What is Black Friday and Why It Matters in the Netherlands
Black Friday is a major shopping day offering large discounts, originally from the U.S., but now widely adopted by Dutch retailers for online and offline promotions.
Since its introduction in the Netherlands around 2015, Black Friday has grown rapidly in popularity. Recent surveys show that around 59% of Dutch shoppers took part in Black Friday in 2023. It’s no longer just “one day” — many retailers extend it into Black Week or a full promotional period.
Why does it matter? For shoppers in the Netherlands, it means access to:
-
Significant discounts across brands and categories
-
Early holiday-gifting opportunities
-
Online convenience (fast delivery, return options)
For you as a buyer, it’s a chance to get high-value items at lower cost — if you prepare correctly.
When Does Black Friday 2025 Start & How Long Does It Run?
While the official Black Friday day in 2025 falls on the fourth Friday in November, in practice, many Dutch e-shops start earlier and run deals for several days or even a week.
In 2024, data show that the “Black Week” concept in the Netherlands is already bigger than the single day: between 22-28 Nov, online transactions surged by 27% year-on-year. That means for 2025 you should expect:
-
Early deals and previews from the week before
-
Peak promotions on Black Friday itself (in 2025 likely Fri 28 Nov)
-
Continued promos through Cyber Monday and into early December
What this means for you:
Mark your calendar early, monitor deal alerts, subscribe to newsletters from key retailers (including your own store!), and be ready the week of the event—not just the one day.
Which Product Categories Offer the Best Deals?
In the Netherlands, top-deal categories for Black Friday include electronics, fashion, home & living items, and increasingly gifts & experiences.
Electronics & Gadgets
Deals on TVs, laptops, headphones, and smartphones are consistently among the best. One survey found electronics accounted for ~50% of planned Black Week purchases.
If you’re shopping for tech, set your target models early and monitor price drops. Use price-history tools.
Fashion & Footwear
Clothing, shoes, and accessories remain strong: in 2023, ~48% of Dutch Black Friday purchases were in the clothing category.
Tip: check size availability, shipping policies, and return conditions, especially for discounted items.
Home & Living
Home décor, small appliances, and furnishings are growing in popularity. For instance, home accessories and sports articles showed an increasing share in 2023.
If you’ve been planning a home upgrade, Black Friday can be your moment.
Gifts & Experiences
Since Black Friday now overlaps with the holiday gifting season (especially in the Netherlands with Sinterklaas in early December), many shoppers use this time to secure gifts. Surveys show ~75% of Dutch consumers use Black Friday for gifts.
Consider experiences, vouchers, and subscriptions as high-value deals.
How to Prepare for Black Friday: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparation is key to securing genuine deals and avoiding impulse purchases that later disappoint.
-
Make a Wishlist – List specific desired items across categories (electronics, fashion, home).
-
Research Prices Now – Record current prices so you can compare during the sale and detect fake discounts.
-
Set Alerts & Subscriptions – Use retailer newsletters (including Kaldorin’s) and price-tracking tools.
-
Plan Budget & Payment Method – Know how much you’re willing to spend, and ensure payment options (iDEAL, PayPal) are ready.
-
Check Delivery & Returns – Ensure the retailer offers good shipping to the Netherlands and easy returns.
-
Shop Early but Smart – Deals appear early in Black Week; don’t wait too late.
-
Secure Checkout Moments – Use trusted platforms, look for HTTPS, and verify company credentials.
By following this structured approach, you’ll position yourself to capture the best deals.
How to Spot Real Discounts vs. Fake Ones
Genuine deals show price history, stock quantity changes, and credible seller info. Fake discounts often inflate original prices or restrict returns.
Key checks:
-
Price history tracking – Tools like Keepa, CamelCamelCamel, help verify whether the current offer is truly the lowest price.
-
Original price realism – If an item is marked down 80% overnight, check if that price was realistic previously.
-
Stock & delivery details – Genuine deals often show limited stock and expected delivery dates.
-
Seller credibility – Verify retailer reviews, check trustmarks, and ensure secure payment.
In the Netherlands, many shoppers skip Black Friday because they believe deals are not trustworthy (~30%).
For your store—and your users—emphasising transparency builds trust and conversion.
Top Dutch Retailers & Platforms to Watch
Key platforms in the Netherlands include Bol.com, Coolblue, MediaMarkt, Amazon NL, and your own marketplace (Kaldorin). Surveys show shoppers increasingly rely on trusted names.
What to look for:
-
Verified deals and banners early in Black Week
-
Express shipping options in the Netherlands
-
Return policies and warranty for electronics & large goods
-
Bonus offers like bundle discounts, free gifts, or loyalty bonuses
For your content: highlight your platform’s advantages—curated promotions, trusted shipping, secure checkout—to convert users who research across multiple sites.
Safety & Smart Shopping Tips for Online Deals
Ensure a secure environment, check payment protection, verify seller credentials, and ensure correct shipping/returns policies.
Checklist:
-
Use secure payment methods (iDEAL, PayPal, credit card with buyer protection)
-
Confirm HTTPS and the official domain of the site
-
Avoid deals from extremely unfamiliar domains unless trustworthy
-
Read the return policy—especially for big-ticket items
-
Beware of phishing or deal-bait scams (“deal too good to be true”)
Given the increase in online shopping in the Netherlands on Black Friday, the risk of loosely regulated and international offers also rises. Use caution and prioritise trusted domestic retailers.
Post-Black Friday: What Comes Next (Cyber Monday & Year-End Sales)
After Black Friday, many Dutch retailers continue deals into Cyber Monday and December promotions—so your shopping window extends.
What to plan:
-
Cyber Monday (typically Monday after Black Friday) – deals especially for online-only items.
-
Year-End & Pre-Christmas Sales – Sinterklaas in early December brings gifting demand, so retailers may push further discounts.
-
January Sales – For items you missed, or wish-lists that didn’t get fulfilled.
From a content perspective, you can schedule follow-up guides: “Last Minute Gifts After Black Friday”, “Cyber Monday Hidden Deals”, “What to Buy in January Sales” — which keeps your traffic and conversion momentum.
Final Takeaways
-
Start early: Black Week is as important as Black Friday.
-
Search for genuine deals: use trackers, compare historical pricing.
-
Prioritise categories you know: electronics, fashion, home, gifts.
-
Shop from trusted platforms with Netherlands-friendly shipping & returns.
-
Follow up post-event to capture extended savings and second-wave deals.
For buyers in the Netherlands, Black Friday 2025 offers a major opportunity—but only if you navigate it smartly, with preparation and discernment.
FAQ
Q1: When exactly is Black Friday 2025 in the Netherlands?
Black Friday officially falls on the fourth Friday of November (likely Fri 28 Nov 2025), but many deals begin earlier and extend through the week.
Q2: How much can I typically save during Black Friday deals in the Netherlands?
Savings vary by category, but electronics and fashion often see 20-50% off. Surveys show many Dutch shoppers deliberately delay purchases until this period.
Q3: Is online shopping safer than in-store shopping for Black Friday in the Netherlands?
Many shoppers prefer online shopping because of better discounts, convenience, and fewer crowds. In 2024, 54% of Dutch shoppers preferred to shop online for Black Week.
Q4: How can I avoid scam deals during Black Friday?
Stick with trusted retailers, check seller reviews, verify price history, and ensure secure payment methods and return policies.
Q5: Are all deals on Black Friday genuine?
No—some discounts are inflated or misleading. Always check historical prices and confirm stock, delivery, and comparison across other retailers.
