Black Friday in Albania – A Guide for Expats and Digital Nomads

Black Friday is a common event that’s been taking place for years, traditionally a day after Thanksgiving in the United States, but it has gained popularity worldwide. While the exact date changes annually, Black Friday occurs between Nov 23- Nov 29, and it marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season, characterized by a lot of discounts and sales.

Black Friday is common in Albania, too. A lot of brands start promoting their products days in advance to let potential customers know about their offerings.

But, you must have wondered at least once…

Why is it Called Black Friday?

The most accepted explanation goes back to the early 1960s in Philadelphia. Police officers started using the term “Black Friday” to describe the chaos that filled the city when huge crowds came in for holiday shopping and the annual Army-Navy football game.

The streets were packed, traffic was out of control, and police had to work longer shifts to manage accidents, shoplifting, and the general madness. Over time, the term stuck and eventually became linked to shopping deals rather than just the chaos.

Black Friday in Albania

Black Friday has become a familiar shopping event in Albania over the last few years. What once felt like a foreign concept is now fully part of the local shopping culture, especially in big cities like Tirana, Durrës, and Vlora. Every November, stores across the country prepare special offers, window displays, and promotional campaigns to attract shoppers looking for good deals.

Most major brands take part, including fashion, cosmetics, electronics, sportswear, and home décor stores. Discounts usually range from 20% to 70%, depending on the brand and the product. Some stores focus on end-of-season clearances, while others introduce special limited offers only for Black Friday.

In Albania, Black Friday might stretch over several days. You’ll see terms like “Black Week” or even “Black Month,” with promotions starting early and lasting through the weekend or the entire week. This gives shoppers more flexibility and reduces the pressure of rushing on just one day.

Online shopping also plays a big role during this period. Many Albanian and international brands offer Black Friday discounts on their websites, making it easy to compare prices and shop from home. Social media usually becomes the main channel for announcing deals, with brands posting countdowns, flash sales, and exclusive online offers.

Most Popular Shopping Centres in Tirana

Tirana Ost-Tor (TEG)

Located on the Tirana–Elbasan highway, just outside the city centre, TEG is the largest shopping mall in Tirana. It’s easy to reach by car and offers plenty of parking, which makes it a popular choice during busy shopping days like Black Friday.

Inside, you’ll find a wide mix of international fashion brands, electronics stores, beauty shops, a cinema, and a large food court. On Black Friday, most stores inside TEG offer strong discounts, especially on clothing, shoes, and tech, but it can get very crowded, especially in the afternoon and evening.

Toptani Einkaufszentrum

Toptani is located right in the heart of Tirana, between Skanderbeg Square and the Parliament. Because of its central position, it’s perfect for those who want to combine shopping with a walk around the city or a coffee stop. The mall has a more modern and compact feel, with well-known fashion brands, perfume stores, and cafés.

During Black Friday, it’s very accessible but also gets busy quickly, especially after work hours and on weekends.

Ring Center

Ring Center is located near the Zogu i Zi area, one of Tirana’s main traffic points. It’s smaller compared to TEG or Citypark but still offers a good variety of stores, including clothing, electronics, and supermarkets.

It’s a practical option for people living closer to the city centre who want a quicker shopping experience.

QTU (Qendra Tregtare Univers)

QTU is located on the Tirana–Durrës highway, about 10 minutes from the city centre by car. It’s one of the oldest shopping centres in Albania and is still a popular destination for both shopping and entertainment.

It includes well-known international brands, supermarkets, restaurants, an entertainment area, and a cinema.

And remember… It’s always a “Black Friday” at Magic Towns Albania

Because with us, you can get a kostenlose Beratung for one of our services anytime. Whether you’re thinking about relocating, investing, or just need guidance on your next steps in Albania, we’re here to help you make it clearer and easier, without pressure.