Black Friday is no longer a single day event; it’s a month-long shopping period stretching from November into early December. The days of freezing overnight lines at big-box stores are gone, replaced by extensive online sales. While the savings potential is immense, navigating this retail frenzy requires a strategic approach. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Black Friday 2025, from store hours to price matching policies, ensuring you maximize your savings.
When Does Black Friday 2025 Begin?
The official Black Friday date is November 28th, 2025. However, most retailers launch sales weeks earlier. Here’s a breakdown of key retailer schedules:
- Amazon: Sales begin November 20th, running through December 1st.
- Best Buy: In-store and online deals from November 20th to November 29th.
- Walmart: Online sales start November 25th, expanding to in-store on November 28th, with Cyber Monday deals on December 1st.
- Target: Sales kick off November 23rd, continuing through November 29th, with additional drops from November 27th to 29th. Stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.
Store Hours for Black Friday 2025
Major retailers open early on Black Friday:
- Best Buy: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Black Friday; 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Saturday, Nov. 29th; 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Sunday, Nov. 30th; 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Cyber Monday.
- Walmart: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Black Friday, consistent with regular business hours through Cyber Weekend.
- Target: 6:00 AM to regular closing time (typically 11:00 PM on weekends), with variable times depending on location.
Price Matching Policies
Price matching is limited. Target matches its own prices from November 1st to December 24th. Best Buy offers year-round price matching, excluding Black Friday deals (Thursday before Thanksgiving through the Monday after). Amazon and Walmart do not offer price matching.
Shopping Smart on Black Friday
To avoid overspending and ensure you get the best deals, follow these tips:
- Make a Plan: Create a shopping list to avoid impulse buys.
- Organize Your Amazon Wishlist: Use Amazon’s wishlist features for price alerts.
- Download Retailer Apps: Exclusive deals are often app-only.
- Use Price Tracking Tools: Services like camelcamelcamel track price history to verify savings.
Top Black Friday Deals
Here are some of the best deals spotted so far:
- Apple AirPods Pro 3: $219.99 (List Price $249.00)
- Apple iPad 11″ 128GB: $274.00 (List Price $349.00)
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones: $248.00 (List Price $399.99)
- Blink Outdoor 4 Security Camera (5-Pack): $159.99 (List Price $399.99)
- Fire TV Stick 4K: $24.99 (List Price $49.99)
What to Expect on Black Friday?
Black Friday remains the prime time to shop for tech, appliances, toys, and more. Expect significant discounts on TVs, laptops, headphones, Apple products, Amazon devices, and robot vacuums. Deals extend to outdoor gear, gaming consoles, and household essentials.
Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday: Which is Better?
The distinction between Black Friday and Cyber Monday has blurred. Both days offer substantial discounts. Black Friday historically features better TV deals, while Cyber Monday may offer deeper discounts on laptops. If you see a deal you like, grab it – waiting might mean it’s gone.
Ultimately, Black Friday 2025 is a marathon, not a sprint. The best strategy is preparation, research, and a willingness to act fast when the right deal appears.
