Black Friday and Cyber Monday: What You Need to Know About Thrifty Shopping in 2024
Black Friday is coming soon, but the early sales are starting now. What you need to know about the early sales, best and most profitable deals of Black Friday 2024, the publication has collected Z.
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When is Black Friday
This year in the United States, Black Friday falls on November 29, 2024, the day after Thanksgiving, which falls on Thursday, November 28.
When is Cyber Monday
This year in the United States, Cyber Monday will fall on December 2, 2024, just a few days after Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
On the subject: Why Black Friday is the worst day to shop
What's the Cyberweek
This is a new term of the last decade. Cyber Week takes place annually after Thanksgiving. During this period, many online stores and retailers offer significant discounts on almost all categories of goods. Cyber Week 2024 begins on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving in the US) and continues until the end of Cyber Monday of the following week. In 2024, Cyber Week starts on November 28 and will last until December 2. Although many sales will start earlier and will last even after Cyber Monday.
What is Cyber 5
"Cyber 5" is essentially just another popular name for Cyber Week, which is the five days of seasonal discounts that start with Black Friday on November 29 this year and end with Cyber Monday on December 2.
When do Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals start?
The greatest number of deals occur between November 29 and December 2. But keep in mind that retailers launch deals earlier, so you may find savings before Black Friday and after December 2, leading up to the winter holidays.
Cyber Week isn't the only time to save, and even if some deals end, it's likely that others will stick around a little longer. Plus, we'll certainly see more sales in December.
What's the Difference Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday is traditionally associated with savings and discounts at stores after Thanksgiving in the United States. Cyber Monday, like Cyber Week, is a much more modern term that emerged as a result of the online shopping boom, with companies like Amazon and other retailers moving to online sales.
Cyber Monday more accurately reflects seasonal discounts offered online only, especially on tech items like laptops, tablets, phones, etc. The two names are practically synonymous, and Black Friday has certainly expanded its online presence.
What are the best products to buy on Black Friday?
Black Friday offers deals on almost every category of products. There are savings on tech products like streaming services, gift cards, video games and consoles, TVs, laptops, tablets, headphones and speakers, and robot vacuums. Plus, there are discounts on broader categories like luggage, clothing, beauty, kitchen and appliances, toys, and more. You can even save on products that don't often go on sale, like Apple's flagship devices.
How to Make the Most of Black Friday
The best way to make the most of Black Friday and other holiday sales is to shop with a clear understanding of what you want (and need). Of course, it helps to have a plan in mind before adding an item to your cart. Here are some helpful tips.
- Make a list of "need" and "want" items. Must-haves might include items you plan to gift this season or replace, or items you've been waiting to buy on sale. Wants are items that may not be your top priority, but you'd consider buying if the offer seemed right.
- Research the products you want to buy, before Black Friday. Don't leave it to the last minute - it increases anxiety when buying and can lead to the possibility of losing a good deal due to quickly selling out stock. Plan what you want to buy in advance and research key information to make sure you're making an informed purchase. Then, when the sales start, all you have to do is place your order.
- Don't rely on price comparisons. Don't plan to buy items from other retailers and compare prices - most of them won't honor Black Friday prices. So when you see a good deal, don't miss out on it. And if you've listened to us and researched the deals in advance, you won't have to wonder if you need the product - you've already made your decision.
- Set a budget. Black Friday and holiday sales are great times to find great deals, but they can also tempt us to buy things we don’t need just to “save.” Don’t spend money on things you don’t really need and just feel the urge to buy them because they’re on sale. Rest assured, most items on sale will be available at other times of the year, so there’s no point in spending money without a plan if you don’t need the item. Set a budget for yourself to limit extra spending and avoid impulse purchases.
Stores Hold Live Sales on Black Friday
While much of the holiday shopping has certainly moved online, Black Friday sales are still available at many stores, including popular ones like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and more. Though there are certainly some sale deals that will only be available online (and vice versa). It’s worth remembering that if you’re shopping for popular tech items, you may have more of a chance to check out styles, colors, or sizes online if you shop early, or in-store if items are selling out quickly online. Whether you shop in person or remotely is up to you, but it’s usually easier to shop online as early as possible on Black Friday, assuming you’ve already researched the merchandise and planned your purchases.
When is the next Amazon Prime Day
Amazon’s October Prime Big Deal Days event ended on October 9, 2024. If Amazon sticks to its traditional sales calendar, the next Prime Day will be in July, likely after Independence Day. However, last year, the retailer expanded its sales calendar and offered a Big Spring Sale in March 2023, a mini-Prime Day of sorts.
We expect the Big Spring Sale to return, likely again in March. In addition, Amazon offers discounts during smaller holidays such as Valentine's Day, Presidents' Day, Labor Day, and others. Of course, Amazon will likely offer discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
When is the best time to save during the year?
Typically, some of the best deals of the year come during the holiday shopping period leading up to the December holidays. The most well-known of these are Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the rest of Cyber Week. These are great times to save on top tech, especially on models from last year or previous years. That’s because there are a lot of new models released from spring through late summer, so fall and winter are the perfect time to slash prices. However, the holiday season isn’t the only time to save.
While the holiday season remains the best time to save on more items, remember that you can really save money at any time if you shop carefully, compare prices, and use helpful shopping tools.
How to Choose the Best Black Friday Deals 2024
Throughout the holiday shopping season, we'll be actively updating ZDNET.com in real time with all the best deals on the products we've tested and recommend. We'll also be updating curated lists of the best deals in several product categories, including laptops, security cameras, tablets, and more.
Which Retailers Will Be Running Black Friday Sales
Almost every major retailer will undoubtedly have competing sales, deals, and discounts during Black Friday and throughout the holiday season. Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Costco, and others (like Kohls and Macy's) will try to compete with each other by slashing prices on the same items during the same periods, as well as extending their own sales, offering exclusive sales, or offering member access. We'll cover all the best deals on top tech throughout the season, including at places other than the big retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.
Walmart Black Friday 2024
Walmart will be hosting a series of staggered Black Friday Deals throughout November, with one kicking off on November 11. This year’s early Black Friday sales include early access for paid Walmart+ members, new surprise discounts, and a beta test of its new AI-powered generative shopping assistant. Walmart store hours are 6 a.m. to 00 p.m., with no extended hours during the holiday shopping season. Walmart will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. Here are all the details on Walmart’s upcoming Black Friday sales:
- Event 1: Sales begin online Monday, November 11 at 12:00 PM ET for Walmart+ members, 17:00 PM ET for all customers, and in stores Friday, November 15 at 6:00 AM local time.
- Event 2: Sales begin online Monday, November 25 at 12:00 PM ET for Walmart+ members, 17:00 PM ET for all customers, and in stores Friday, November 29 at 6:00 AM local time.
- Cyber Monday: Deals begin Sunday, December 1, at 17 p.m. ET for Walmart+ members and 00 p.m. ET for all customers on Walmart.com and the Walmart app. (Walmart+ members get three hours early access.)
Walmart+ annual subscriptions are on sale for $49 (or 50% off) through December 2 to attract new subscribers ahead of the sales. Most items purchased at Walmart now through December 31 can be returned through January 31, 2025, under Walmart’s expanded holiday return policy.
Best Buy Black Friday 2024
Best Buy is also offering staggered discounts throughout November before taking advantage of its popular Cyber Week sale. Its early sales kicked off on November 8, when the retailer unveiled a new batch of deals. Best Buy will also be offering new Doorbuster discounts every Friday leading up to the retailer’s official Black Friday event, which begins November 21. The Best Buy Cyber Monday sale kicks off on December 1.
Best Buy's normal store hours are 10 a.m. to 00 p.m., though they may be extended during the holiday season (best to check with your local retailer). The store's typical return policy is 21 days, but Best Buy will likely honor its extended holiday return policy as it has in the past. Last year, customers were given until January 00th to do so.
Amazon Black Friday 2024
On November 13, Amazon launched its holiday deals page and began offering select items at a discount well in advance of Black Friday. Amazon customers can take advantage of Black Friday sales from November 21 (12:01 a.m. PT) to November 29 (11:59 a.m. PT).
The retailer is promising a ton of deals across 35 categories and deep discounts on its flagship devices, like the latest Kindle, Fire tablets, Echo devices, Fire TVs and more. Plus, some of the discounts will be available on November 19, and many are available now.
Target Black Friday 2024
Target, like Amazon, has already confirmed its Black Friday sales with early discounts in its stores and online. Of course, you can assume it will offer stunning competing sales throughout the month. You can shop for early Black Friday savings now, including the Deal of the Day at Target.com. Most Target stores nationwide are open from 8 a.m. to 00 p.m.
Are Brands Offering Price Matching During Black Friday?
Yes and no. Some major retailers don’t offer price matching at all (like Costco and Walmart), while Best Buy doesn’t match prices during member-exclusive events like Prime Day. The good news is that for the most part, you don’t have to worry about finding the best price — many retailers already do it for you.
Black Friday and the early holiday shopping seasons are the most competitive times of the year and a great opportunity for big retailers to compete for your purchase. If you find something on sale at one store, you'll likely see the same deal at another store, with the exception of its exclusive items. Some retailers, like Lowe's, offer price matching, but it's best to check each one's policies before deciding to compare prices elsewhere.
Walmart has confirmed that they will not price-check if an item purchased at Walmart during Black Friday Deals drops in price over time. Best Buy and Target will do this during their holiday sales.
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Will there be any early Black Friday deals on Apple's flagship devices
Black Friday is the start of the holiday shopping season for many, so we're likely to see Apple products at discounted prices. Keep in mind that most Apple products don't have big discounts throughout the year. Typically, the maximum savings are 15-20%, especially on new products.
With Apple releasing a new line of iPhone 16s, Apple Watch Series 10, and other new gadgets this fall, it's possible that some of these products will receive promotional offers or discounts.
Last year, the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) saw its first price cut during Amazon's October Prime Day. More Apple products saw price cuts as Black Friday approached.
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