As the calendar inches closer to the end of November, consumers and retailers alike are eagerly anticipating one of the most exciting and frenzied shopping events of the year: Black Friday.
This annual retail extravaganza, which traditionally falls on the day after Thanksgiving, has become synonymous with unbeatable deals, massive discounts, and a shopping frenzy that knows no bounds.
However, with each passing year, Black Friday continues to evolve and adapt to the changing retail landscape, making it an event that’s both thrilling and unpredictable.
In this article, we will delve into the exciting world of Black Friday, exploring what’s in store for shoppers and retailers this year and how this iconic day is shaping up in response to the ever-evolving retail industry and consumer preferences.
History of Black Friday
The history of Black Friday is a fascinating journey that traces the origins of this iconic shopping holiday and its remarkable evolution over the years.
While primarily associated with the United States, its influence has spread to many other countries worldwide. Here’s a brief overview of how Black Friday came to be and how it has evolved:
1. Early Origins
Black Friday’s origins can be traced back to the early 20th century when the term was first used to describe a financial crisis rather than a shopping extravaganza. In the 19th century, “Black Friday” refers to a stock market crash in 1869.
However, the usage in the context of shopping dates back to the 1930s and 1940s when it was associated with workers calling in sick on the day after Thanksgiving to enjoy a four-day weekend.
2. Shift to a Shopping Holiday
The shift from a negative connotation to a positive one occurred in the 1950s and 1960s.
Retailers in Philadelphia began to use the term “Black Friday” to describe the massive crowds and traffic jams that occurred on the day after Thanksgiving. By the 1980s, the term had spread beyond Philadelphia and was widely used to refer to the beginning of the holiday shopping season.
3. The Doorbusters and Early Openings
The evolution of Black Friday continued as retailers started offering deep discounts and doorbuster deals to attract shoppers.
The idea of opening stores in the early morning hours, or even on Thanksgiving Day itself, became increasingly popular.
This move led to the iconic image of shoppers lining up outside stores in the middle of the night, hoping to snag the best deals.
4. Online Shopping and Cyber Monday
The advent of the internet in the late 20th century brought a new dimension to Black Friday.
Many shoppers started turning to online retailers for their holiday shopping, leading to the creation of Cyber Monday, a day dedicated to online deals.
The distinction between Black Friday and Cyber Monday has blurred as more shoppers opt for the convenience of online shopping.
5. Global Expansion
Black Friday’s popularity transcended U.S. borders and became a global phenomenon.
Countries outside the United States adopted the shopping holiday, albeit with varying enthusiasm. In some regions, Black Friday has even become more popular than in the United States.
6. The Changing Retail Landscape
In recent years, Black Friday has seen a shift in consumer behavior. More shoppers are turning to online shopping, and the lines between Black Friday and Cyber Monday have blurred.
Additionally, retailers have extended the shopping event to encompass the entire week or even November, with “Black Friday” deals starting earlier and earlier.
When Is Black Friday 2023?
Black Friday in 2023 will fall on November 24th. It takes place the day after Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States.
So, Black Friday 2023 will be on November 24th, marking the beginning of the holiday shopping season with various sales, discounts, and deals retailers offer.
Remember that some stores may start their Black Friday sales a day or earlier, so it’s a good idea to stay updated on specific store hours and promotions as the date approaches.
Trends for Black Friday 2023
Black Friday in 2023 is expected to continue several prominent trends shaping this shopping holiday in recent years. Here are some of the key trends to watch for
1. Online Shopping Dominance
The shift towards online shopping will likely continue in 2023. With the convenience of e-commerce, more consumers are opting to shop from the comfort of their homes.
Retailers are also increasingly investing in their online platforms and extending Black Friday sales to their websites.
This trend means shoppers can expect a significant portion of deals and discounts to be available online.
2. Early Black Friday Deals
Many retailers have started their Black Friday sales well before the day, often beginning in early November.
This extended period of deals and discounts allows consumers to plan their purchases over a more extended timeframe. It reduces the need for the frantic in-store shopping that used to characterize Black Friday.
3. Hybrid Shopping Experiences
While online shopping grows, some consumers still value the in-store experience. Retailers are responding by offering a mix of online and in-store promotions.
Expect to see retailers offering various options, including in-store exclusives and online-only deals.
4. Safety Precautions
Recent events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have heightened the focus on safety during Black Friday.
Retailers are likely to continue implementing safety measures, such as capacity limits in stores, sanitation protocols, and mask requirements, if necessary.
Consumers should check with their local retailers for any specific safety guidelines in place.
5. Delivery and Shipping Challenges
The increased volume of online shopping during the holiday season has strained shipping and delivery services in recent years.
Consumers should anticipate potential delays in receiving their Black Friday purchases and may need to plan accordingly. Retailers are likely to offer options like curbside pickup to mitigate delivery issues.
6. Sustainable Shopping
An emerging trend is the focus on sustainability in Black Friday shopping. Some consumers are looking for eco-friendly and ethical products, and retailers are responding by offering sustainable choices and highlighting their environmental initiatives during the holiday season.
7. Price Comparison Tools
The abundance of online shopping options has led to the growth of price comparison tools and browser extensions.
Shoppers can expect to see these tools becoming more sophisticated, helping them find the best deals and discounts across various retailers.
8. Retailer Loyalty Programs
Retailers will likely continue their loyalty programs, offering exclusive discounts and rewards to repeat customers. It’s a good idea to sign up for these programs in advance to maximize savings.
Major Online Platforms and Their Anticipated Discounts
In the digital age, Black Friday has expanded its domain to online shopping.
As this year’s Black Friday approaches, consumers eagerly anticipate the discounts and deals that major online platforms are expected to offer.
Let’s look at the most prominent online marketplaces and their anticipated discounts, ensuring you’re well-prepared to make the most of this online shopping extravaganza.
Amazon
As the much-anticipated Black Friday approaches, online shoppers eagerly gear up for the annual retail extravaganza.
Amazon, one of the world’s largest e-commerce platforms, is at the forefront of this shopping frenzy, promising a wide array of incredible deals and discounts on a diverse range of products.
With a reputation for offering a vast selection and competitive prices, Amazon is expected to deliver a shopping experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.
This Black Friday, Amazon is set to showcase a selection of exclusive offers, providing consumers with the perfect opportunity to indulge in a wide variety of products at significantly reduced prices.
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the highly anticipated deals that Amazon has in store for shoppers:
- Roborock Q7 Max Robot Vacuum and Mop Cleaner: Keeping your home clean has never been easier or more efficient with the Roborock Q7 Max. This intelligent cleaning companion is expected to be available at a remarkable price of $360, offering a substantial savings of $240.
- Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner: Pet owners and those who prioritize a clean home can find solace in Amazon’s offering of the Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner, priced at just $120, translating to savings of $20.
- Keurig K-Elite Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker: Enjoy your favorite brew from the comfort of your own home with the Keurig K-Elite. This single-serve coffee maker is poised to be available for a mere $119, an impressive $71 off the regular price.
- Amazon Fire TV 32-inch: Elevate your home entertainment with the Amazon Fire TV, now priced at $120 during the Black Friday bonanza, providing an enticing discount of $80.
- Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven: If you want to level up your culinary game, Amazon has you covered with the Instant Pot Vortex Plus. This versatile kitchen appliance will be available at a tempting price of $70, allowing you to enjoy $40 in savings.
- Portable Electric Space Heater: With winter approaching, stay warm and comfortable with a portable electric space heater, offered at a budget-friendly $67, which equates to a saving of $8.
Best Buy
Black Friday is fast approaching, and tech enthusiasts and savvy shoppers are eager to discover the remarkable deals and discounts being offered by major retailers.
Among them, Best Buy is a prominent destination for tech and appliance enthusiasts.
With a reputation for offering competitive prices and a vast array of consumer electronics, Best Buy is poised to deliver a shopping experience that tech lovers will want to experience.
This Black Friday, Best Buy is set to dazzle shoppers with many exclusive offers, making it the perfect opportunity to upgrade your tech gadgets and home appliances. Here’s a glimpse of some of the highly anticipated deals that Best Buy has in store:
- Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen): Elevate your smart home with the Echo Show 5. Originally priced at $89, this intelligent display can now be yours for just $49 at Best Buy.
- Appliance Sale: Best Buy offers a wide range of appliance deals starting from as low as $59. Whether you need a new coffee maker or a vacuum cleaner, savings can be found.
- Ninja Foodi XL 2-Basket Air Fryer: Transform your cooking experience with the Ninja Foodi XL 2-Basket Air Fryer, which was priced at $249 and is now available at a tempting $129.
- Seagate 1TB Storage Expansion Card: Expand your gaming storage with the Seagate 1TB Storage Expansion Card. Previously priced at $219, it’s now on sale for $149 at Best Buy.
- Blue Yeti Mic + Logitech HD Webcam: Enhance your online meetings and content creation with the Blue Yeti Mic and Logitech HD Webcam bundle. It was originally $229 but is now available for $179.
- GoPro HERO9 Black 5K: Capture your adventures in high quality with the GoPro HERO9 Black 5K, which was priced at $249 and now comes at a reduced cost of $199.
- Bose 700: Immerse yourself in superior sound quality with the Bose 700 headphones, previously priced at $379 and now available at $299.
Walmart
As the excitement surrounding Black Friday continues to build, shoppers are eagerly gearing up to uncover some of the most extraordinary deals and discounts major retailers offer.
In budget-friendly shopping, Walmart is a shopping behemoth renowned for providing customers with various products at competitive prices.
This Black Friday, Walmart is poised to astound shoppers with a cornucopia of exclusive offers, encompassing a wide range of products from electronics to everyday essentials. Here’s a preview of some of the highly anticipated deals that Walmart is bringing to the forefront:
- HP Chromebook x360: Unlock the world of versatility with the HP Chromebook x360, originally priced at $329, now available for an enticing $199 at Walmart.
- Acer Chromebook 315: Elevate your browsing and productivity with the Acer Chromebook 315, which was previously listed at $226 and is now obtainable for just $179.
- MSI Vector GP68HX RTX 4080: For gaming enthusiasts, the MSI Vector GP68HX RTX 4080 was priced at $1,899 but can now be yours for a reduced cost of $1,699.
- AirPods Pro 2nd Gen: Immerse yourself in superior audio quality with the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen, which previously had a price tag of $249 and now stands at a more affordable $189 at Walmart.
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones: Experience audio excellence with the Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones. Formerly priced at $399, they’re now accessible for $325 at Walmart.
- JBL Tune 660NC Headphones: Enjoy your tunes with the JBL Tune 660NC Headphones, previously valued at $99 and now offered for a mere $49.
eBay
As Black Friday approaches, shoppers are gearing up to explore a world of incredible deals and discounts various retailers offer.
Among these, eBay, a platform known for its vast selection of new and refurbished items, promises a unique shopping experience for those seeking remarkable savings.
This Black Friday, eBay is set to present a collection of exclusive refurbished products, providing shoppers with an opportunity to acquire high-quality items at a fraction of their original cost. Here’s a glimpse of some of the refurbished treasures eBay has in store:
- Milwaukee 6.8 Amp 2500 SPM 18 Gauge Shear Refurb: For those needing a versatile tool, eBay offers a refurbished Milwaukee 18 Gauge Shear, an indispensable addition to any toolkit.
- Gotham Steel Copper Cast 20 Piece Set Refurb: Elevate your cooking game with a refurbished Gotham Steel Copper Cast 20 Piece Set, which offers both style and functionality for your kitchen.
- iRobot Roomba 980 Vacuum Cleaning Robot Refurb: Experience the convenience of a refurbished iRobot Roomba 980, an advanced vacuum cleaning robot that helps maintain a tidy home.
- Shark Rocket Ultra Light 2-In-1 Corded Stick Vacuum: Clean easily using a refurbished Shark Rocket Ultra Light 2-In-1 Corded Stick Vacuum, a versatile and efficient cleaning tool.
- Lenovo ZA6F0031US IdeaPad Duet Chromebook: Discover the flexibility and power of a refurbished Lenovo IdeaPad Duet Chromebook, an ideal choice for work or play on the go.
Tips for Consumers
Clever and cautious consumers have the upper hand on Black Friday. To make the most of this shopping extravaganza, here are some essential tips to help you navigate the sales, ensure online safety, and stay within your budget.
How to snag the best deals
To snag the best deals on Black Friday, you must employ a strategic approach that combines research, budgeting, and smart shopping. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how to do just that:
- Research in Advance: Start by researching the products you want to buy. Know their regular prices so you can recognize genuine discounts.
- Set a Budget: Decide how much you will spend and stick to it. This prevents impulse buying and overspending.
- Create a Shopping List: List the items you want to purchase, prioritizing the most important ones to ensure you get them.
- Compare Prices: Use price comparison tools or apps to check if the deals you’re considering are the best.
- Subscribe to Retailer Alerts: Sign up for newsletters or notifications from your favorite stores to receive updates on their Black Friday deals, sometimes offering exclusive discounts to subscribers.
Ensuring online safety during purchases
Ensuring online safety during your Black Friday purchases is of paramount importance to protect your personal and financial information. Here are essential steps to help you shop online securely:
- Use Reputable Websites: Stick to well-known and trusted online retailers. Be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar or unverified websites. Look for customer reviews and ratings to gauge a site’s credibility.
- Ensure Secure Connections: Before entering sensitive information, check for “https” in the website’s URL and a padlock symbol in the browser’s address bar. These indicate that the connection is secure and encrypted, making it more challenging for cybercriminals to intercept your data.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: When creating accounts on shopping websites, use strong, unique passwords. Avoid using the same password for multiple sites. A combination of letters, numbers, and special characters is advisable.
- Beware of Email and Social Media Links: Be cautious of unsolicited email or social media links promoting Black Friday deals. Instead of clicking these links, navigate directly to the retailer’s website through your browser. Phishing scams can disguise themselves as legitimate shopping sites, so verify the source.
- Use Trusted Payment Methods: Opt for secure payment methods, such as credit cards or reputable online payment services like PayPal. These offer additional layers of security and fraud protection. Avoid using debit cards for online purchases since they may offer different levels of protection.
- Regularly Monitor Your Accounts: After making online purchases, regularly monitor your credit card and bank statements for any unauthorized charges. If you spot any discrepancies, report them immediately to your financial institution.
- Keep Software Updated: Ensure your computer’s operating system, browser, and antivirus software are current. These updates often include security patches that help protect your device from malware and vulnerabilities.
- Be Cautious with Personal Information: Only provide the necessary information when purchasing online. Avoid sharing excessive details that aren’t required for the transaction.
Planning ahead and setting a budget
Planning ahead and setting a budget for your Black Friday shopping is essential to maximize this event while maintaining control over your finances. Here’s how to effectively plan and establish a budget:
- Research Products: Identify the items you want to purchase on Black Friday. Consider making a list of these products, including their regular prices. This research helps you distinguish genuine discounts from less favorable deals.
- Prioritize Purchases: Once you have your list, prioritize the items based on importance and need. This will help you focus on the most crucial purchases and avoid unnecessary spending.
- Determine Your Spending Limit: Decide how much you will spend during the Black Friday shopping period. Your budget should be based on your financial situation and what you can afford without impacting your long-term financial goals.
- Consider All Expenses: Remember to account for additional expenses such as taxes, shipping fees, or any extra items you might be tempted to buy.
Conclusion
As Black Friday 2023 approaches, shoppers can expect a dynamic and evolving retail landscape.
Major online platforms like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart are gearing up to offer exclusive deals on various products, from tech gadgets to home appliances, providing shoppers with exciting opportunities to snag the best discounts.
Alongside the shift to online shopping, safety precautions remain a focal point, ensuring that consumers can shop with confidence in stores and on the web.
Planning ahead, creating a budget, and staying informed are key strategies to make the most of Black Friday, whether you’re shopping online or in person.
