalized recommendations and chatbots enhancing shopping. Consumer focus on sustainability, especially among younger generations, encourages brands to align marketing with ethical values. Digital-first and socially integrated platforms continue to grow, reducing traditional in-store shopping. Retailers are adopting early, respectful communication and transparency in AI usage to meet evolving consumer expectations and maintain engagement.

The content is provided by Sierra Knightley, Scopewires