Black Friday 2025 has kicked off with a significant spending surge, according to one of the UK's major financial institutions. Nationwide Building Society has reported a dramatic increase in transaction volumes as shoppers hunt for bargains.
Early Morning Spending Spree
The Swindon-based lender revealed that its customers made more than 2.5 million transactions in just the first ten hours of the shopping event, between midnight and 10am.
This figure represents a substantial 13.6% increase compared to the same period during Black Friday 2024, when the mutual recorded approximately 2.2 million transactions by 10am.
Predictions for a Record-Breaking Day
Mark Nalder, Service, Operations and Performance Director at Nationwide, confirmed the society had anticipated a busy day. He stated they predicted more than 12 million transactions would be processed throughout the entire day.
This forecast would mark a 10% increase on the total transaction volume from the previous year, indicating continued strong consumer engagement with the annual sales event.
Expert Advice for Savvy Shoppers
With the high volume of spending, Mr Nalder also offered crucial advice to consumers navigating the Black Friday deals. He emphasised that shoppers are now more aware of potential scams and offers that seem too good to be true.
His key recommendations for a successful and secure shopping experience include:
- Sticking to reputable retailers and trusted brands.
- Checking the price history of items to ensure you are getting a genuine deal.
- Reading verified customer reviews before making a purchase.
- Setting a budget and adhering to a pre-planned wishlist to avoid impulse buys.
This guidance aims to help customers avoid overspending and disappointment during the high-pressure sales period.
