Black Friday is more than just a tradition—it's a full-blown shopping phenomenon. Every year, the day after Thanksgiving earns its title as the biggest shopping day of the year, drawing droves of eager consumers ready to nab the best deals on everything from tech gadgets to home goods.
In recent years, however, the event has evolved significantly. Technological advances and changes in consumer behavior have blurred the lines between in-store and online shopping, redefining what Black Friday means in today's digital age. Without further ado, let's explore all you need to know about Black Friday 2024.
When does Black Friday Start in 2024?
Traditionally, Black Friday falls on the Friday immediately after Thanksgiving Day in the United States, marking the start of the Christmas shopping season. In 2024, that will be November 29th, launching us into the anticipated holiday shopping season. However, the exact start time can vary depending on the retailer. Early access deals have become quite common in recent years, with many stores starting their Black Friday sales even before Thanksgiving Day arrives. This trend is known as "early Black Friday sales," giving shoppers a head start on their holiday purchases and spreading the sales pressure over a longer time frame. Online retailers may also time their deals differently, in some cases offering exclusive early deals or lasting promotions throughout the entire month of November.
When is Cyber Monday in 2024?
Cyber Monday is another significant event during the holiday sale season. Originating as the online counterpart to Black Friday, it falls on the Monday following Thanksgiving. For 2024, that will be December 2nd. While Black Friday includes both physical stores and online shopping, the Cyber Monday sale primarily involves online deals. With the rise of e-commerce platforms, such as Amazon, Cyber Monday has surged in popularity and often continues the wave of hefty discounts that commence on Black Friday. It's an ideal day for those who prefer the convenience of shopping from home or are looking for deals in specific product categories like tech items and web-based services.
How Long Does Black Friday Last?
Technically, Black Friday is only one day. However, what was once a single-day shopping event has gradually spilled over into an extended sale period known as Black Friday week. Even with the expanded duration, the actual day of Black Friday — in this case, November 29th, 2024 — usually sees the majority of the sales and the largest reductions. That said, many retailers begin to roll out deals and "preview sales" at the start of November or even earlier. The Black Friday sale period typically culminates in another notable sale event: Cyber Monday. It's a literal extension of the savings and signifies an exciting close to the discounted shopping marathon.
When Do Stores Start their Black Friday Sales?
The start of Black Friday sales at brick-and-mortar stores can vary greatly depending on the retailer's strategy. Some retailers open their doors as early as Thanksgiving evening to accommodate eager shoppers, while others start their sales early on the morning of Black Friday itself. In recent years, a trend has seen larger retailers like Best Buy and Home Depot offering 'preview' or 'early bird' sales well before the official Black Friday date. This trend could possibly continue into 2024, attracting shoppers in for early deals to capture the holiday market share before Black Friday even officially begins. The benefit for shoppers? More time to seize the best bargains and space out their spending during the holiday sales period.
When do Black Friday Sales Start Online?
Regarding online retailers, Black Friday sales can kick off even before Black Friday. Long gone are the days when shoppers had to wait until dawn on the Friday after Thanksgiving to scour the internet for the top discounts. In line with past trends, major online retailers like Amazon may start offering Black Friday deals as early as November 1st, 2024. Furthermore, many websites don't wait until Black Friday to drop significant deals. Instead, they roll out online sales throughout the week leading up to the iconic shopping day. Whether it's Amazon's Black Friday Deals event, Walmart's early savings event, or Best Buy's Big Friday, online retailers have expanded the timeline for Black Friday shopping. Nonetheless, the absolute best online discounts often coincide with the main event on the last Friday of November.
Also, read our blog on Best Black Friday Ads.
When Should I Start Black Friday Shopping?
The ideal time to start Black Friday shopping depends on you—the shopper. If you have specific items or brands in mind, starting early can help ensure you get what you want before it's sold out. Many in-store and online retailers start offering sales and deals in the early days of November. If you're looking for big-ticket items such as tech gadgets or home appliances, it may be beneficial to start checking prices and potential deals well in advance. However, if you're open to browsing and aren't targeting specific products, you could enjoy the thrill of finding unexpected bargains on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Preparation could indeed be the key to nailing your Black Friday shopping experience.
Are there any Black Friday Sales Before Thanksgiving?
The simple answer is yes. In recent years, many retailers have started their Black Friday sales well before Thanksgiving Day. Coined by shoppers as "Black Friday season," these early sales can occur anytime in November. Some retailers offer 'preview sales' where limited quantities of specific products are heavily discounted to lure shoppers. While these aren't the full Black Friday discounts, they allow customers to taste the sales while spreading their holiday spending. Amazon's early Black Friday deals, for instance, are an excellent example of how customers can find reductions on everything from tech items like Apple AirPods and Amazon devices to various other categories.
When do Black Friday Sales End?
While Black Friday is technically a single day, in practice, it has grown into much more than that over the past few years. As sales start earlier and earlier, it seems Black Friday has officially turned into Black November. Regardless, the sales usually peak on Black Friday itself. However, the deals don't end when Black Friday does. No sooner has Black Friday passed then Cyber Monday follows hot on its heels with yet more deals and discounts, primarily online. Some retailers further extend their Black Friday sales into a Cyber Week event, continuing the stream of savings past Cyber Monday.
Also Read Black Friday Marketing Ideas!
What Stores have the Best Black Friday Deals?
From department stores to standalone brands, various retailers participate in Black Friday with enticing offerings to attract shoppers. Stores like Walmart and Best Buy are known for offering incredible Black Friday savings on electronics and housewares, including popular items like video game consoles, TV sets, kitchen appliances, small appliances, and holiday decorations. Amazon remains one of the dominant forces in the online Black Friday sales game, boasting a vast array of deals across virtually all product categories. Other prominent players like Home Depot also offer irresistible promotions, especially regarding improving your home. They often slash prices on tools, home essentials, decor and more. However, remember—the best store for Black Friday depends mainly on what you're looking to buy. So, do your research ahead of time to find which retailers are offering the best deals on the items you most want.
Final Words
Black Friday 2024 is poised to be another exciting opportunity for savvy shoppers to nab excellent deals and discounts. By planning and following these harnessed tips, shoppers can effectively strategize their purchases & make the most out of the Black Friday and holiday sales season. Whether you're targeting electronic gadgets, clothing, or home items, preparation is the key to unlocking potential savings.
Remember, the goal is not just to splurge but to spend wisely, grabbing only those deals that genuinely offer value. As the biggest shopping day gears up, let the countdown for the holiday shopping season begin!
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do most sales go live on Black Friday?
Most online sales go live post-midnight on Thanksgiving Day. Brick-and-mortar stores often start their sales early Friday morning, while some open their doors as early as Thanksgiving evening.
How long do Black Friday sales last?
While Black Friday is officially a single day, sales often start as early as November and extend through Cyber Monday, often known as Black Friday week.
Is it better to shop in-store or online for Black Friday?
Both have their advantages. In-store shopping offers immediacy and potential doorbusters, while online shopping lets you avoid crowds and provides a wider selection of products and possibly exclusive online deals.
What should I avoid buying on Black Friday?
Products like winter clothing, outdoor gear and luxury brands often see their biggest markdowns after Black Friday. Similarly, newer models of high-tech gadgets may not feature major discounts on Black Friday.
Is Black Friday the cheapest day?
Not always—while Black Friday boasts big discounts, keep in mind that some items may be marked down more at other times during the year. Researching and tracking prices can help determine the best time to buy.
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