Black Friday 2024 is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to score incredible deals on everything from electronics to home goods, fashion, and more. Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts or snagging something for yourself, this ultimate guide will help you navigate the frenzy, compare online vs. in-store strategies, and maximize your savings.
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Best Stores for Black Friday Deals
From major retailers to niche shops, here’s where you should look for the best discounts:
- Amazon: Famous for its Black Friday Week deals, Amazon often leads with lightning deals, discounts on its own devices (like Fire TVs and Echo Dots), and price slashes on everything from toys to tech.
- Best Buy: Electronics enthusiasts should keep an eye on Best Buy for markdowns on TVs, laptops, and gaming consoles.
- Walmart: Walmart excels in offering unbeatable prices on toys, kitchen gadgets, and household essentials. Their online-exclusive early deals are worth a look.
- Target: With categories spanning fashion, décor, and electronics, Target often sweetens its Black Friday sales with additional perks for RedCard members.
- Specialty Retailers: Stores like Kohl’s, Home Depot, and Sephora frequently offer deep discounts alongside bonus perks like Kohl’s Cash or free samples with purchases.
Related: Join our daily deals group on Facebook to get see some of the best deals from these stores and local Mid-Michigan businesses too on a regularly basis.
Online vs. In-Store: Which is Better?
Choosing between online and in-store shopping depends on your priorities.
- Online Shopping:
- Pros: Convenience, no need to brave the crowds, and exclusive online-only deals. Many retailers also offer free shipping or curbside pickup.
- Cons: Limited stock may sell out quickly, and delivery delays are possible for popular items.
- In-Store Shopping:
- Pros: Immediate access to products and the ability to see items in person before buying.
- Cons: Crowds, long lines, and the risk of some items being sold out before you get there.
Pro Tip: Use retailer apps to snag doorbuster deals online before the stores open, then visit in-store for any items still on your list.
Strategies to Maximize Savings
- Start Early: Many stores launch Black Friday sales as early as November 1, with additional discounts on Thanksgiving Day or Cyber Monday.
- Plan Your List: Write down what you need, compare prices across multiple stores, and prioritize high-ticket items.
- Set a Budget: Avoid overspending by setting a clear spending limit and sticking to it.
- Leverage Rewards Programs: Use store rewards, credit card cash back, or points to stretch your dollars further.
- Shop Small Businesses: Many local stores participate in Black Friday promotions and may offer unique items and deals you won’t find at major retailers. You may also have good luck on Small Business Saturday too which comes right after, you guessed it, Black Friday.
- Price Match: Many retailers honor competitor prices during Black Friday. Check their price match policies and come prepared with proof.
Pro Shopping Tools and Apps
- Honey or Rakuten: Add-on browser extensions that apply coupons and cashback rewards at checkout.
- Flipp: Scan weekly ads for the best deals near you.
- Pepper (app.gopepper.com): Before you make a purchase, buy a gift card through Pepper and use that at checkout. Most major retailers can be found on this app and you’ll earn gift cards with the points you redeem. This has been a great super hack when shopping on Amazon which typically doesn’t qualify for most other cashback reward programs.
Bonus Tips for Success
- Check Reviews: Don’t get swept up in low prices without checking product reviews to ensure quality.
- Keep Receipts: Many stores offer extended holiday return policies, so save your receipts just in case. Plus, you’ll want to scan them for extra cash back and gift card opportunities.
- Stay Safe: If shopping in-store, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid over-packed areas during peak times.
- Go in with a Plan: Remember, it can be easy to actually overspend when you see numerous great deals posted. That’s why it is always important to have a plan and stick to it. For us, we usually budget out the amount we are going to spend per person so that we know what parameters we have to work within. This helps us to actually save money, instead of spending more money than we would have otherwise.
Final Thoughts
Black Friday 2024 promises something for everyone, from unbeatable prices to the thrill of finding that perfect deal. By planning ahead, staying flexible, and using smart shopping strategies, you can score big while keeping your budget intact.
