Black Friday 2024: The Ultimate Guide to Shopping the Best Deals
Black-friday is the best time for shopping
As the holiday season approaches, shoppers and retailers alike eagerly await the biggest shopping day of the year—Black Friday! This year, Black Friday falls on November 29, 2024, and it promises to be a day filled with incredible deals, huge discounts, and a little bit of shopping chaos. In this guide, we’ll dive into the history of Black Friday, share top tips to score the best deals, and explore what’s new for 2024.
The Origins of Black Friday: How It All Began
The term “Black Friday” first came into use in the 1960s, and contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t originally associated with shopping! Philadelphia police coined the term to describe the day after Thanksgiving, when crowds of people would flood the city for holiday shopping and festive events, creating traffic and chaos.
Over the years, the day gained popularity, especially among retailers, who saw it as the perfect opportunity to kick off the holiday shopping season. Eventually, “Black Friday” took on new meaning as retailers’ profits surged, pulling them “into the black” (indicating profitability) instead of being “in the red.”
Black Friday in the Digital Age
With the rise of online shopping, Black Friday has evolved beyond in-store doorbusters. Now, deals are available at the click of a button, with many stores offering online-only discounts, extended sales, and even early-access events. Cyber Monday, the Monday following Black Friday, also became popular as the online equivalent to Black Friday. Many retailers now extend Black Friday deals throughout the week or even the entire month of November!
Black Friday 2024 Trends to Watch
This year, Black Friday promises to continue adapting to the times. Here are a few trends that are shaping up for 2024:
- Eco-Friendly Deals: With sustainability on the rise, more retailers are offering eco-friendly and ethically made products at discounted rates. Expect deals on items like reusable home goods, sustainably sourced clothing, and energy-efficient appliances.
- Personalized Deals: Many online retailers use data to tailor their promotions to customers’ preferences. If you’re a returning customer, you might receive exclusive discounts on items similar to what you’ve bought before, so keep an eye on your inbox.
- Extended Shopping Periods: Many retailers will likely begin their Black Friday sales even earlier than usual, with promotions kicking off at the start of November. This gives shoppers more time to get their deals without the usual rush.
- Tech and Smart Home Gadgets: Tech products are always a Black Friday staple, but this year, expect even more deals on smart home gadgets, AI-powered devices, and eco-friendly tech, like solar-powered chargers and smart thermostats.
Top Tips for Scoring the Best Black Friday Deals
Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, here are some tried-and-true tips to make the most of Black Friday 2024:
- Start Early: Many retailers release their Black Friday ads well in advance, sometimes as early as October. Use these to plan your purchases, and consider making a list of priority items.
- Compare Prices: Use price comparison tools or apps to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Often, the same product is available at multiple stores, so it pays to shop around.
- Sign Up for Newsletters: Many retailers send exclusive discounts and early access codes to their subscribers. Signing up for newsletters ahead of Black Friday can help you grab deals that others might miss.
- Consider Store Policies: Double-check return policies, especially on big-ticket items. Some retailers have stricter return policies on Black Friday deals, so know what to expect if you’re shopping for gifts.
- Set a Budget: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of discounts, so set a budget before you start shopping. This can help you avoid unnecessary purchases and keep your holiday spending in check.
A Note on Cyber Monday
If you miss out on Black Friday deals, don’t worry! Cyber Monday, on December 2, 2024, offers another chance to score online-only discounts. Many stores continue their Black Friday promotions through the weekend, often with new deals rolling out for Cyber Monday.
Final Thoughts
Black Friday 2024 is shaping up to be another thrilling day for bargain hunters and holiday shoppers alike. With online options and early deals, it’s easier than ever to avoid the crowds and find the perfect gift or gadget at a fraction of the price. By planning ahead, keeping an eye on trends, and using smart shopping tips, you can make the most of this year’s Black Friday deals. Happy shopping!
