Black Friday 2024: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Black Friday 2024, falling on November 29, promises massive deals across various categories, making it an ideal day to shop for discounted electronics, apparel, home goods, and more.
What is Black Friday?
Black Friday, celebrated the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, has become the largest shopping event of the year.
It marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, and shoppers flock to both physical and online stores for discounts on electronics, apparel, beauty products, home appliances, and more.
Black Friday has its origins in the 1950s, when stores in Philadelphia saw an influx of shoppers and tourists before the Army-Navy football game.
Today, the shopping extravaganza has evolved into a global phenomenon, with countries around the world embracing the event and offering deep discounts.
Why is Black Friday Important?
Black Friday is crucial for both consumers and retailers. For shoppers, it’s an opportunity to buy products at significantly lower prices, making it the perfect time to buy holiday gifts or upgrade personal items like electronics.
For retailers, Black Friday serves as a sales booster, often contributing a significant portion of their yearly revenue.
Over the years, the event has also transformed into a week-long or even month-long sale, with some retailers launching early deals in mid-November, while others continue the discounts through Cyber Monday.
Expected Trends for Black Friday 2024
As retailers look to attract a larger number of shoppers, several key trends are expected to dominate Black Friday 2024:
- Early Access Sales: Many retailers now offer early access to Black Friday deals. Expect these sales to start as early as mid-November, with pre-sale promotions offering discounts before the official event. Amazon and Walmart are particularly known for starting their deals early.
- Online vs. In-Store Shopping: While in-store shopping remains popular, the rise of e-commerce has shifted the focus to online sales. Expect most major retailers to offer exclusive online deals alongside their in-store promotions. Amazon, in particular, will likely lead the online shopping race with deep discounts across categories.
- Tech and Electronics: Gadgets, gaming consoles, and home tech remain some of the most coveted items during Black Friday. Shoppers can expect discounts on popular tech products like smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and home entertainment systems.
- Fashion and Apparel: Retailers like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and H&M are expected to offer substantial markdowns on seasonal and luxury fashion items. This includes everything from winter wear to accessories.
- Home and Kitchen Goods: With more people investing in home improvement, expect discounts on kitchen appliances, furniture, and home décor. Stores like Home Depot and Bed Bath & Beyond are known for offering competitive deals on large home appliances and essential kitchen gadgets.
How to Prepare for Black Friday 2024
To make the most of Black Friday deals, planning is essential.
Here are several steps you can take to ensure you get the best bargains:
1. Make a Shopping List
Start by making a list of the items you want to purchase. This helps you stay focused and prevents impulse buys. Be specific, noting the brand, model, or type of product you’re seeking, which will help streamline the shopping experience.
2. Set a Budget
Setting a budget is crucial to avoid overspending. Whether you’re shopping for electronics, clothing, or gifts, allocating a specific amount for each category can help you manage your finances and avoid buyer’s remorse.
3. Sign Up for Newsletters
Retailers often provide early access or exclusive deals to customers who subscribe to their newsletters. Sign up for your favorite brands’ email lists to receive notifications about pre-Black Friday sales, discount codes, and early-bird offers.
4. Use Price Trackers and Apps
Several apps and websites, such as Honey, CamelCamelCamel, and Rakuten, allow you to track price changes leading up to Black Friday. This ensures you’re getting the best deal possible, as some retailers may hike up prices before offering “discounts” during the event.
5. Compare Prices
Don’t settle for the first discount you see. Use comparison shopping tools to ensure you’re getting the best price across different retailers. Google Shopping and PriceGrabber are popular options for quick price comparisons.
Anticipated Black Friday 2024 Deals from Major Brands
Here’s a table of anticipated deals from well-known retailers:
| Brand | Expected Deals | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Up to 50% off on electronics, smart home devices, and kitchen appliances. | Electronics, Home Goods |
| Best Buy | $200 off select gaming consoles, laptops, and 4K TVs. | Tech and Gaming |
| Apple | Discounts on MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches (historically up to $150 off). | Electronics |
| Walmart | Huge discounts on smart TVs, gaming consoles, kitchen appliances, and furniture. | Home, Electronics, Kitchen |
| Target | Buy one, get one 50% off on toys and video games; 25% off select home goods and apparel. | Toys, Apparel, Home Goods |
| Macy’s | 30-50% off on designer clothing, shoes, and accessories. | Fashion and Apparel |
| Home Depot | 40% off major appliances, including refrigerators and dishwashers. | Home Improvement |
| Sephora | Up to 20% off select beauty and skincare products; gift sets on sale. | Beauty |
| Nike | 25-30% off athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories. | Apparel, Footwear |
| Sony | Discounts on PlayStation 5 consoles and gaming bundles. | Gaming, Tech |
Strategies for Online vs. In-Store Shopping
Online Shopping
One of the biggest benefits of Black Friday is the convenience of online shopping. Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy offer exclusive online deals, often paired with free shipping and returns.
However, to make the most of online shopping, you’ll need to act fast, as popular products can sell out quickly.
Here are a few tips for successful online shopping:
- Bookmark Product Pages: Keep the product pages you’re interested in open or bookmarked for easy access when the deals go live.
- Enable Push Notifications: Many retailers offer real-time notifications when their deals are available. Make sure these are enabled to stay ahead of the rush.
- Checkout Quickly: If you find a great deal, don’t wait to check out. High-demand items like electronics tend to disappear from shopping carts if you delay too long.
In-Store Shopping
While online shopping is convenient, many shoppers still prefer the thrill of in-store Black Friday events.
Here are some tips to help you navigate the crowds:
- Arrive Early: If you plan to shop in-store, arrive early to secure your spot in line. Some retailers open their doors as early as 5 AM.
- Study Store Layouts: Research the store layout in advance to know exactly where the deals will be located. This saves you valuable time once the store opens.
- Dress Comfortably: Black Friday shopping can be a physical experience. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes to help you move swiftly through the aisles.
Get Ready for the Best Deals on Black Friday 2024
Black Friday 2024 is poised to be an epic shopping event, with incredible deals on everything from electronics to apparel, home goods, and beauty products.
By following the strategies outlined in this guide—making a list, setting a budget, and keeping an eye on pre-Black Friday sales—you’ll be prepared to snag the best deals and make the most of your shopping experience.
Whether you’re shopping for gifts, upgrading your tech gadgets, or simply indulging in some retail therapy, Black Friday 2024 offers an unmatched opportunity to save. Just remember to shop smart and be ready for the rush!