Live Countdown to November 28, 2025
Real-time countdown to the biggest shopping day!
When is Black Friday 2025? Black Friday falls on Friday, November 28, 2025, the day after Thanksgiving. This unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season brings massive sales, doorbuster deals, and the year's biggest retail discounts across nearly every product category.
Understanding the date helps you plan shopping strategies, compare deals, and decide between online and in-store shopping. The Friday-after-Thanksgiving timing means November 28th becomes crucial for holiday shoppers seeking major savings on gifts, electronics, appliances, and more.
The term "Black Friday" dates to the 1960s in Philadelphia, where police described the chaotic post-Thanksgiving shopping crowds. Retailers later reframed it as the day stores went from "in the red" (losing money) to "in the black" (profitable). What began as a single-day event has evolved into a week-long shopping season encompassing Thanksgiving Day, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday.
Early 2000s saw stores opening earlier, with some starting at midnight. By the 2010s, Thanksgiving evening openings became common. Recently, many retailers have returned to later Friday openings, respecting Thanksgiving family time.
E-commerce transformed the event. Online sales now match or exceed in-store purchases. Many deals launch days before, reducing the single-day shopping frenzy while extending savings opportunities.
The National Retail Federation estimates shoppers spend $300-400 billion during the Thanksgiving weekend period. This represents nearly 20% of annual retail sales compressed into five days.
Not all deals are created equal. Historical data shows certain product categories consistently offer the deepest discounts, while others provide minimal savings. Focus your efforts on categories with proven track records of significant price reductions.
Televisions typically see the deepest discounts - often 30-50% off. Major brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony compete aggressively. Doorbuster TVs at $200-300 for 50-55 inch models are common, though these may be special limited models. Mid-tier TVs ($500-800 range) often provide better value with stronger features and quality.
Laptops and tablets receive substantial discounts (20-40%). Gaming laptops, Chromebooks, and mid-range Windows laptops see competitive pricing. Apple products rarely discount significantly, though retailers may bundle gift cards. iPad discounts of $50-100 are typical.
Gaming consoles sometimes see bundles with extra controllers or games rather than steep price cuts. Video games themselves often hit $30-40 for recent titles. Gaming accessories like headsets and controllers see 30-50% reductions.
Major appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers) can save you $200-500. Retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Best Buy compete heavily. Small appliances (Instant Pots, air fryers, coffee makers) often reach 40-60% off - excellent values if you need them.
Smart home devices including Amazon Echo, Google Nest, and Ring doorbells typically hit lowest-ever prices. Echo Dots often drop to $20-25, while Ring doorbell bundles may save $100+.
Certain categories rarely offer meaningful savings:
Success requires more than showing up on November 28th. Strategic planning significantly increases your savings and reduces stress.
4-6 Weeks Before: Create a prioritized shopping list focusing on items you genuinely need. Research typical prices using tools like CamelCamelCamel (Amazon price tracker) or Google Shopping price history. Set target prices for each item - only buy if deals meet or beat these targets.
2-3 Weeks Before: Sign up for retailer email lists and download mobile apps. Many offer early access deals or app-exclusive discounts. Follow deal sites like Slickdeals, Brad's Deals, or TechBargains for leaked ad previews. Create accounts and save payment information for quick checkout.
Week Before: Review leaked ads (usually available by mid-November). Map out your strategy - which stores, what order, what times. For online shopping, add items to carts in advance. Some retailers reserve inventory for cart items.
Choose online if: You want to avoid crowds, shop from multiple retailers simultaneously, easily compare prices, or buy electronics/appliances (free shipping often included). Most online deals start Thanksgiving evening or earlier, giving you a head start.
Choose in-store for: Ultra-limited doorbusters (usually 10-20 units per store), items you want to inspect physically, or immediate possession without shipping wait. Arrive 1-2 hours before opening for doorbuster access.
Hybrid approach: Buy online for pickup (BOPIS - Buy Online Pickup In Store). This combines online convenience with immediate possession and often gets you early doorbuster access without long lines.
For online shoppers: Use multiple devices and browsers. Cart items may sell out, but different entry points sometimes reveal inventory. Enable one-click purchasing on Amazon. Use browser autofill for faster checkout. Don't wait - popular items sell out in minutes.
For in-store shoppers: Bring a charged phone with store apps installed. Many stores offer app-only coupons or digital deals. Dress comfortably and bring water/snacks if arriving early. Park strategically for quick exits. Grab priority items first - you can always return later for secondary purchases.
Each major retailer approaches the shopping season differently. Understanding their strategies helps you plan effectively.
Walmart: Typically opens 5-6 AM Friday with online deals starting Thanksgiving evening. Strong electronics, toy, and home goods deals. Doorbuster quantities are limited but regularly restocked. Online inventory is usually larger than in-store.
Target: Similar timing to Walmart (5-6 AM Friday start). Known for strong toy deals and trendy home décor discounts. RedCard holders (Target credit/debit card) get additional 5% off. Deal Days (pre-Black Friday event) often match or beat actual Friday prices.
Best Buy: The go-to for electronics. Opens 5-6 AM Friday. Early access for My Best Buy members (free membership). Price matching policy extends through the season. Geek Squad services sometimes bundle with purchases.
Amazon: Runs deals for weeks, but "Epic Deals" launch Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday. Lightning Deals (limited time/quantity) require quick action. Prime members get 30-minute early access to some deals. Price mistakes happen - act fast if you spot one.
Macy's, Kohl's, and JCPenney open early (typically 5-6 AM) with deep discounts on clothing, shoes, and home goods. Kohl's Kash (store credit earned with purchases) makes already-discounted items even cheaper. Stack coupons when possible - many stores allow manufacturer and store coupons together.
Home Depot and Lowe's focus on tools, appliances, and holiday decorations. Hours typically start 6 AM Friday. Major appliances see $200-600 savings. Tool sets offer substantial value. Holiday décor goes 40-50% off - stock up for next year.
Black Friday 2025 is on Friday, November 28, 2025, the day after Thanksgiving. It marks the traditional start of the holiday shopping season with major retail sales nationwide.
Most major retailers open between 5-6 AM on Friday. Some open earlier (as early as midnight), while others maintain regular hours. Check specific retailer websites in mid-November for confirmed hours.
It depends on the category. TVs, electronics, and appliances typically see genuine deep discounts. However, some "deals" match or barely beat prices from other times. Research beforehand using price tracking tools to identify true savings.
Online shopping offers convenience, earlier deal access, and easy comparison shopping. In-store provides immediate product possession and access to limited doorbusters. Many shoppers use both - buying online for pickup combines advantages of each approach.
Most retailers launch online deals Thanksgiving evening (around 6-9 PM). Some start even earlier - Amazon and Walmart often begin deals days before. Cyber Monday (December 1, 2025) focuses specifically on online-only promotions.
Black Friday (November 28) traditionally focuses on in-store shopping with deep discounts across all categories. Cyber Monday (December 1) emphasizes online deals, especially electronics and tech. Many deals overlap, but Cyber Monday may offer better online-exclusive prices on certain items.
The excitement of deals can lead to overspending or unsafe situations. Protect yourself physically and financially.
Set a firm budget before shopping and stick to it. The average shopper spends $300-400 during the weekend - decide your limit beforehand. Use debit cards or prepaid cards rather than credit to avoid debt. The "deal" isn't worth it if you'll pay interest for months.
Create a prioritized list. Buy highest-priority items first. If budget allows, move to secondary items. Don't purchase something just because it's discounted - ask whether you'd buy it at regular price. If not, skip it regardless of savings.
Shop only on secure websites (look for "https" and padlock icon). Avoid public Wi-Fi for purchases - use your phone's data or home network. Monitor credit card statements for unauthorized charges. Use credit cards rather than debit for better fraud protection when shopping online.
Beware of fake websites mimicking real retailers. Verify URLs carefully. Deal-too-good-to-be-true emails are often phishing scams. Never click links in unsolicited emails - go directly to retailer websites.
For in-store shoppers: Park in well-lit areas. Don't leave purchases visible in your car - put them in the trunk. Shop with friends when possible. Stay aware of surroundings, especially in parking lots. Report suspicious behavior to store security.
Avoid confrontations over deals. No item is worth physical altercation. If a doorbuster sells out, move on - other deals exist. Store employees can't control inventory - treat them with respect.
Whether you're an aggressive deal hunter or casual browser, November 28th offers opportunities for significant savings. The key is strategic planning rather than impulse buying. Know what you need, research prices, set budgets, and stick to your plan.
Remember that deals extend beyond the single day. If you miss something Friday, check Cyber Monday. Many items actually drop lower on Monday. The extended sales period means less pressure to act immediately on marginal deals.
For many, the experience is part of the fun - the thrill of finding deals, the tradition of shopping with family or friends, the satisfaction of smart purchasing. Whether you camp outside stores at midnight or browse from your couch in pajamas, strategic preparation maximizes savings while minimizing stress.
As November 28th approaches, finalize your list, set your budget, and prepare your strategy. The countdown represents opportunity - not to buy everything on sale, but to purchase items you genuinely need at the year's best prices. Smart shopping isn't about how much you spend, but how much you save on purchases you were making anyway. Happy hunting!