Every November, retailers promise their biggest discounts of the year. But if you’ve ever compared Black Friday prices in the US and the UK, you’ve probably wondered whether Americans really get the better deals. As with all international shopping comparisons, it usually depends on where the brand is based, and the products that you’re looking for, but in many cases, they do.

The US remains the birthplace of Black Friday, and many American retailers offer deeper discounts, wider product ranges, and exclusive promotions that never reach international markets. While that doesn’t necessarily mean every product is cheaper, for savvy shoppers, buying from US retailers unlocks genuine savings.

Here are some of your most frequently asked questions, including where the biggest bargains are usually found, and when shopping from the US makes financial sense.

Is Black Friday bigger in the US?

Black Friday originated in the United States and remains one of the country’s biggest retail events, so it’s where you’ll find the best bargains. What’s more, Black Friday isn’t just a day; many American retailers begin discounting weeks before Black Friday itself, with promotions often extending through Cyber Monday and into December. Competition between retailers is fierce, leading to significant discounts across the board.

So, although Black Friday has become firmly established in the UK, many British retailers don’t match the breadth of offers or product selection available in the US.

Which products are usually cheaper in the US?

Some categories consistently offer better value from American retailers.

Electronics

Laptops, headphones, gaming accessories, smart home devices, and computer components are often heavily discounted during US Black Friday sales. Many manufacturers launch promotions specifically for the American market.

Remember, always check compatibility with UK plugs and voltage before buying electrical products.

Beauty and skincare

US retailers frequently offer exclusive gift sets, buy-one-get-one promotions, limited-edition collections, and early holiday releases. Brands that rarely go on sale in the UK may receive significant discounts in the US, giving product-lovers the opportunity to grab a sought-after product at unbeatable prices.

Clothing and footwear

Many American fashion brands offer their biggest discounts during Black Friday. You’ll often find wider size ranges, US-exclusive colors, better stock availability, deeper percentage discounts, and fantastic offers on sports and outdoor equipment, as retailers specializing in outdoor gear, fitness equipment, and sporting goods often run aggressive Black Friday promotions that aren’t available internationally.

Toys and collectibles

Collectors often shop US Black Friday sales for trading cards, LEGO exclusives, action figures, limited-edition merchandise, holiday gift bundles. Often, these products sell out quickly in the UK but remain available through US retailers.

Why are some US prices lower?

Several factors contribute to lower prices overall in the United States. A key reason is that retail competition is intense, with large retailers competing directly against each other throughout the holiday season. The US market is also significantly larger, allowing retailers to negotiate lower wholesale prices and offer larger promotional discounts. Finally, many brands launch products in the US first, making exclusive bundles and limited editions easier to find.

When is shopping from the US worth it?

Shopping internationally makes the most sense when:

• The product isn’t available in the UK.
• The US discount is significantly larger.
• You’re shopping from multiple US retailers.
• You’re purchasing limited-edition products.

Don’t forget shipping and import costs

The cheapest listed price isn’t always the cheapest overall. Before ordering, consider international shipping costs, VAT, customs duties where applicable, and carrier handling charges.

Factoring in these costs will give you a more accurate picture of the final price.

Top tips for getting the best Black Friday deals

Make a shopping list early: Many of the biggest discounts sell out quickly. Knowing exactly what you want before sales begin helps you act fast.

Compare prices: Not every “deal” is actually a bargain. Checking prices across multiple retailers helps ensure you’re getting genuine savings.

Shop early: Many retailers now launch Black Friday promotions well before the event itself. Waiting until the day can sometimes mean missing out on the best stock.

Bundle purchases: If you’re buying from several US stores, combining purchases into one shipment can often reduce the overall shipping cost per item.

Watch for Cyber Monday: Some retailers reserve their biggest online discounts for Cyber Monday, particularly on electronics, software, and technology products. So, while it can pay to grab an offer before it sells out, it can also be worth holding your nerve to see what Cyber Monday brings.

Make the most of Black Friday shopping

Black Friday remains one of the best times of year to buy from US retailers. From exclusive products to deeper discounts, American stores often offer opportunities that simply aren’t available elsewhere. Before buying, compare the total cost, including shipping and any import charges, and plan your purchases in advance. If you’re shopping across multiple US retailers, consolidating your purchases into one international shipment can also help maximize your savings.