Black Friday 2024: Know Everything in One Click

When is Black Friday 2024?

Black Friday 2024 falls on November 29, 2024, marking the day after Thanksgiving in the United States.

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What is Black Friday, and why is it important?

Black Friday is a shopping phenomenon that happens annually on the Friday following Thanksgiving, marking the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. It originated in the United States but has now gained worldwide recognition.

The day is significant because it offers steep discounts, exclusive deals, and promotions, making it one of the busiest shopping days of the year. For retailers, Black Friday is a major revenue driver, sometimes accounting for a substantial portion of their annual sales. For consumers, it’s an opportunity to purchase high-demand items at lower prices, including electronics, clothing, and household goods. Beyond shopping, Black Friday has become a cultural event, symbolizing the beginning of the festive season.

What’s the history behind Black Friday?

In the 1950s, police in Philadelphia coined the term to describe the chaos on the day after Thanksgiving when crowds flooded the city for the annual Army-Navy football game. Overwhelmed with traffic, shoplifting, and extra work, police gave the day its dark nickname. By the late 1980s, the retail industry rebranded Black Friday to reflect its financial benefits. In accounting, losses were traditionally written in red ink and profits in black ink. The surge in sales on this day helped many businesses transition “into the black,” or profitability, giving the term a more positive spin.

Today, Black Friday marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and is one of the busiest retail days of the year, with massive discounts and early sales becoming a global phenomenon.

What are the best online stores for Black Friday?

Finding the best online stores for Black Friday depends on what you’re shopping for, as different retailers excel in various categories. Following is a breakdown to help you navigate this shopping extravaganza:

1. Amazon: Known for its massive variety and competitive discounts, Amazon offers deals on everything from electronics to kitchen gadgets and fashion.
2. Walmart: A top choice for tech, toys, and home goods, Walmart’s Black Friday specials include steep discounts on TVs, gaming consoles, and household items. They also provide early access to members of Walmart+.
3. Best Buy: Perfect for electronics enthusiasts, Best Buy features impressive discounts on laptops, gaming accessories, and smart home devices.
4. Target: This retailer combines deals across electronics, toys, home decor, and more. Target Circle members and app users often receive exclusive discounts during Black Friday.
5. Apple Store and Certified Retailers: If you’re looking for Apple products, the official Apple Store and retailers like Best Buy and Target offer discounts on items like iPads, Apple Watches, and AirPods.

Are Black Friday sales better than Cyber Monday deals?

The debate over whether Black Friday sales are better than Cyber Monday deals depends on what you’re looking to buy and your shopping preferences. Following is a breakdown:

Black Friday Advantages

1. Big-Ticket Items: Black Friday often offers the deepest discounts on large purchases like TVs, appliances, and furniture. These “doorbuster” deals are typically limited in quantity and highly sought after.
2. In-Store and Online Options: Black Friday includes both physical store promotions and online deals, giving shoppers a broader range of choices.
3. Earlier Access: Many retailers now begin their Black Friday sales early, sometimes weeks before Thanksgiving, giving you more time to shop.

Cyber Monday Advantages

1. Online-Exclusive Deals: Cyber Monday focuses entirely on online shopping, offering convenience and a wider selection of items like fashion, beauty products, and small electronics.
2. Flexibility and Convenience: You can shop from home without worrying about crowds or traffic, and deals often extend into the evening or even the week.
3. Broader Discounts: Cyber Monday includes discounts across all categories, from big-ticket items to smaller, easy-to-ship products like gadgets and accessories.

Key Considerations

• Best for Expensive Purchases: Black Friday wins for steep discounts on large, expensive items.
• Best for Smaller Items or Convenience: Cyber Monday excels in deals on smaller items and offers a hassle-free online shopping experience.

How to prepare for Black Friday shopping?

Preparing for Black Friday shopping requires a mix of strategy and planning to get the best deals while staying stress-free. Following are some essential tips to help you prepare effectively:

1. Set a Budget: Start by determining how much you can afford to spend. List all the people you’re shopping for and allocate a specific amount for each gift.
2. Research Prices in Advance: Monitor the prices of the items you plan to buy well before Black Friday.
3. Study Black Friday Ads and Deals: Many retailers release previews of their Black Friday discounts, so take time to compare offers across different stores.
4. Start Early: Black Friday deals often start weeks in advance, and popular items can sell out quickly. Shopping early gives you a better chance of securing the best deals without the rush.
5. Use Apps and Websites: Download deal-tracking apps and visit price comparison websites to find the best discounts.
6. Prioritize Must-Have Items: Focus on big-ticket or high-demand items first. Electronics, for example, tend to sell out quickly, so add them to your cart as soon as the sale goes live.
7. Opt for Online Shopping: Many deals are available online, eliminating the need to brave the crowds.
8. Prepare for In-Store Shopping: If you prefer the in-store experience, plan your route and timing. Some stores may have specific hours or limited-quantity deals.
9. Leverage Gift Cards: Look for gift card promotions or buy discounted gift cards ahead of time to maximize savings during the sale.
10. Be Flexible: While it’s good to have a list, being open to alternatives ensures you don’t miss out on deals for similar products if your preferred item is unavailable.

When do Black Friday sales start online?

Black Friday sales online typically start well before the actual date, which is the Friday after Thanksgiving. In 2024, Black Friday is on November 29, but many retailers launch their online sales earlier to attract shoppers.

• Amazon begins its “Black Friday Week” deals as early as November 21, offering discounts across a wide range of categories, from tech to fashion.
• Best Buy kicks off its Black Friday promotions even earlier, with sales starting on November 8, including weekly doorbusters and exclusive early access for loyalty members.
• Retailers like Walmart and Target also launch their sales days or weeks in advance, providing ample opportunities for shoppers to snag deals before the rush.

How long do Black Friday deals last?

Black Friday deals generally begin well before the actual day and can last beyond it, but the duration varies by retailer. Many major stores start their sales weeks in advance. For example, Amazon kicks off its Black Friday Week as early as November 21, lasting through Black Friday itself on November 29, 2024. Similarly, Best Buy launches Black Friday deals weeks before, with special discounts and doorbusters continuing until close to Christmas, often overlapping with Cyber Monday offers​.

Are Black Friday deals worth it?

Black Friday deals can indeed be worth it, but whether they deliver value depends on your approach to shopping and what you’re looking for. Many retailers offer steep discounts on popular items like electronics, home appliances, and clothing, making it a prime time to snag significant savings. However, the key to making the most of these deals is preparation and discernment.

Some products are genuinely discounted for the event, while others might feature markdowns that are not as impressive as they seem. For instance, retailers might increase a product’s original price before Black Friday to make the discount appear larger. Researching prices in advance is crucial to avoid falling for such tactics. Additionally, Black Friday is particularly worthwhile for big-ticket items such as TVs, laptops, and gaming consoles.

How to find hidden Black Friday discounts?

Finding hidden Black Friday discounts requires a combination of research, tools, and timing. Following is how to uncover those less-obvious deals and maximize your savings:

1. Use Price Tracking Tools: Websites like CamelCamelCamel and browser extensions like Honey can reveal price histories and alert you to significant price drops. These tools help identify whether a “deal” is genuinely a bargain or just clever marketing.
2. Follow Deal-Focused Websites: Platforms like BlackFriday.com and Slickdeals aggregate sales across multiple retailers, often highlighting lesser-known discounts. User reviews on Slickdeals can also point you toward underrated deals.
3. Sign Up for Newsletters: Subscribe to your favorite retailers’ newsletters or loyalty programs. Many stores offer exclusive early access to deals or members-only discounts during Black Friday sales.
4. Shop at Off-Peak Times: While most people rush to shop during peak hours, retailers may quietly add flash deals late at night or early in the morning. Keeping an eye on these times can yield surprising finds.
5. Check Hidden Sections: Browse “clearance” or “outlet” sections on retailer websites. During Black Friday, these areas often get an extra discount applied, making them a goldmine for hidden deals.
6. Leverage Social Media: Retailers sometimes announce flash sales or special discounts on their social media pages. Following brands on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook can provide real-time updates on secret deals.

How does Black Friday impact small businesses?

Black Friday can significantly impact small businesses, offering both opportunities and challenges.

Positive Impacts:

1. Increased Visibility: Small businesses can attract new customers by participating in Black Friday promotions. Well-planned marketing campaigns, such as social media ads or exclusive deals, can help them reach a broader audience.
2. Boosted Sales: The shopping frenzy during Black Friday can clear old inventory and provide much-needed cash flow ahead of the holiday season. Many small businesses use this time to make room for winter stock while benefiting from a surge in revenue.
3. Community Support: With movements like “Shop Local,” many consumers are choosing to support small businesses during Black Friday, valuing the unique offerings and personal touch smaller stores provide.

Challenges:

1. Tough Competition: Small businesses often face difficulties competing with large retailers that can afford to offer deep discounts. This high level of competition might overshadow smaller brands.
2. Profit Margin Concerns: Deep discounts may attract customers, but they also reduce profit margins, making it hard for small businesses to sustain substantial sales gains.
3. Resource Strain: Managing the influx of customers and online traffic can overwhelm smaller businesses, especially if they lack sufficient staff or infrastructure.

What are the safety tips for Black Friday shopping?

When preparing for Black Friday shopping, both online and in-store, it’s crucial to keep safety in mind. Following are a few tips to help ensure you stay protected while you score great deals:

1. Use Trusted Payment Methods: Whether shopping online or in-store, it’s safest to use credit cards or secure payment services like PayPal. These offer better fraud protection compared to debit cards.
2. Monitor Your Purchases: Stick to one credit card for your purchases. This simplifies tracking and ensures you’re aware of any unauthorized charges.
3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Transactions: When shopping online, refrain from using public Wi-Fi networks, as they’re not secure. Always look for websites with HTTPS encryption.
4. Be Alert in Crowded Areas: In physical stores, watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas like parking lots. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep your bags close, and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.
5. Secure Your Devices: Keep your devices updated and use strong passwords. Consider using multi-factor authentication for added security when shopping online.
6. Shop Early and Plan: Black Friday deals can get overwhelming, so plan your purchases ahead of time. Many retailers now offer early deals, so you can avoid the last-minute rush.