Irish consumers are entering the 2025 Black Friday season with a sharper, more strategic mindset, according to new research from eBay Ireland. The study reveals a growing trend towards a “one in, one out” approach selling or decluttering items before making new purchases as shoppers look to maximise value and avoid overspending.
Black Friday has been part of Ireland’s retail calendar for over a decade, but the way people engage with it is changing. While interest in the sales remains strong – with 71% of respondents planning to shop this year, consistent with 2024, Irish consumers are becoming more considered, more budget-conscious, and more intentional in their buying habits.
Key Findings from eBay’s Behaviour Analysis Research:
Selling Before Spending
Irish shoppers are getting clever about how they approach Black Friday. This year, almost half (44%) are selling items before the sales either to make extra cash for their purchases or to clear space at home. It’s a simple way to shop smarter – out with the old, in with the new, and all without blowing the budget.
Younger shoppers are leading the charge, with 61% of 25–34-year-olds selling or planning to sell to fund their buys. For older shoppers (45+), it’s more about decluttering making room for what really matters. Ulster stands out as the most enterprising region, with 52% selling to finance their shopping.
It’s a clear sign that Black Friday in Ireland is no longer just a discount free-for-all. Shoppers are using it as a moment to re-evaluate what they own, set a budget, and shop with intention. And with eBay.ie, it’s easier than ever to turn unwanted items into extra cash or a cleaner home before the festive season kicks in.
Spending Smarter
Budgets are getting tighter and smarter. This year, 39% of Irish shoppers plan to spend between €101 – €200 during Black Friday, up from 31% last year, while 14% are splashing out over €201.
Rather than loading up on impulse buys, more people are holding out for one big-ticket item or a few essentials they’ve had their eye on. It’s about getting the best deal on something you’ll actually use, not just chasing the biggest discount.
This shift shows a growing awareness of how Black Friday is becoming less about excess and more about strategic shopping – a trend that could reshape how Ireland shops in the run up to Christmas.
Learning from Regret
Even the savviest shoppers can get caught up in the Black Friday buzz. Over half of Irish consumers (55%) admit they’ve regretted a purchase, with impulse buying the main culprit for 51% – especially in Leinster (excluding Dublin), where 57% say they’ve made hasty decisions.
But regret isn’t the end of the story. Shoppers are finding smart ways to turn those “what was I thinking?” moments into something positive. In Munster, 35% resell unwanted buys online, while Connacht shoppers are more likely to regift or donate them. Ulster tops the regret chart at 65%, but they’re also leading the charge in giving items a second life.
And with 77% agreeing that Black Friday can tempt people into buying things they don’t need, more consumers are learning to flip the script using platforms like eBay.ie to resell, declutter, and make room (and money) for the things they truly want.
"Irish shoppers are rewriting the rules of Black Friday. They’re not just chasing discounts, they’re thinking ahead, selling what they no longer need, and using the sales to make smart, intentional purchases. eBay Ireland is proud to play a role in this shift, giving people the tools to declutter, generate extra income, and shop with confidence," said Kieran Leahy, Senior Manager, eBay Marketplace Growth at eBay Ireland.
This Black Friday, eBay Ireland is celebrating the growing number of shoppers who are making the sales work for them and finding the things they really want. With the reassurance of eBay’s Money Back Guarantee on eligible items, buyers can shop with confidence, knowing they’re getting great value from thousands of trusted sellers across Ireland and beyond.
Visit www.eBay.ie to make this Black Friday the most rewarding yet.