Black Friday in Portugal is almost here, which means the year’s most anticipated discounts are just around the corner! If you want to take advantage of the biggest deals on technology, fashion or home décor — or even get a head start on your Christmas shopping — this guide explains when Black Friday takes place, the 2025 date, which shops to look out for, and how to avoid falling for fake promotions.
What is Black Friday?
The famous Black Friday is one of those days that barely needs an introduction. It started in the United States and always takes place on the Friday following Thanksgiving Day — a major holiday dedicated to gratitude and sharing.
The next day, the whole country dives into a shopping frenzy, with stores slashing their prices and people queuing outside shopping centres.
The name “Black Friday” has several explanations, but the most widely accepted is that, on that day, shop accounts went from being “in the red” (losses) to “in the black” (profit) — a good omen for the start of the Christmas season. Over time, the concept spread across the world, and today it’s almost impossible to escape it.
In Portugal, Black Friday arrived a few years ago and has already become a date many look forward to, whether for buying a winter coat or essential home appliances and décor pieces.
When is Black Friday in Portugal in 2025?
In 2025, Black Friday will take place on 28 November, the last Friday of the month. However, the event has long since gone beyond a single day of discounts.
Many shops extend their offers throughout the entire month of November, especially over the following weekend, when prices drop even further.
For those with Secret Santa dinners planned for early December, Black Friday couldn’t come at a better time — it’s the perfect opportunity to buy that special gift at a much better price.
Black Week and Black Month: why Black Friday no longer lasts just one day
In recent years, Black Friday has evolved from a single Friday into what’s now called Black Week — or even Black Month. The reason is simple:
- Retailers realised that customers like having time to compare prices and grab the best deals.
As a result, it’s increasingly common to see brands launching campaigns at the beginning of the month and extending discounts until the Sunday after Black Friday. It’s a strategy that benefits both retailers and consumers in Portugal, as it helps to reduce the pressure of that one hectic Friday.
You get more time to make thoughtful decisions and see what’s really worth buying.
How to make the most of November discounts
Now that you understand what Black Friday represents, you should also learn how to make the most of these discounts. You can, for instance:
- Explore your favourite clothing, décor or tech shops’ websites and identify the products that truly make sense for you.
- Add the items you like most to your wish list or online basket. Some shops may require you to register with your phone number or email. Subscribing to newsletters can also help you access exclusive or stackable discounts.
- Monitor price changes in your account over the weeks leading up to Black Friday. Some websites, especially electronics ones, show price history, allowing you to check if the discount is genuine.
- Plan your purchases in advance. Set a budget and avoid impulse buying — not everything on sale is necessarily a good deal.
Cyber Monday: the perfect day to buy tech online
If you think the sales end on Black Friday, think again. Right after comes Cyber Monday. This day was created in 2005, also in the United States, to encourage online shopping.
While Black Friday was originally linked to in-store sales, Cyber Monday focused on online retailers, particularly for tech, home appliances and gadgets.
Today, the line between the two events has blurred, with many offers starting on Friday and continuing through to Monday. Many brands bridge the two days with progressive discounts.
In Portugal, Cyber Monday has also gained popularity and could be your chance to buy that smart TV or computer your home needs — ideal if you prefer online shopping or missed out on Friday’s offers.
Shops with Black Friday 2025 discounts in Portugal (some have already started)
Even before the big day arrives, several shops are already gearing up for Black Friday. It’s becoming increasingly common to see “pre-Black Friday” campaigns launching in late October and early November, offering early discounts and promotional codes.
Among the most active retailers are major chains like Worten, Fnac and El Corte Inglés, as well as online giants such as Amazon, Springfield, Sephora and Nike.
Tech and electronics stores remain the most sought-after, but in recent years, fashion, cosmetics and even furniture have gained prominence.
In addition, many small Portuguese businesses and brands now take part in the event, creating special promotions or exclusive offers. Black Friday is no longer just about big retailers — it’s also a great opportunity to support local commerce and contribute to your region’s economy.
How to know if a discount is real
With so many promotions circulating online, it’s normal to question whether prices and discounts are genuine.
Tips for spotting fake discounts and avoiding scams
When hunting for bargains, everyone wants to be sure they’re really getting “the deal” of the year. To identify fake promotions and avoid fraud:
- Track the product’s price evolution over previous weeks.
- Compare prices for the same item across different shops.
- Check store reviews, paying attention to comments about delays, difficult returns, or misleading pricing.
- Be aware that some products may vary significantly in final price as well as in delivery, warranty or return conditions.
Online shopping safety during Black Friday
To ensure greater safety when shopping during Black Friday, be wary of prices that seem too good to be true — they may be a sign of fraud.
Always verify that the website is secure (the address should begin with https:// and display a padlock icon) and that its layout looks legitimate. Also be cautious of sites that only accept unprotected payment methods, as this may indicate a scam — a problem that has become increasingly common.