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Black Friday deals are hotter than ever going into the *actual* shopping holiday

The annual shopping extravaganza has been on since October, but it's at its best right now.
By Mashable Team  on 
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air fryer, headphones, robot vacuum, laptop, and more tech items
Credit: Zain Awais / Mashable

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UPDATE: Nov. 24, 2022, 8:00 p.m. EST We've rounded up all the best Black Friday deals live as of Nov. 24, sorted by retailer first or by category below that — whichever makes more sense to you.

Black Friday looks a lot different now than it did pre-pandemic.

This year, we've unlocked a new fiasco to navigate as we shop for the holidays: inflation. But if there's anything retailers have learned since 2020, it's how to provide cushion for shoppers who are budgeting extra hard during these tight times. Mostly, that looks like stretching Black Friday deals across the entire month of November — in some cases, a little bit of October, too.

Below, you'll find a complete list of all the holiday doorbusters that are live right now. Navigate the list whichever way sounds easiest to you: Sales are grouped by retailer in the top half of the post (search Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, or Target) and by category in the bottom half of the post (search something like "VR deals" or "kitchen deals," or at the very bottom, find deals on items we've reviewed hands-on.)

We're updating this story multiple times a day through Black Friday weekend into Cyber Monday, adding any new drops that pop up and crossing out anything that sells out. Check back frequently.

Note: Any newly added or updated deals have been marked with a ✨, while deals with a strikeout were either sold out or expired at the time of writing. Anything marked with a 🔥 has dropped to an all-time low price. A ⚡️ indicates official Black Friday pricing.

The best early Black Friday deals at each retailer

Best Buy

The electronics store's official Black Friday sale technically began on Oct. 24, nearly a month ahead of its 2021 kickoff on Nov. 19. That October announcement also details how Best Buy is planning to offer Black Friday deals "almost every week" until its main event in November. Any current deals at Black Friday prices will be clearly marked as such, and if anything you bought there earlier this month happens to be cheaper today, you'll get a refund under the Black Friday Price Guarantee.

Walmart

The big box store is once again reviving its popular Black Friday Deals for Days event from 2020, this time dropping new deals every Monday in November. Each event kicks off at 7 p.m. ET and continues into stores a few days later, though Walmart+ members get access beginning at noon that day — crucial leverage for items that are at risk of selling out. Walmart will go out with a bang with one final Cyber Monday event on Nov. 28.

TV and soundbar deals

Headphones and speaker deals

Gaming deals

Laptop, tablet, and monitor deals

Smart home deals

Home deals

Toy deals

Amazon

Jeff Bezos and co. do not rest. Less than two weeks after its second Prime Day of the year, Amazon began rolling out early Black Friday deals on TVs, air fryers, beauty tech, and of course, Amazon devices. Naturally, then, Amazon wouldn't be caught waiting until *shudders* Monday to kickstart Cyber Monday. The mega-retailer announced on Nov. 21 that its Cyber Monday sale will officially kick off on Saturday, Nov. 26. We're keeping you updated on Black Friday discounts in the meantime, which will surely spill over into the weekend — but you can see some leaked Cyber Monday (Saturday?) deals below.

You can see what's up for grabs by visiting its daily deals page, installing its mobile app, or asking your smart home device, “Alexa, what are my deals?" Like in previous years, it pays to be an Amazon Prime member: Subscribers get 30-minute early access to select Lightning Deals, which go quickly once they're live; click here to sign up for a free 30-day trial.

Amazon Cyber Monday preview

  • Up to 70% on select Alexa-enabled devices including Echo and Fire TV

  • Up to 60% on select Ring and Blink home security devices and accessory bundles

  • Up to 40% on select eero mesh Wi-Fi systems

  • Up to 40% on select headphones, earbuds, and speakers from Bose, Sony, and JBL

  • Up to 40% on select headphones from Skullcandy and Shokz

  • Up to 30% on select premium haircare products from T3

  • Up to 30% on select tech accessories from Anker

  • Up to 30% on select American Girl dolls and accessories, select LEGO sets, and select Bluey toys

  • Up to 30% on select Marvel toys and apparel

  • Up to 30% on select e-bikes and e-scooters from brands like Segway, Jetson, and Hurley

  • Up to 25% on select products from Snoop Doggie Doggs

Amazon device deals

Apple deals

TV deals

Headphones and speaker deals

Beauty deals

Toy deals

Target

Target had Black Friday on the brain earlier than any of the other major retailers, cutting the virtual ribbon on its Black Friday sale on Oct. 10. Since then, deals have been switching in and out of the official "Black Friday deals" section. Target's Holiday Price Match Guarantee ensures that you'll get the lowest price possible even if it happens to disappear between now and Dec. 24.

Kitchen deals

Vacuum and robot vacuum deals

TV deals

Headphones and speaker deals

Toy deals

More Black Friday deals by category

Apple deals

  • BEST MACBOOK DEAL: The MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) updates Apple's most portable laptop in almost every way, and it's back down to its lowest price ever — $1,049 $1,199 at Amazon and Best Buy (save $150) 🔥

  • BEST IPAD DEAL: The 2021 iPad Mini (WiFi, 64GB) brings portability and power in one small package — $399.99 $499 at Amazon (save $99.01)

  • BEST APPLE WATCH DEAL: The Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm, GPS) has an ECG sensor, a blood oxygen sensor, and 45mm of an always-on display— $309.99 $379 at Target (save $119.01)

  • BEST AIRPODS DEAL: The AirPods Pro (first gen) with ANC lets you give the gift of peace and quiet at a reasonable price this holiday season — $159 $249 at Walmart (save $90) 🔥

  • BEST ACCESSORY DEAL: The Beats Studio Buds offer a worthy alternative to the AirPods Pro, and they're back at their Prime Day 2 price — $99.95 $149.95 at Amazon (save $50)

Mac and MacBook deals

MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD)
Credit: Apple
Our pick: MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) 🔥

Why we like it

Check out our full review of the M2 MacBook Air.

The 2022 MacBook Air comes at a slightly higher starting price than its 2020 counterpart, but for a few good reasons. One, it underwent a total redesign that gives it a more Pro-like look, while still maintaining the thin look the Air is known for. The keyboard is miles better than the Butterfly monstrosity, and you also get a full-sized function role. We wish its 60Hz refresh rate offered a little more, but the M2 chip gives top-of-the-line performance. And that slightly larger 13.6-inch screen and 1080p webcam make a difference. (If you're looking for more built-in storage space, the 512GB model is also at its lowest price ever.)

More Mac and MacBook deals

2022 MacBook Pro

2022 MacBook Air

2021 MacBook Pro (14-inch)

2021 MacBook Pro (16-inch)

2020 MacBook Air

iPad deals

2021 iPad Mini (WiFi, 64GB)
Credit: Apple
Our pick: 2021 iPad Mini (WiFi, 64GB)

Why we like it

Check out our full review of the 2021 iPad Mini.

Even with the release of iPadOS 16, let's be real — no one is really using their iPad as a complete laptop replacement. When it comes down to it, most people want a tablet to be portable, to stream shows and videos easily, maybe run some creative work, and not run out of battery quickly. The iPad Mini checks pretty much most of those boxes. For casual use, the battery does well, but the A15 Bionic chip brings the speed (you don't need an M1 or M2 chip to play games and watch YouTube). The 8.3-inch display is compact without being way too small, the USB-C charging port adds a level of convenience the iPhone would be well suited to follow, and the stereo speakers sound great. All these factors together make it clear why this tablet is a Mashable Choice pick.

More iPad deals

iPad (9th Gen)

iPad (10th Gen)

iPad Mini

iPad Air

iPad Pro

Apple Watch deals

Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm, GPS)
Credit: Apple
Our pick: Apple Watch Series 7 (45mm, GPS)

Why we like it

If you want to grab the latest Apple Watch with a 45mm band you'll be paying at least $379 — and that's if you catch it at its lowest price ever. Opting instead for last year's Series 7 still gets a large, bright, always-on, crack-resistant display. In terms of fitness features, you get blood oxygen and ECG sensors, as well as a heart rate monitor. You won't get the crash detection and temperature sensors of the Series 8, but if those weren't must-have features for you anyway, saving at least $70 and going for the Series 7 is the move.

More Apple Watch deals

Series 8

Series 7

SE (Second Gen)

SE (First Gen)

AirPods deals

AirPods Pro (1st gen)
Credit: Apple
Our pick: AirPods Pro (1st gen)

Why we like them

Check out our full review of the AirPods Pro.

The biggest con of Apple's noise-canceling earbuds was their price. But with a new generation out and Black Friday sales beginning, the first-gen AirPods Pro are back down to their lowest price ever at $159. With a case that gives up to 24 hours of battery life and some of the best active noise cancellation in the game, this price is hard to pass up.

More AirPods deals

Apple accessories deals

Beats Studio Buds
Credit: Beats
Our pick: Beats Studio Buds

Why we like them

Read our full review of the Beats Studio Buds.

If you're interested in the idea of the ANC of the AirPods Pros but less interested in their price tag, the Beats Studio Buds offer a worthy alternative. The ANC might not quite match up to the Pros standard, but with 8 hours of battery life per charge (that's longer than the second-gen Pros) and impressive bass for buds, you might just find them worth the trade-off. Plus, you get more color options.

More Apple accessories deals

Streaming deals

the hulu logo against a dark blue gradient background
Credit: Hulu
Our pick: Hulu (With Ads)

Why we like it

Hulu maintains a massive library of hit movies, next-day TV episodes, and high-quality originals (think Only Murders in the Building and The Handmaid's Tale), earning it a top spot on Mashable's list of favorite streamers.

Some fine print on its 2022 Black Friday deal: The $1.99 offer is live from 12 a.m. PT on Wednesday, Nov. 23 until 11:59 p.m. PT on Monday, Nov. 28, and eligibility is limited to new and returning subscribers. Your Hulu (With Ads) plan will convert to its standard $7.99 monthly rate as soon as the 12-month promotional term ends unless you cancel it beforehand.

More streaming service deals

Streaming device deals

Kitchen deals

Red deep Dutch oven
Credit: Le Creuset
Our pick: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Deep Round Oven, 5.25 quart

Why we like it

Sure, Le Creuset Dutch ovens are pricey, but they're truly heirloom quality. There's a reason why all the grandmas of the world still have Le Creuset cookware from decades past — they literally last for generations. This deep Dutch oven is perfect for soup and stew season, and it's on sale in over 10 different colors.

More kitchen deals

Le Creuset

Instant Pot

Ninja Foodi

Robot vacuum deals

Robot vacuums under $200

Shark AI RV 2002
Credit: Shark
Our pick: Shark AI RV 2002

Why we like it

LiDAR — the laser tech that allows a vacuum to map specific rooms rather than sweeping a generic path between walls — is almost never found in vacs under $200. If you care more about targeted cleaning and app-controlled no-go zones over intense suction on carpets, take advantage of Walmart's discount on this budget Shark model.

More robot vacuums under $200

Robot vacuums under $500

Samsung Jet Bot
Credit: Samsung
Our pick: Samsung Jet Bot

Why we like it

If you have a bumbling robot vac that causes more problems than it's worth, treat yourself to a vac with demonstrated brain power. Samsung's Jet Bot receives pretty outstanding reviews for its accurate laser mapping and — surprise — ability to actually find the room or zone you select. Though some energy is also dedicated to automatically adjusting suction to floor type and debris amount, the Jet Bot can clean for an hour and a half before recharging. The colossal 58% discount can still be found at Samsung after the same deal sold out at Amazon.

More robot vacuums under $500

More robot vacuums under $500

Robot vacuums under $800

Roborock Q5+
Credit: Roborock
Our pick: Roborock Q5+

Why we like it

Before summer 2022, buying a Roborock that auto-empties would cost you between $949.88 and $1,399.99. But a few mid-range releases created some leeway in price without sacrificing convenience. The cheaper one, the Q5+, skips mopping functionality, but still uses LiDAR to map your home layout, cleans with impressive 2,700 Pa suction, and empties itself.

More robot vacuums under $800

More robot vacuums under $1,000

Robot vacuum and mop hybrids, plus dedicated robot mops

Roomba Combo j7+ with auto-empty dock and smartphone on green iRobot screen
Credit: iRobot
Our pick: iRobot Roomba Combo j7+

Why we like it

The first Roomba with a mop on board was a huge deal when it was announced. It's an even bigger deal that it's on sale less than two months after launching in late Sept. 2022. Now under $900 instead of over $1,000, the Combo j7+ uses the same PrecisionNavigation camera as the regular j7+ to recognize and avoid particularly-problematic obstacles like pet waste and phone chargers. When the Combo j7+ notices carpet, it stops scrubbing and lifts the mop completely over the vacuum itself. When cleaning is complete, the Combo j7+ empties itself.

More hybrids and robot mops on sale

TV deals

Samsung TV deals

Samsung 75-inch TU690T 4K TV
Credit: Samsung
Our pick: Samsung 75-inch TU690T 4K TV

Why we like it

In contrast to the elusive deals on The Frame, one not-so-expensive early Black Friday deal from Samsung to consider is this 75-inch model. The 2022 version of Samsung's entry-level Crystal UHD series brings crisp color accuracy and HDR to budget shoppers who want to go big without topping $600.

More Samsung TVs on sale

LG TV deals

LG 65-inch C1 OLED TV
Credit: LG
Our pick: LG 65-inch C1 OLED TV

Why we like it

Gamers looking to go all out on their setup should take advantage of Best Buy's early slash on one of LG's latest models, the C2. The successor to the beloved C1 TV might just be the best gaming TV available, providing low-latency gameplay, compatibility with NVIDIA G-SYNC, and four 120Hz HDMI ports. The C2 also welcomes a processor upgrade and a brighter Evo OLED panel.

More LG TVs on sale

Sony TV deals

Sony 65-inch A95K OLED TV
Credit: Sony
Our pick: Sony 65-inch A95K OLED TV

Why we like it

One of the heftiest early Black Friday discounts we're seeing on a Sony TV is the $1,000 slash on Sony's 2022 flagship, the A95K. This splurge-worthy stunner is impressing reviewers across the internet with its HDR brightness and Sony's Bravia QD-OLED panel, which combines the meticulous viewing angles of OLED and a color-boosting quantum dot layer of QLED.

More Sony TVs on sale

Other TV deals from TCL, Vizio, and more

Amazon 55-inch 4K Fire TV
Credit: Amazon
Our pick: Amazon 55-inch 4K Fire TV

Why we like it

Before you hit "Buy Now" on Amazon's 55-inch Omni 4K TV, consider the 55-inch model of Amazon's entry-level version of the Fire TV instead — it's nearly half the price. For a budget model, the self-titled Amazon Fire TV (technically the 4 Series) has good color and decent viewing angles, plus the iconically easy-to-navigate Fire TV platform houses all of your apps.

More TVs from TCL, Vizio, and more on sale

Gaming deals

'The Last of Us Part I' box art
Credit: Naughty Dog
Our pick: 'The Last of Us Part I' for PlayStation 5

Why we like it

The Last of Us Part I didn't necessarily need to happen, but we're happy it did. The original game is a critically acclaimed masterpiece — and is still arguably in great shape for how long ago it was released — but who are we to say "no" to a ground-up remake of one of the all-time greats specifically for the PlayStation 5? If you haven't already played The Last of Us, this is unquestionably the best way to experience it for the first time.

PlayStation games

PlayStation hardware and accessories

'Elden Ring' box art
Credit: FromSoftware
Our pick: 'Elden Ring' for Xbox Series X/S

Why we like it

If you've ever enjoyed a FromSoftware game (Dark Souls, Bloodborne, Sekiro), Elden Ring is probably going to be your new favorite. Explore The Lands Between as your created character (called a "Tarnished"), discovering hidden areas, battling dangerous creatures, and working toward the ultimate goal of repairing the shattered Elden Ring and becoming the new Elden Lord. It's a grand adventure, and one you shouldn't miss out on in 2022.

Xbox games

Xbox hardware and accessories

'Splatoon 3' box art
Credit: Nintendo
Our pick: 'Splatoon 3' for Nintendo Switch

Why we like it

Fans of multiplayer and party games should have Splatoon 3 in their library. This four-on-four unconventional shooter pits two teams against each other (the Inklings and Octolings) and tasks them with covering the map in as much paint as possible before the timer runs out. In the end, whichever team has painted the most turf will emerge victorious.

Nintendo Switch games

Nintendo Switch hardware and accessories

PC Gaming deals

Samsung Odyssey G5 monitor
Credit: Samsung
Our pick: Samsung Odyssey 32-inch G5 gaming monitor

Why we like it

Curved gaming monitors may not seem like game-changers right away, but they certainly can be. Samsung's curved 100R panel attempts to replicate the curvature of the human eye to cut down on strain and increase immersion, which just makes playing feel better. The monitor also features a 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response times, AMD FreeSync Premium support, WQHD resolution, and HDR10 compatibility.

Gaming monitors

Gaming laptops

Gaming headsets

Gaming mice

Gaming keyboards

VR deals

Meta Quest 2 VR headset with Beat Saber and Resident Evil 4 screens
Credit: Meta
Meta Quest 2 with Resident Evil 4 and Beat Saber Bundle (128GB)

Why we like it

Everyone was slightly bummed when Meta raised the price of the renamed Oculus Quest 2 by $100 — so even a $50 price drop is exciting, especially in bundle form with Resident Evil 4 and a download for kick-ass VR app Beat Saber.

More VR deals

Outdoor deals

Green, light blue, navy, maroon, and gray Hydro Flask bottle
Credit: Hydro Flask
Hydro Flask vacuum-insulated drinkware

Why we like it

Multiple benefits come from owning a Hydro Flask: for you (getting to sip on ice-cold water even after you and your water bottle have been outside all day) and the environment (getting a break from the recycling of yet another single-use plastic bottle). The internet's favorite stainless steel bottles are 25% off for Black Friday, all sizes and food containers included.

More outdoor deals

Sitewide sales

  • BioLite Holiday Sale — save 30%

  • Columbia — save up to 50% off on snow gear, outerwear, and more, plus get a free $25 gift card with purchase of $125 or more

  • Solo Stove — save up to 40% on fire pits, and up to $225 on pizza ovens

  • Oru Kayak — save up to $400 on kayaks and 50% on accessories

  • Isle paddle boards — save up to 50%

Camping gear

Pickleball sets, backpacks, more

Fitness deals

Fitness mirrors

Mirror leaning against wall
Credit: Lululemon
Our pick: Lululemon Studio Mirror

Why we like it

Powered by Lululemon, the Lululemon Studio Mirror (formerly known as the Mirror) is a sleek minimal home gym that's ideal for yoga, pilates, stretching, strength training, and more. Aside from looking great in any space, Lululemon's Studio Mirror offers studio-style classes led by pro trainers, real-time optimization based on your workout preferences, custom playlists, and Apple Music integration. While this isn't technically the fitness mirror brand's official Black Friday deal, this discount already beats last year's Black Friday deal by $200.

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More fitness mirror deals

Exercise bike deals

Grey SoulCycle at-home bike
Credit: SoulCycle
Our pick: SoulCycle At-Home Bike

Why we like it

This $600 discount on the SoulCycle at-home bike matches the discount we saw last Black Friday — and it's available now. We wouldn't be surprised if SoulCycle dropped the price on this bike a bit more leading into the end-of-year shopping holidays, but $1,900 is still a solid price for this model.

More exercise bike deals

Treadmill deals

Black treadmill with large screen
Credit: Nordictrack
Our pick: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill

Why we like it

With a huge 14-inch touchscreen, a space-saving folding design, and hands-free training via iFit, the NordicTrack 1750 treadmill truly has it all. Score 15% incline, 3% decline, and reach speeds up to 12 mph to get your heart rate going.

More treadmill deals

Fitness tracker and smartwatch deals

Black fitbit fitness tracker with screen
Credit: Fitbit
Our pick: Fitbit Sense 2

Why we like it

Fitbit started Black Friday early with $100 off its top-tier tracker. The Sense 2 takes all the fitness tracking we love from Fitbit and adds even more features to manage sleep and stress. It also has a sweet six-day battery life — way better than an Apple Watch.

More fitness tracker and smartwatch deals

Fitbit

Google Pixel Watch

Samsung Galaxy Watch

Garmin deals

Amazon Halo

Massage gun deals

Theragun Pro
Credit: Theragun
Our pick: Theragun Pro

Why we like it

For folks who need a strong massage gun, the Theragun Pro comes fully equipped with 60 pounds of force, so you can give yourself some serious deep muscle therapy. It also features Bluetooth connectivity to sync to the Therabody app, so you can follow massage guidance from professionals to speed up your workout recovery and get rid of some of that muscle tension.

More massage gun deals

Deals on rowing machines, ellipticals, and more

NordicTrack rower
Credit: NordicTrack
Our pick: NordicTrack RW900 Rower

Why we like it

If you need a lower-impact workout than running on a treadmill, a rowing machine is a good option. This RW900 rower from NordicTrack gives major Peloton vibes with a huge screen, a premium sound system, and smooth, quiet rowing.

More rowing machine and elliptical deals

Pet deals

Pet tech

Petcube Bites 2 Lite
Credit: Petcube
Our pick: Petcube Bites 2 Lite

Why we love it

Keep an eye on your dog or cat while you're away with the Petcube Bites 2 Lite. The diet version of the original Petcube doesn't rotate, but its camera does provide a super wide 160-degree view of your pet's favorite room, plus two-way audio and treat tossing. At just over $100, it's an easy, quick choice for pet parents who want to try out a pet camera for the first time.

More pet tech and automatic feeders on sale

Pet toy deals

Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick puzzle toy
Credit: Outward Hound
Our pick: Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick puzzle toy

Why we love it

If your dog loves to gobble food, a good puzzle toy can slow mealtime down a bit and offer some mental stimulation. We love the Outward Hound dog brick since it offers tons of compartments for treats and encourages your dog to sniff, nudge, and more.

More pet toys on sale

Other pet deals

Wolfgang Man & Beast
Credit: Wolfgang Man & Beast
Our pick: Wolfgang Man & Beast sale

Why we love it

Wolfgang Man & Beast's current Black Friday sale brings up to 50% off their cult-favorite collars, leashes, and harnesses. Score colorful options like the Cotopaxi x Wolfgang collection, the fall-themed GREATOUTDOORS collection, and more.

More pet deals

Beauty deals

Person using SolaWave skincare wand on face
Credit: SolaWave
Our pick: SolaWave Red Light Therapy Facial Wand

Why we like it

Treat yourself and a friend to the fine line and dark spot-targeting benefits of red light therapy. When you split the cost with this buy one get one free deal from SolaWave, you're technically getting the cult-favorite, celeb-favorite, TikTok-favorite skincare wand for $75 each — easily the lowest price we've ever seen.

More hair tool and skincare deals

Drone deals

DJI FPV drone with controller and goggles
Credit: DJI
Our pick: DJI FPV

Why we like it

If you've got some wiggle room in your budget, the DJI FPV is a really cool drone for advanced users. It can shoot 4K/60fps video with a 150-degree FOV at up to 120 Mbps and reach a max speed of about 87 miles per hour, with up to 20 minutes of runtime and safety features like obstacle sensing that keep it safe during adventurous flights. It comes with goggles for a first-person flight experience (as opposed to just watching its footage from your phone), and can be paired with multiple goggles to share the flight with your friends in real-time.

The DJI FPV Combo (with the drone itself, goggles, a remote controller, batteries, a power adapter, and other accessories) retailed for $999 on Amazon last Black Friday, but this year it's on sale for only $899. That's 31% off its $1,299 MSRP and its lowest price to date. (If it sells out there, check Best Buy: They had it in stock for $899.99 at the time of writing.)

More drone deals

4K drones

Budget-friendly drones

Kid-friendly drones

Deals on stuff we've reviewed

We'll be adding more great deals as they drop.

The holiday shopping calendar has been shifting, but 2022 is the most intense example so far

Anyone who would appreciate it if Halloween could live out the entirety of its season in peace (damn it) will be the first to tell you that holiday shopping feels like it starts earlier and earlier every year. Black Friday-worthy deals start trickling in around mid-October, and the inbox cramming levels up from there until stores begin officially announcing deals with Black Friday and holiday terminology around early November.

It always feels a bit preemptive, like those neighbors who insist on putting up their Christmas lights while the trees are still green. But 2022's fall frenzy was more intense than what we've seen in recent years. Things kicked off when Target revived its Deal Days event from Oct. 6 to 8 (complete with a Holiday Price Match Guarantee) which rolled nicely into its almost two-month-long Black Friday sale that went live on Oct. 10.

Days later on Oct. 12 and 13, Amazon's Prime Early Access Sale hit. A second Prime Day in all but name, the Prime Early Access Sale (PEAS) was technically meant to give shoppers a super head start on holiday shopping and featured some of Amazon's lowest prices of the year. Naturally, Best Buy and Walmart held similar sales to compete. At this point, modern Black Friday is a full season in its own right.

Inflation could make for a more frugal Black Friday

The volatility of item inventory, shipping times, and other supply chain-related chaos didn't necessarily stop people from spending big in 2021. The National Retail Federation found that holiday sales between November and December grew over 14 percent compared to 2020 (findings in line with predictions from earlier that fall) despite slower December-specific sales due to, you guessed it, an earlier and more spread-out sale season.

While pickles should be easier to find than a Playstation 5s this year, consumers are now working around the fallout of another fuzzy economical mess — one with an even more direct effect on their wallets.

Inflation has been responsible for jacked-up prices on just about everything since spring 2022, leaving folks spending more than they're used to on daily necessities like gas and groceries. For now, peak inflation seems to be behind us. But between holiday traveling, feeding guests, and of course, gifting, it's likely that folks may stay in that frugal state of mind throughout the next few months.

This could mean more intentional Black Friday spending: more hunting for deals on essentials that you'd have to buy anyway and fewer impulse buys. Amazon's October Prime Day gave us a glimpse of how hard (or not) shoppers may be willing to go this holiday season. Data compiled by Numerator, a consumer insights firm, indicates that people didn't go as balls to the wall as they have in the past — that might be because 79% of PEAS shoppers had inflation on the brain. While one in three still hit "add to cart" on a specific item they'd been waiting to get discounted, a fourth of people ditched really good deals "because it wasn't a necessity."

Amazon's Back-to-School campaign, which spoke to budget-conscious shoppers by confirming that, yes, it's fine to buy the cheapest notebook for your kid, also alluded to the fact that retailers are aware of where customers want savings this year. While TVs and robot vacuums will undoubtedly still be Black Friday hits, we could see more doorbuster deal spots given to smaller, more essential purchases.

Mapping out a game plan now will help you avoid them when they inevitably crop up in the coming weeks. Here are all the must-know details you can use to strategize:

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is a shopping holiday that takes place every year on the day right after Thanksgiving. It used to be synonymous with viral fistfights and stampedes and lines that stretched around city blocks before 3 a.m., but in recent years has become more of an online event.

When is Black Friday?

While Black Friday proper falls on Nov. 25 in 2022, most stores began rolling out their holiday doorbusters in October and early November.

In-store schedules for Thanksgiving and Black Friday

With most COVID-related mandates and crowd control tactics a thing of the past, Black Friday 2022 should feel reminiscent of the pre-pandemic stampede we're used to. One major difference? Many brick-and-mortar locations are still embracing the "closed on Thanksgiving" trend first seen during COVID. Now, firmly closing doors frees up the holiday for time spent with loved ones.

Online shopping on Turkey Day, however, is still very much a thing. Official Black Friday deals at most retailers will be live on Thursday (if not earlier in the week), still somewhat solidifying Thanksgiving as the unofficial start to Black Friday weekend.

Below is everything we know about in-person shopping hours for The Big Retailers:

  • Target: Closed on Thanksgiving; most stores open at 7 a.m. local time on Black Friday. Drive-up and in-store pickup are available.

  • Walmart: Closed on Thanksgiving; stores open at 5 a.m. local time on Black Friday. Curbside and in-store pickup are available.

  • Best Buy: Closed on Thanksgiving; opening time on Black Friday TBA. Starting Oct. 30, Best Buy will also extend store hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the week except for Sunday, which will be open 10 a.m. through 8 p.m. Curbside and in-store pickup are available.

  • Bed Bath & Beyond: Closed on Thanksgiving; doors open at 6 a.m. local time on Black Friday. Curbside and in-store pickup are available.

  • JCPenney: Closed on Thanksgiving; doors open at 5 a.m. local time on Black Friday. Exclusive in-store coupons will be given to the first shoppers in line. Curbside pickup is available.

  • Kohl's: Closed on Thanksgiving; opening time on Black Friday TBA. Both drive-up and in-store pickup are available.

  • Macy's: Closed on Thanksgiving; stores are open from 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. local time on Black Friday. Curbside and in-store pickup are available.

Topics Black Friday

Frequently Asked Questions

You can potentially save a lot of money on Black Friday, especially if you plan to cash out on big tech purchases like TVs, laptops, tablets, or headphones. We research and report about deals throughout the year, and every year, the best prices are in the lead-up to or on Black Friday. The top categories with the biggest discounts are TVs, consumer tech, fitness equipment, smart home gadgets, and small kitchen appliances. You'll also find some pretty good DTC sales scattered throughout too, though.

We tend to recommend the big four retailers — Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy — for the best Black Friday deals. Not only do they see huge price drops on tons of categories, but they also feature the biggest assortment of deals and regularly have seasonal price guarantees.

If you're looking for a list of Black Friday deals with sale prices and MSRP prices, you've come to the right place. You can look through all of our Black Friday deals content on the Black Friday category page. We have everything from the best Black Friday robot vacuum deals to the best Black Friday pet deals and beyond.

Want to browse the retailers on your own? Just head to the Black Friday landing pages on Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, or go to your favorite DTC site to see if they're offering deals.

The National Retail Federation officially coined the term "Cyber Monday" in 2005 after it noticed that in previous years, the Monday after Thanksgiving saw a massive uptick in online sales. It credited the phenomenon to two factors: Online retailers were starting to vie for a piece of the Black Friday pie, and shoppers were waiting to peruse the deals on their faster work computers come Monday morning. (At the time, office PCs had better broadband than home setups.)

Last year's Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales effectively bled together since in-person shopping wasn't really a thing. We'll almost certainly see that repeat this year.

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