Find out what to expect for Black Friday deals this year and whether or not you getting the best offers!
As Black Friday approaches, November 29, 2024, shoppers are gearing up for one of the biggest shopping events of the year to attempt getting the best deals. With many retailers already offering early discounts, it’s the perfect time to strategize and plan your purchases.
Black Friday 2024 promises substantial savings across various categories, from electronics to travel and beyond. However, in some cases, it might not be the best price of the year. So, let’s take a look at what you can expect, along with tips to maximize savings and make the most of this shopping season.
What To Expect For Black Friday Deals This Year
1. Early Deals and Pre-Sales
Retailers have begun rolling out discounts earlier than ever, with stores like Walmart and Amazon offering significant markdowns on popular items weeks ahead of Black Friday. These early sales are an excellent opportunity for shoppers to grab deals ahead of the rush and avoid shipping delays or incidents. DHL Supply Chain’s new CEO for North America, Patrick Kelleher, noted that items may arrive later than in years past, especially if ordered around big dates such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
While early sales can be tempting, holding off until closer to Black Friday often results in better deals. However, experts implied that some of the deals are already as good as they are going to get this year.
2. Black Friday Deals
During Black Friday, discounts of 20% to 30% are common, but these deals won’t necessarily apply to everything in the store, according to retail experts. Some retailers may offer markdowns as high as 50%, except for premium brands like Nike, Alo, or Lululemon. These premium brands often cap their discounts at 20% or 30% to maintain their reputation for quality and exclusivity.
To attract customers, some stores provide extra incentives like free gift cards with a minimum purchase or bonus rewards for spending on Black Friday. These additional perks can make shopping even more appealing.
3. What Not to Buy on Black Friday
Black Friday is an excellent opportunity to score great deals on fall clothing, including items like flannels, denim, coats, and accessories. It’s also a popular time for electronics to go on sale. However, for certain items, you might save more by waiting. Beauty products and footwear tend to have better deals on Cyber Monday, so consider holding off until then.
For toys, waiting until the last two weeks of December often results in better prices. As for Holiday decorations, they are significantly cheaper in the final days before Christmas or just after. If you’re planning a trip, keep an eye on Travel Tuesday, which offers significant discounts on airfare, cruises, and tour packages. Many hotels also provide 20% to 30% off.
Some other categories are better suited for sales in different seasons: exercise equipment and bedding are typically better discounted in January during “white sales”, and furniture and mattresses often have their best deals during long holiday weekends, like Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, or Labor Day.
4. How to Save Even More
To ensure you’re getting the best possible deals, consider using price-tracking extensions, like Honey or Camelizer, that can monitor price changes and notify you when an item’s price drops. Honey can also apply relevant coupon codes. For in-person shopping, use apps like ShopSavvy to compare prices. Many stores will match a lower price if you show them proof. On top of that, some credit cards offer price protection.
You can also use credit card with cashback or rewards program, coupon codes, and cashback sites like CouponCabin.com to get additional savings. Don’t forget to snap pictures of your receipts with the Fetch app to earn points redeemable for gift cards at retailers such as Walmart, Target, or Amazon.