What Is Black Friday?
Black Friday marks the peak of the year’s biggest shopping event, when retailers slash prices across a wide range of products, both online and in stores. It’s a whirlwind of deals that often kicks off days before the official date and extends through the weekend, culminating on Cyber Monday—the online-focused extension of the shopping frenzy.
This shopping phenomenon has grown beyond its original borders and now signals the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, with discounts tempting consumers everywhere.
When Does Black Friday Happen in 2025?
This year, Black Friday falls on November 28, with Cyber Monday landing on December 1. But savvy shoppers know that many retailers start offering deals well in advance, sometimes weeks before the official dates.
Expect a cascade of weekly sales throughout November, with certain doorbuster deals reserved exclusively for Black Friday itself. Many promotions continue through Cyber Monday, and in some cases, retailers extend their offers even further into December, creating a longer window to snag bargains.
How Big Are These Sales?
Black Friday is now recognized as a major sales event, often surpassing other shopping periods in terms of overall spending. Shoppers are expected to spend billions across online and in-store channels during this period. Retailers rely heavily on these sales, sometimes generating a substantial portion of their total holiday-season revenue during just these few days.
Are the Discounts Really Worth It?
While Black Friday promises huge savings, not every deal is as impressive as it appears. Discounts typically range from 20% to 50%, though some items may see reductions as steep as 70–80%. Be cautious: markdowns can be inconsistent, vary by product, and may not apply storewide.
Some retailers have faced scrutiny for overstating discounts, so it’s always wise to do your homework. Price tracking tools and monitoring sales throughout the year can help you separate genuine bargains from marketing hype.
Where to Find the Best Deals
Big-name retailers, specialty stores, and online marketplaces all participate in Black Friday, offering a mix of in-store and online deals. Some promotions are exclusive to websites, while others are available only in physical stores, so knowing where to look is key.
Tips for Scoring Top Bargains
Clothing and Shoes
While eye-catching discounts abound, stock is often limited in size, color, and style. Focus on items you truly want and need, and don’t let the frenzy lure you into buying impulsively. Remember, sales happen throughout the year, and sometimes a better deal appears outside of Black Friday.
Kitchen Appliances
From air fryers to coffee machines, small kitchen appliances are perennial favorites. Look for features that suit your lifestyle: for air fryers, consider models with windows and internal lights; for coffee machines, weigh the benefits of manual versus automatic or pod systems; for blenders, a simple stick model might be all you need. Checking reviews and product guides ensures you don’t overspend on unnecessary extras.
Televisions
When upgrading your TV, choose a size that fits your space to avoid seeing individual pixels up close. Confirm that it has the right connectivity for your devices, and note the model year to decide whether a newer model is worth the extra cost or if an older version offers better value.
Common Black Friday Pitfalls
Scam Websites
One of the biggest hazards during the shopping rush is fraudulent websites pretending to be legitimate retailers. These “ghost stores” or phishing sites often offer unbelievably low prices, but the products never arrive, or the items are counterfeit. Watch out for suspicious URLs and deals that seem too good to be true, and always verify the legitimacy of a site before making a purchase.
Pro Tips for Savvy Shoppers
- Plan ahead with a clear wishlist. Focus on what you actually need.
- Track prices in advance to spot real deals versus inflated markdowns.
- Compare in-store and online offers to maximize savings.
- Take advantage of early-bird sales and loyalty programs.
- Prioritize quality over quantity to avoid wasteful purchases.
With careful preparation, a strategic approach, and awareness of potential pitfalls, you can navigate Black Friday and Cyber Monday like a pro, scoring genuine bargains while avoiding common traps.
