Even though there is still about a month until Black Friday offers begin coming, now is the time to start preparing if you want to save as much money as possible on Christmas gifts this year. Big-ticket electronics like televisions, video game systems, and personal computers are all at their lowest prices on Black Friday.
Below, you’ll find all you need to know about Black Friday 2023 to get the best deals possible this holiday season. Even though the greatest sales event of the season seems to begin earlier and earlier each year, there are some constants that never change.
When Is Black Friday?
Black Friday typically falls on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, which is the fourth Thursday of November. Therefore, Black Friday usually occurs on the fourth Friday of November. To provide a specific date for Black Friday in a given year, you would need to determine the date of Thanksgiving for that year and then identify the following day as Black Friday. Keep in mind that Black Friday is a shopping holiday known for its significant discounts and deals, and it has become increasingly popular in other countries as well. However, the exact date may vary in countries outside the United States, and some retailers may offer Black Friday sales on different days or even weeks before or after the official date. It’s a good idea to check with specific retailers and sources for the most up-to-date information on Black Friday sales and events.
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The Best Black Friday Deals – What to Expect in 2023
The long and the short of it is that during the Black Friday season, nearly every product and brand under the sun will be on sale in some capacity. However, the best deals are likely to be found on high-priced items that rarely go on sale. The most significant transactions that can be anticipated in 2023 are as follows:
Video Game Consoles: Despite their popularity as holiday presents, video game consoles are typically not discounted. There are often great prices to be had on new gaming consoles on Black Friday, whether you’re in the market for a PlayStation 5, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch. The finest deals, though, are more likely to be found in discounted console bundles than in straight price drops.
Personal computers and portable media players are another popular tech purchase around the holidays. Given the relatively high cost of the graphics cards used in gaming PCs and laptops, this is especially true. Retailers like Amazon and Walmart, in addition to companies like Dell, Lenovo, and HP, will offer Black Friday deals this year. It’s hard to find a better moment to purchase a laptop.
Electronics: Black Friday is still the greatest time to get a new television, despite the fact that TV costs have decreased dramatically in recent years. Major internet merchants routinely offer large discounts on both brand-new 2023 models and older models of the same manufacturers. Some excellent 4K models from Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, and Vizio are currently on sale for far less than $300 at a variety of retailers. The day after Thanksgiving is the greatest time to buy an OLED or LED television.
Phones – The holiday season is the perfect time to get a new phone because of sales and discounts. When new phones come out in the fall, like the iPhone 15 Pro, carriers across the board begin advertising discounts on new phone contracts. When switching service providers, these may come in the form of buy-one-get-one promotions or other trade-in incentives for individuals interested in upgrading. The prices of unlocked phones are lower to begin with, but stores like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy often offer special deals. If you can live with not having the most recent iPhone model, now is a wonderful moment to save money by purchasing an older model.
Headphones and earbuds: can cost a pretty penny, even the best of the cheap varieties. The same goes for high-quality noise-cancelling headphones. As a result, Headphones, earbuds, and headsets are some of the greatest electronics to buy on Black Friday. Headphones like the AirPods, Sony, Beats, and Samsung are virtually constantly on sale. You should also keep an eye out for phone bundles that include branded earbuds as a free bonus.
When it comes to consumer electronics, tablets and e-readers continue to dominate sales. Some of the latest and greatest iPads may even double as laptops for use at the office, smart home gadgets, or even an additional monitor. Even while high-end tablets can serve as E-Readers, cheaper alternatives are available. During the Black Friday shopping season, you can find several excellent Kindle discounts that will allow you to purchase a reading tablet for less than $100.
Video Games – While sales on gaming consoles tend to draw the most attention, Black Friday is also a good time to find good prices on video games. Popular games often go on sale for under $30, or stores will offer buy one get one free deals. The finest new games of the year are rarely discounted, while top titles from the previous five years are sometimes available at substantial discounts. For example, last year several of the finest Nintendo Switch games were available for less than $30.
Vacuum: When it comes to buying cleaning supplies, vacuums can quickly eat up a sizable portion of your budget. It’s not inexpensive to obtain a good vacuum, and if you want a Dyson or Shark, you’re looking at much more money. Because of this, buying a vacuum is one of the few things you should seriously consider doing on Black Friday. The cost of owning a Roomba is surprisingly low due to the frequent sales that are held on robot vacuums.
Television: Although not as glamorous as a new television or video game console, kitchen appliances such as espresso makers and stand mixers may add up quickly in cost. If you’re looking to buy a Nespresso machine or an instant pot, you should wait until Black Friday because almost every major retailer will be providing discounts on these types of products.
Toys – Black Friday is a terrific time to stock up on toys at deep discounts because of the Christmas season. In November, retailers around the country offer steep discounts on everything from action figures and dolls to Nerf weapons and the most expensive LEGO sets. You can save a lot of money now by purchasing a top-tier board game.
Clothes – Shop for new threads during the Black Friday sales season and save big, especially on men’s clothing. Prices can be brought down to a more manageable level by taking advantage of storewide sales at department stores like Kohl’s and Macy’s. Even more typically, seasonal sales will be held by smaller stores as well. Make sure you know the store’s Black Friday hours before you travel there.
Best Black Friday Online Retailers
The “best” online retailers for Black Friday can vary depending on your preferences, location, and the specific products you’re interested in purchasing. However, several major online retailers consistently offer significant Black Friday deals and are known for their reliable service. Here are some of the top online retailers that are popular for Black Friday shopping:
Amazon: Amazon is a major player in Black Friday sales, offering a wide range of deals on electronics, fashion, home goods, and more. Their “Black Friday Deals Week” typically spans several days.
Walmart: Walmart’s online store features a variety of Black Friday deals on electronics, toys, clothing, and household items. They often have special online-only deals.
Best Buy: Best Buy is known for its Black Friday discounts on electronics, including smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and home appliances. Their online store offers both in-store pickup and delivery options.
Target: Target offers Black Friday deals on a wide range of products, including electronics, toys, clothing, and home decor. They often have online-only deals and promotions.
eBay: eBay is a marketplace where you can find a wide variety of Black Friday deals from individual sellers and retailers. It’s a great place to look for unique and hard-to-find items.
Newegg: Newegg specializes in electronics and tech-related products. They offer Black Friday deals on items like laptops, computer components, gaming accessories, and more.
Kohl’s: Kohl’s often features Black Friday deals on clothing, home goods, and electronics. They are known for their “Kohl’s Cash” promotions, which allow you to earn store credit with purchases.
Macy’s: Macy’s offers Black Friday deals on clothing, beauty products, home furnishings, and more. Their online store provides convenient shopping options.
Home Depot: If you’re looking for Black Friday deals on home improvement and hardware items, Home Depot’s online store is a great place to find discounts on tools, appliances, and more.
Sears: While Sears has faced challenges in recent years, their online store still offers Black Friday deals on appliances, tools, and other home-related products.
Adidas, Nike, and Other Apparel Brands: Many apparel brands and sportswear retailers offer Black Friday discounts on their websites. This is a good time to shop for athletic shoes, sportswear, and activewear.
Tech-Specific Retailers: If you’re specifically interested in tech and gadgets, consider retailers like B&H Photo Video, Micro Center, and Fry’s Electronics for Black Friday deals.
Remember that availability and discounts can vary, so it’s a good idea to check multiple retailers for the best deals on the products you’re interested in. Additionally, sign up for email newsletters and follow these retailers on social media to receive updates on their Black Friday promotions and doorbusters.
Tips for Black Friday Shopping Online
Shopping on Black Friday online can be a great way to score deals and avoid the crowds at physical stores. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your online Black Friday shopping experience:
Plan Ahead:
Create a budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend and stick to it.
Make a shopping list: Identify the items you want to purchase to avoid impulse buying.
Sign Up for Retailers’ Emails: Many retailers send out exclusive Black Friday deals and promotions to their email subscribers. Sign up in advance to get early access.
Install Shopping Apps: Download the apps of your favorite stores and enable notifications for instant updates on deals and discounts.
Compare Prices: Use price comparison websites or browser extensions to ensure you’re getting the best deal available.
Follow Retailers on Social Media: Retailers often post exclusive deals and promotions on their social media pages, so follow them to stay updated.
Set Up Accounts in Advance: If you plan to shop on multiple websites, create accounts and save your shipping and payment information in advance to expedite the checkout process.
Use Secure and Updated Devices: Ensure your computer or mobile device has the latest security updates and use a secure, updated browser for online shopping.
Beware of Phishing Scams: Be cautious of emails or websites that seem suspicious, and only shop on reputable websites. Avoid clicking on unsolicited links.
Read Reviews: Before making a purchase, read reviews to ensure the product meets your expectations.
Check Return Policies: Be aware of the return policies of the stores you’re shopping from in case you need to return or exchange a product.
Consider Shipping Costs: Factor in shipping costs when comparing prices. Some stores offer free shipping during Black Friday, while others may have minimum purchase requirements.
Shop Early: Some online deals may sell out quickly, so start shopping early to snag the best deals.
Stay Patient: Online traffic can slow down websites, and you may encounter delays. Be patient and keep trying if you experience issues.
Secure Payment: Use secure payment methods like credit cards, PayPal, or Apple Pay, and avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for transactions.
Keep Records: Save confirmation emails, receipts, and order details in case you need to reference them later.
Avoid Overspending: Stick to your budget and resist the temptation to buy items you don’t need just because they’re on sale.
Track Deliveries: Keep track of your order shipments and delivery dates to ensure you receive your purchases on time.
Stay Safe: Be cautious about sharing personal information and avoid making purchases from unverified sellers or websites.
Consider Cashback and Rewards: If you have cashback or rewards programs with your credit cards, check if they offer extra benefits for Black Friday shopping.
Know When to Stop: Don’t get caught up in the frenzy of deals. Once you’ve completed your shopping list and stayed within your budget, it’s time to stop.
By following these tips, you can have a successful and safe Black Friday shopping experience online. Remember to stay organized, do your research, and make informed purchasing decisions.
David is an writer who has a deep love for deals and coupons. He is a skilled author who has a talent for breaking down complex shopping topics into easy-to-understand pieces of information. David's writing style is engaging and informative, making his work accessible to a wide range of readers.