Black Friday 2026 falls on Friday 27 November, but the first deals arrive weeks earlier. This guide explains when it happens, what the name means, where it comes from and how to make the most of it before you buy.
When is Black Friday 2026? The date and the rule behind it
What day is Black Friday? It always falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving, the American holiday held on the fourth Thursday of November. Thanksgiving 2026 is on Thursday 26 November, which puts Black Friday on Friday 27 November, and it is why the date moves from one year to the next.
Black Friday UK follows the same calendar, even though Thanksgiving is not celebrated here and the day is not a bank holiday. For the Black Friday dates 2026, Cyber Monday follows three days later, on Monday 30 November.
The deals themselves do not wait for the day: Haier's Black Friday offers begin on 28 October. Find out how it works on the Haier Black Friday page and browse every discounted product.
What is Black Friday? The meaning of the name
Black Friday is the day of discounts that follows Thanksgiving, when retailers cut prices in shops and online and the Christmas shopping season gets under way. The meaning of the name is the interesting part: it has little to do with the deals and a lot to do with crowds.
Why is it called Black Friday? Three stories
The phrase dates back to the last century. Several explanations circulate, but only one of them is well documented.
The best-documented origin: Philadelphia's police
Researchers who traced the phrase found it in Philadelphia in the early 1960s, where police officers used it for the crowds and traffic jams that clogged the city centre the day after Thanksgiving, on the eve of the Army-Navy football game.
The department-store story
A popular tale says that in 1924 the Macy's department store kicked off the Christmas shopping season the day after Thanksgiving, and that the crush of shoppers gave the day its nickname. There is no evidence to back the link.
The accounting-ink story
Another often-repeated explanation says retailers moved from red ink (losses) to black ink (profits) on this day. It is catchy, but it is generally regarded as a later invention.
From one day to Black Week: the history of Black Friday
Black Friday began as a single day of discounts and has changed in three steps:
- One day. For years, everything happened on the Friday after Thanksgiving, in the shops.
- A longer sale. Deals spilled over into the weekend and then into whole weeks, giving rise to Black Week, which starts on the Monday before Black Friday and ends with Cyber Monday.
- Online and in store. With the growth of e-commerce, web offers and shop offers now sit side by side, open to everyone.
In Britain, the first Black Friday sales came from online retailers around 2010, and by 2012 and 2013 shops on the high street had joined in. Today it is a global event that millions of shoppers look forward to.
How long does Black Friday last, and when does it end?
Black Friday itself lasts a single day, but the promotions around it stretch much further: they start weeks in advance and many carry on through Black Week. The end date differs from one retailer to the next, so always check how long each offer is valid.
At Haier, all Black Friday discounts and promotions will end on December 1st.
Why do shoppers love it?
Two reasons keep it popular. The first is practical: lower prices make bigger purchases easier to afford. The second is emotional: hunting for a good deal feels like a small win, and for many people the thrill of the chase is half the fun.
Four habits for a smarter Black Friday
Is it worth waiting for Black Friday? It can be, if you shop with a plan. These four habits help:
- Write a list. Note what you genuinely need, separate the essentials from the nice-to-haves and set a maximum budget before you browse.
- Spot the offers early. Brands often announce deals through newsletters and social media before the day itself.
- Check the real saving. Compare the current price with the previous weeks instead of trusting the percentage on the label.
- Read the terms. Look at delivery times, extra costs and the returns policy before you pay.
Black Friday and home appliances: where to start
It is a good moment to replace an appliance that has seen better days. Washing machines, tumble dryers, fridge freezers, dishwashers and TVs are among the most popular categories, while ovens, hobs and cooker hoods suit anyone renovating a kitchen.
Want to see everything at once? Browse all the discounted Haier appliances, from washing machines to TVs.
Frequently asked questions about Black Friday
When does Black Friday start?
Officially, Black Friday starts on Friday 27 November 2026, but Haier's deals go live a month earlier, on 28 October. You can see them on the Black Friday deals page.
Why do Black Friday deals start before Black Friday?
Because the event has grown from a single day into a Black Week and beyond, and brands now launch their offers early so that shoppers have time to compare. At Haier, the offers start on 28 October.
How was Black Friday born?
The best-documented version points to Philadelphia in the early 1960s, where police used the phrase for the traffic and crowds after Thanksgiving. The tales about department stores and accounting ink are better known than proven.
Which categories are worth watching on Black Friday?
Start with whatever you actually need to replace: washing machines and tumble dryers, fridge freezers, dishwashers, ovens and hobs, or TVs. Set a budget, then compare models before you buy.
How do I avoid fake Black Friday deals?
Compare against the prices of previous weeks, use a price comparison site and add up the total cost, including delivery. To steer clear of scams, shop with retailers you know and trust.
What is the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving. Cyber Monday is the Monday that follows it, traditionally reserved for online shopping, and it closes Black Week.
