Black Friday can be overwhelming, especially for shoppers with accessibility needs. We understand that planning for various scenarios is crucial for many shoppers. That's why our Detailed Access Guides are an invaluable resource for navigating the hustle and bustle of the biggest shopping event of the year. We have surveyed over 8000 shops and shopping centres across the UK, considering a diverse range of access needs.

Here’s how our Detailed Access Guides can help you avoid surprises and ensure a smoother, more enjoyable Black Friday experience:

1. Plan your route in advance

Our detailed access information for shopping centres and retail spaces includes public transport, accessible entrances, parking spaces, nearby car parks, and lifts to help you map out your route before you leave home.

Knowing exactly where the accessible parking spots and ramps are located means you can feel confident you can get to your chosen store and avoid any delays or confusion when you arrive.

2. Locate accessible facilities

Knowing what accessible facilities are available can make all the difference when deciding which stores or shopping centres to visit. Our Guides provide detailed information on the availability of accessible and Changing Places toilets, along with essential amenities such as ramps, lifts, hearing loops, and nearby quiet spaces and seating areas. With this comprehensive information, you can plan ahead to take regular breaks and ensure you have a comfortable shopping experience.

3. Know the layout of shopping centres

Large shopping centres with multiple levels can often feel overwhelming, especially for those with mobility or sensory needs. That's why our Guides provide detailed information for each floor, including the exact locations of lifts and escalators, as well as key information points to seek staff assistance. For food halls, we include information on aisle widths and whether aisles are clear of obstructions. Whether you're navigating between levels or need support to move around, our Guides ensure you know exactly where to go. 

4. View accessibility features at a glance

Spending time researching your shopping trip in advance shouldn’t be hard work. Our Accessibility Symbols and the Getting Help and Assistance section of our Guides help you easily locate the detail that matters to you. We cover everything from available mobility aids, sunflower lanyards, staff support, hearing loops, braille signage, tactile maps, and quiet shopping experiences. 

5. Checkout with confidence

Access information for till points helps reduce anxiety and uncertainty during the purchasing process. This can include key details such as clear signage, till heights, availability of hearing assistance systems and portable chip and pin machines, and any barriers that might obstruct lipreading.

6. Maximise time and avoid frustration

Our Guides allow you to plan your Black Friday trip efficiently by helping you prioritise stores that meet your accessibility needs. Save time by going directly to stores with the services and features that are best for you. This means you can focus on the fun part—finding the best deals—while knowing that your accessibility needs are met at every stop.

If you’re planning a Christmas shopping trip, don’t forget to make the most of AccessAble to search venues across the UK and find Detailed Access Guides that tell you all you need to know about a place’s access. You can search by area across the UK, and filter by accessibility symbols to make sure that the venue you have your eye on meets your requirements.