Black Friday, a major shopping event across the U.S. and increasingly worldwide, is scheduled for November 29, 2024. With holiday preparations in full swing, shoppers and retailers are gearing up for a day of unprecedented deals, some lasting through Cyber Monday and beyond. Understanding the nuances of Black Friday 2024 — from the best deals to evolving trends and smart shopping tips — can help you navigate this year’s sales effectively and save significantly.
The History and Evolution of Black Friday
Black Friday’s origins are rooted in Philadelphia during the 1950s, when the term was coined by police officers describing the heavy and disruptive shopping traffic the day after Thanksgiving. Retailers soon embraced the day as a kickoff for holiday shopping, using “Black Friday” to signify sales that boosted profits “in the black.” Over time, the event transformed into a retail phenomenon, spreading to international markets and marking the start of holiday shopping season. Today, it’s as much an online event as an in-store one, with retailers offering discounts weeks in advance.
black friday 2024 deals
Here are some of the most exciting early Black Friday 2024 deals that you won’t want to miss! Retailers are already rolling out significant discounts across a range of categories, giving shoppers a head start on their holiday shopping.
1. Electronics
- Televisions: Major brands like Samsung and LG are offering discounts up to 50% off on select 4K and OLED TVs. Best Buy is leading the way with a 65-inch Samsung QLED TV for just $699, down from $1,399.
- Laptops: Dell and HP are slashing prices on laptops, with deals such as the HP Pavilion 15 for $499 (originally $799). Apple is also joining in, offering up to $200 off on MacBook Air models.
- Smartphones: Amazon has exciting deals on smartphones, including $300 off select iPhone models when you sign up for a new plan. Samsung is offering trade-in deals that can net you a new Galaxy S24 for as low as $199.
2. Home Appliances
- Kitchen Appliances: Home chefs can rejoice with Kitchenaid mixers on sale for $199 (down from $399) at Target. Additionally, instant pots and air fryers are seeing discounts up to 40% at retailers like Walmart.
- Smart Home Devices: Amazon Echo devices are heavily discounted, with the Echo Dot priced at $24.99, a significant drop from the usual $49.99. Smart thermostats, like the Nest Learning Thermostat, are also available for $99, down from $249.
3. Fashion and Beauty
- Clothing: Major retailers like Macy’s and Kohl’s are offering site-wide sales, with discounts reaching up to 70% off on clothing and accessories. This includes deals on brands like Levi’s, Nike, and Adidas.
- Beauty Products: Sephora and Ulta have early Black Friday promotions, with up to 50% off on popular brands such as Too Faced and Urban Decay. Look for exclusive sets that bundle products at great savings.
4. Toys and Games
- Toys: Target and Walmart are featuring discounts of 30-50% on popular toys, including Lego sets and Barbie dolls. For example, the Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon is on sale for $79, down from $99.
- Video Games: Gaming consoles and accessories are seeing massive discounts, with the PlayStation 5 available at $399 and bundles for the Xbox Series X priced around $499 with included games.
5. Home and Furniture
- Furniture: Wayfair is running early Black Friday deals with savings up to 60% off on select furniture items. This includes stylish sofas and dining sets perfect for holiday entertaining.
- Bedding: Brands like Brooklinen and Parachute are offering discounts up to 40% off on luxury sheets and comforters, making it a great time to refresh your bedroom.
6. Travel and Experiences
- Travel Packages: Many travel companies are offering early bird deals for holiday getaways. Airlines like Southwest and Delta are providing up to 30% off on flights booked by the end of the month.
- Theme Parks: Companies like Disney and Universal Studios are offering package deals, where you can save up to 25% on hotel stays when you book tickets for their parks.
Tips for Shopping Early Black Friday Deals
- Compare Prices: Use apps and websites to compare prices across different retailers. Tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel can help track price history and find the best deals.
- Sign Up for Newsletters: Retailers often send exclusive deals to subscribers, so make sure to sign up for newsletters from your favorite stores.
- Set a Budget: With so many deals available, it’s easy to overspend. Establish a budget before shopping to keep your spending in check.
- Check Return Policies: Before making a purchase, review the return policies, especially for gifts. Some retailers have extended return windows for holiday shopping.
Why Black Friday 2024 Is Worth Watching
This year, shoppers can expect bigger discounts and creative offers. In response to growing competition from online-only shopping events, brick-and-mortar stores are introducing exclusive, in-store promotions and “doorbusters.” According to industry forecasts, the following factors are likely to make Black Friday 2024 unique:
- Longer Sales Periods: Many retailers are extending sales through Thanksgiving week, combining both online and in-store options, and often featuring exclusive deals for app users.
- Localized and Personalized Discounts: Retailers are using data analytics to provide deals tailored to customer preferences. Apps and memberships will play a significant role, with perks like early access to sales and member-exclusive discounts.
- Sustainable Shopping Options: Shoppers are increasingly mindful of sustainability. This year, retailers are expected to offer environmentally friendly products, recycled materials, and refurbished items, targeting the eco-conscious consumer.
Top Product Categories for 2024 Black Friday Deals
Certain product categories consistently offer the best Black Friday deals, and 2024 is expected to be no exception. Here’s what savvy shoppers should watch for:
- Electronics: Black Friday has become synonymous with unbeatable deals on TVs, laptops, and smartphones. In 2024, the latest models from brands like Apple, Samsung, and Sony will see considerable discounts, especially on high-definition televisions, wearables, and smart home devices. Refurbished electronics are also expected to see large price drops.
- Home Appliances: From large appliances like refrigerators and washing machines to smaller kitchen gadgets like coffee makers and air fryers, Black Friday is a prime time to score these items. As brands compete for consumer attention, package deals that combine multiple appliances for additional savings are expected to be popular.
- Clothing and Fashion: The holiday season inspires apparel discounts, and this Black Friday, brands are likely to promote winter clothing, accessories, and even some early spring collections. Fast-fashion and premium brands alike often mark down items by as much as 50% to 70%.
- Toys and Games: With Black Friday coinciding with the holiday season, toys are one of the most sought-after items. Popular items, including board games, dolls, and the latest video game consoles, will be heavily discounted. For families looking to get a head start on holiday shopping, Black Friday is a strategic time to buy gifts at a fraction of the regular price.
- Health and Fitness Products: Wellness products, especially fitness equipment, are expected to see markdowns. From wearable fitness trackers to home gym setups, fitness-conscious consumers will have an excellent chance to find discounts, especially on popular brands like Fitbit, Peloton, and Garmin.
Navigating Online vs. In-Store Shopping in 2024
While traditional Black Friday shopping was once defined by long lines and early morning crowds, online shopping has taken a dominant role in recent years. With convenient access to sales online, shoppers now have options for scoring deals from the comfort of home or by visiting stores in person. Here’s what to consider for each approach:
- Online Shopping: One of the biggest advantages of online shopping is the ability to compare prices easily. Many online retailers, including Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, offer price-matching policies, so it’s worthwhile to research products in advance. This year, expect flash sales and limited-time offers during Black Friday weekend, with additional deals likely rolling out on Cyber Monday. Shopping apps will also play a role in giving users push notifications for real-time deals and early access offers.
- In-Store Shopping: For those who still enjoy the thrill of in-store shopping, brick-and-mortar stores are likely to roll out exclusive deals that won’t be available online. This strategy helps drive foot traffic and may include “doorbusters,” where limited quantities of high-demand items are sold at extremely low prices. Stores often offer additional perks such as in-store-only gift cards or discounts for making a purchase on Black Friday.
How to Prepare for Black Friday 2024
Preparing in advance can help you maximize savings and avoid the common pitfalls of Black Friday shopping. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this shopping season:
- Create a Shopping List: List the items you genuinely need and prioritize them based on potential savings. With deals cropping up in multiple categories, having a list will help you stay focused.
- Research Prices Early: Track prices on desired items a few weeks in advance. Many retailers artificially inflate original prices to make Black Friday discounts appear more attractive, so knowing the typical price can prevent overpaying.
- Set a Budget: It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of steep discounts, but setting a budget can keep spending under control. Prioritize high-value items and avoid unnecessary purchases.
- Subscribe to Newsletters: Many retailers offer early-bird discounts or exclusive offers to newsletter subscribers. Sign up for store newsletters to receive updates on upcoming sales, early access to deals, and special discount codes.
- Consider Early Sales: Some retailers are likely to offer pre-Black Friday sales or extended deals throughout November. Amazon, Target, and Walmart, for example, have introduced early deals in recent years, helping shoppers spread out spending and avoid last-minute crowds.
What to Watch Out For
While Black Friday is famous for its discounts, shoppers need to be mindful of potential downsides. Here are a few common pitfalls:
- Fake Deals: Some retailers offer “deals” that aren’t actual discounts, advertising minor price reductions as major markdowns. Doing a quick online search for the item’s price history can help confirm whether a deal is genuine.
- Low Stock on Popular Items: High-demand products like the latest gaming consoles and smartphones often have limited quantities. If you’re eyeing a popular item, consider arriving early or setting an online alert to increase your chances of securing it.
- Extended Delivery Times: With the influx of online orders, delivery times can become significantly delayed. If buying gifts, order early to ensure items arrive on time.
Cyber Monday and Beyond
Following Black Friday, Cyber Monday has become its own major shopping event, with a focus on online deals. This year, Cyber Monday will fall on December 2, 2024. While Black Friday typically emphasizes big-ticket items and doorbusters, Cyber Monday can be a goldmine for technology, digital subscriptions, and software. Additionally, many retailers extend Black Friday deals throughout the weekend, allowing shoppers to take advantage of last-minute sales.
Black Friday Shopping Tips for 2024: Getting the Best Value
- Use Loyalty Programs: Retailer memberships often come with benefits like early access to deals, additional discounts, or exclusive items. Programs like Amazon Prime and Target Circle offer members extra savings.
- Shop During Off-Peak Hours: For both online and in-store shopping, visiting during early morning or late-night hours can reduce wait times and increase the likelihood of scoring popular items.
- Stack Coupons: Look for additional discounts through coupons or cashback sites. Many retailers allow you to “stack” offers, applying multiple discounts for even greater savings.
Conclusion: Is Black Friday 2024 Worth It?
Black Friday remains a unique shopping event that’s ideal for budget-conscious consumers, gift shoppers, and tech enthusiasts alike. With the right preparation, shoppers can make the most of the 2024 Black Friday weekend, especially by combining deals on top-selling items, researching early, and leveraging exclusive in-store and online offers. By setting realistic goals and sticking to a budget, shoppers can navigate Black Friday 2024 strategically, turning potential pitfalls into a chance for substantial savings