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Black Friday 2024 is fast approaching, and the savings have already begun! Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target are kicking off their deals early, transforming the event into a month-long shopping extravaganza. No longer just a one-day event, Black Friday has expanded into a full “Black November,” giving shoppers more opportunities to save.

With discounts already flooding in from top stores, now is the time to start planning your Black Friday shopping strategy. Whether you’re looking for the latest tech, holiday gifts, or fashion finds, this guide will help you make the most of Black Friday 2024 by highlighting when the sales start, where to shop, and how to snag the best bargains.

When Is Black Friday 2024?

This year, Black Friday will fall on Friday, November 29, the day after Thanksgiving, which is Thursday, November 28.

What Is Black Friday?

Black Friday is widely recognized as one of the biggest shopping events of the year. The term was coined in Philadelphia in the 1950s, where it referred to the chaos caused by large crowds of suburban shoppers descending on the city. By the 1980s, retailers embraced the name as a way to describe how sales on the day after Thanksgiving would push their profits “into the black,” marking the start of the holiday shopping season.

When Do Black Friday Sales Start?

While Black Friday has traditionally been a one-day event, the sales now start much earlier. With retailers offering discounts as early as November 1st, the “Black Friday season” now lasts for weeks, giving shoppers plenty of time to take advantage of deals before the big day.

When Does Black Friday Start on Amazon?

Amazon’s Black Friday Week will officially begin on Thursday, November 21, and run through Friday, November 29. Expect major discounts, including up to 55% off select Amazon devices such as Fire Smart TVs, Kindles, Ring doorbells, and Beats headphones. You can also find discounts of up to 50% off Levi’s denim and OROLAY apparel.

When Does Black Friday Start at Walmart?

Walmart has already launched its early Black Friday deals on November 11, offering savings of up to 70% off a wide variety of items, including cookware, beauty products, toys, and clothing. In-store sales will begin on Friday, November 15, and run through Sunday, November 17.

A second round of Black Friday sales will start online on Monday, November 25, with in-store deals available starting Friday, November 29 at 6 a.m. local time.

Walmart is also offering 50% off Walmart+ memberships, which provide early access to deals, free shipping, and exclusive perks like fuel discounts and streaming services.

Walmart stores will be closed on Thanksgiving, but will open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday.

When Does Black Friday Start at Target?

Target kicked off its weekly Black Friday deals on Sunday, November 3, and will continue offering discounts throughout the holiday season. Early promotions included up to 50% off floor care items, headphones, and baby gear, as well as buy one, get one 50% off select toys like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Later deals include 25% off Disney merchandise (clothing, toys, bedding), discounts on Apple products like AirPods, iPads, and Apple Watches, and 20% off Lego building sets.

Target stores will be closed on Thanksgiving, but will open at 6 a.m. on Friday, November 29. From November 30 to December 23, Target will extend its hours to 7 a.m. to midnight.

How to Shop Smart on Black Friday

• Shop Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Many retailers have already started offering discounts, and some of the best deals will sell out quickly. Shop early to ensure you get the items you want at a great price.
• Take Advantage of Online Sales: Online shopping is a major part of Black Friday now, with many retailers offering exclusive online discounts. You can avoid the crowds and shop from the comfort of your home.
• Set Alerts: If there are specific items you’re hoping to snag, set price alerts or reminders for when deals go live. Some of the most popular products can sell out in minutes, so staying on top of deals is key.
• Watch for Flash Sales: Keep an eye out for time-limited flash sales, which offer deep discounts on select items for a short period of time. These sales require quick action, so be ready to grab those deals as soon as they’re available.
• Look for Price Matching: Many retailers will match competitors’ prices during Black Friday. If you find a lower price at another store, check with your retailer to see if they’ll match it.

Final Thoughts: Get Ready for a Record-Breaking Black Friday

Black Friday 2024 promises to be one of the biggest shopping events in recent memory, with sales kicking off earlier and lasting longer than ever before. Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts, big-ticket items, or just treating yourself, now is the time to plan your strategy and keep an eye on the best deals.

By staying organized, setting alerts, and keeping track of when and where the sales are happening, you can make the most of Black Friday and score the best deals of the season.

Happy shopping, and get ready to save big this Black Friday!