Black Friday 2025 falls on Friday 28 November. With the Reserve Bank taking steps to lift spending, retailers are cautiously optimistic about peak season. But shoppers are still looking for value, not just deals. Here’s how small businesses can make the most of it, even without a big marketing budget.
What We Learned from Black Friday 2024
Spending held steady, but how people shopped changed.
- Transactions were up 2.8%, but the average sale dropped to $83.50. People bought more items at lower prices.
- Online shopping grew 9% in Q4 2024 — a new NZ record — while in-store spend stayed flat.
- Shoppers were more focused on discounts for essentials and gifts they actually needed.
Takeaway: In 2025, Kiwi shoppers still want a bargain — but they also value clear, honest offers and smooth experiences.
1. Think of It as a Season, Not a Day
Black Friday now lasts weeks, not hours. Many shoppers start looking for deals before Labour Weekend, so don’t wait until the day itself.
Plan a simple calendar:
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Late October (Labour Weekend): tease early-bird deals
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Mid-November: highlight a few best-sellers each week
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Black Friday (28 Nov): your strongest one-day offer
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Cyber Monday (1 Dec): online-only deals
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Boxing Day: end-of-season clearance
Tip: If you're running Meta ads (Facebook/Instagram), start early. Reuse your best-performing ads from earlier sales (like Labour Weekend) so Meta can “learn” what works, this helps lower your ad costs later in November.
2. Focus on Value, Not Just Discounts
Last year, more than half of NZ shoppers relied on Black Friday to stretch their Christmas budget. That means token 5–10 % discounts won’t move the needle.
Try these instead:
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Bundle smartly: “Buy 2, get 1 half price” or “Gift Set Save 20%.”
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Reward bigger baskets: “Spend $100 → get $15 off.”
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Add value: throw in a small freebie or upgrade shipping.
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Keep it clear: one simple offer beats five confusing ones.
And always link back to what matters for your customers: quality, practicality, and getting more for their money.
3. Make It Easy to Shop — Anywhere
Most customers now move between online and in-store before buying. They might see your post on Instagram, pop in to check an item, and then order online that night.
Make that journey easy:
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Keep pricing and deals consistent online and in-store
- Offer click-and-collect if you can — it reassures customers and saves shipping time
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Test your website on a phone. Over half of online purchases now happen on mobile, so the checkout must be fast and simple.
💡 Pro tip: Use tools like Verifone Central to view your in-store and online Verifone transactions in one place. Spot trends in real time and adjust stock or marketing on the fly.
4. Use Smart Tools (Even Free Ones)
You don’t need fancy tech to save time. A few free or low-cost tools can make a big difference:
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AI helpers like ChatGPT or Canva’s Magic Write can draft product descriptions or social posts in seconds.
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Email automation tools (e.g. Mailchimp, HubSpot Free) can remind shoppers of abandoned carts or send early access emails.
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Analytics dashboards like Google Analytics or Verifone Central show what’s actually driving sales.
What matters most is accurate product info, clear communication, and quick customer replies.
💡TIP: In a recent study, 1 in 3 Gen Z shoppers and 1 in 4 Millennial shoppers said they preferred using AI platforms (like ChatGPT) to research products — and over a quarter trusted AI recommendations more than human ones. To increase your chances of showing up in AI responses, make sure your product info is accurate, complete and consistent across your website, social channels and listings. AI tools pull from public data — so clear, trustworthy information helps you get discovered.
5. Streamline Your Back-End Ops
A big sale is only good if you can deliver. Before the rush:
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Stock up early on best-sellers — delivery delays are common in November.
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Set clear shipping cut-offs: “Order by 18 December for Christmas delivery.”
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Update your FAQs so customers can self-serve.
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Brief your team (or family!) on how to handle rush hours, returns, or simple support questions.
💡 Pro tip: When you launch your big offer, exclude recent buyers from those ads and emails. Loyal customers who already purchased won’t feel burned — and you’ll reduce refund and support requests.
If you’re hiring a casual or need extra checkout speed, Eftpos NZ offers short-term terminal hire — easy to add and remove once the season’s over.
6. Don’t Forget After Black Friday
Your new customers from November could become regulars — if you stay in touch.
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Send a thank-you email with a small “come back soon” offer
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Ask for a quick review or testimonial
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Share a sneak peek of summer or Boxing Day deals
Even a simple follow-up helps you stand out from big brands that treat shoppers like numbers
Ready to Get Set Up?
Whether you’re selling online, in-store, or both, Eftpos NZ can help make checkout seamless — and keep your business moving through the busiest time of year.
✅ Reliable EFTPOS terminals
✅ Short-term hire for seasonal spikes
✅ Real-time sales tracking through Verifone Central
Talk to us about the right setup before the season kicks off.
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