Black Friday is nearly here again, and shoppers are gearing up for one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. This year, Black Friday falls on November 28, followed by Cyber Monday on December 1. Once seen as a single day of post-Thanksgiving sales, Black Friday has transformed into a month-long retail phenomenon. With many brands launching deals as early as the first week of November, preparation is more important than ever.
What to Expect This Year
Black Friday is best known for tech and electronics deals, and 2025 should be no different. Televisions, laptops and gaming consoles are expected to be among the most heavily discounted products, often by 40-60%. Amazon is likely to slash prices on its devices such as Echo speakers and Fire TV Sticks—categories that have historically dropped by as much as 70%. Major department stores and electronics retailers are also preparing markdowns on Apple, Samsung and Dyson products, which tend to be among the most sought-after items each year.
Fashion remains another strong category. Retailers often clear out fall and early-winter collections in late November, so expect steep discounts on outerwear, boots and accessories. Brands like Dr. Martens have offered up to 50% off past styles, while jewelry retailers such as Pandora typically provide 25-30% markdowns on charms, bracelets and necklaces.
Shoppers interested in fitness gear should keep an eye on Garmin and other wearable tech brands. Last year, some models were nearly half price during the Black Friday weekend, and this year’s lineup of Forerunner, Venu and Fenix watches is expected to follow a similar trend.
Trends to Watch
Black Friday has increasingly become a mobile-first shopping event. More consumers are now checking out via phone apps than desktop sites, so downloading retailer apps and setting push notifications can give shoppers an edge when deals go live. Another major trend is the rise of “Buy Now, Pay Later” options, which allow shoppers to spread out payments without interest. This flexibility has fueled growth in higher-ticket purchases such as electronics and appliances.
Consumers are also demanding more from retailers in terms of convenience. Free shipping, extended return windows and price-match guarantees are becoming standard. With so many players competing for attention, expect stores to roll out generous policies to win loyalty.
Top Travel Deals
- JetBlue Vacations – Big savings on flight + hotel and flight + cruise packages. Destinations include San Juan (from ~$312), Cancún (~$252), Aruba (~$456) and more.
- Trafalgar – Save up to ~15 % on various tours for 2026/27 departures, or “Buy One Get One 50%” on select trips.
- Insight Vacations – Offers include BOGO 50% off on select tours and up to 15% off others when booked in the promotional window (Oct 30 – Dec 4, 2025).
- Go Ahead Tours – Discounts up to $800 per traveler on many of their tours worldwide. Bookings start in early Nov.
- Costco Travel – Offers Black Friday-themed deals for members on luxury vacations, cruises, hotels, and rental cars.
Top Retailer Deals to Watch
- Nordstrom — Their early Black Friday sale is in full swing, with up to 75% off on men’s, women’s, and kids’ clothing, plus major markdowns on outerwear, cozy sweaters, and more.
- Banana Republic — Get up to 40% off some of their top pieces, like wool coats, knitwear, and classic pants.
- Lands’ End — Their sitewide preview sale includes 50% off sweaters, outerwear, and pajamas, including cashmere styles.
- Walmart —Black Friday Deals & More on now! Add to cart fast, brag later.
- Best Buy — Strong deals both online and in-store.
Shopping Strategies
To make the most of Black Friday, timing and preparation are key. Start by creating a wish list of items you’re looking for—whether it’s a laptop upgrade, a new winter coat or holiday gifts—and track prices now so you’ll recognize a genuine bargain later. Many retailers offer early Black Friday preview sales, which means waiting until the official date isn’t always necessary.
Shoppers should also compare across multiple retailers before clicking “buy.” For example, the same Apple product may be bundled with gift cards at one store or paired with extended warranties at another. Rewards memberships can also pay off. Pandora, for instance, has offered early access deals to its loyalty program members, while department stores often stack seasonal promotions with store credit or coupons.
Finally, keep Cyber Monday in mind. Some of the best deals on laptops, tablets and smaller electronics appear online that day, giving you a second chance if you miss out on Black Friday itself.
The Bottom Line
Black Friday promises a mix of doorbuster electronics, steep fashion discounts and holiday-ready gift bargains. With sales launching earlier each year, the savviest shoppers will plan, compare across platforms and use mobile alerts to secure the best offers. Whether you’re looking to splurge on a smartwatch, refresh your winter wardrobe or get a jump on holiday gifting, this season’s sales are set to deliver.
By preparing now, you’ll be ready to shop smarter—and save big—when November’s biggest retail event arrives.
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