What is Black Friday? How to Find the Best 2025 Black Friday Deals

In this article, we’ll break down what Black Friday is, its evolution into a major retail moment, compare Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday, explore what kinds of Black Friday deals to expect this year, and offer practical tips and considerations (including sustainability) to help you shop smart.

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Why is it called "Black Friday"?

The term "Black Friday" holds several layers of history. One early use dates back to a financial panic in the U.S. in September 1869, when speculators tried to corner the gold market and a crash followed.

Over time, the phrase resurfaced in the mid-20th century, particularly in Philadelphia, where police officers used "Black Friday" to describe the heavy traffic, crowded streets, and general chaos in the downtown shopping district the day after Thanksgiving. It was made even more chaotic by fans attending the weekend’s festive, but hectic, tradition of the Army-Navy football game, which drew large crowds and added to the city’s busy street.

By the 1980s, retailers repackaged the term with a more positive spin: the idea that this was the day when stores moved from operating at a loss ("in the red") to profitability ("in the black").

So, the phrase went from financial calamity to crowd control, to commercial celebration, to the big shopping day we all know it as now.

What day is Black Friday 2025?

This year, Black Friday will fall on Friday, November 28, 2025. Although traditionally a one-day event, many retailers now begin promotions earlier (even the week of Thanksgiving) and extend through the weekend, sometimes into the following week.

Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday

Black Friday	Cyber Monday
Timing: Friday after Thanksgiving (Nov 28, 2025)	Timing: Monday after Black Friday
Focus: Usually mix of in-store and online deals	Focus: Primarily online-first deals
Typical strong categories: Big-ticket electronics, home appliances, in-store doorbusters	Typical strong categories: Tech accessories, small electronics, digital goods
Advantage: Opportunity for in-store pickup, doorbusters, early access	Advantage: Easier to shop online, less crowd stress
Strategy tip: Be early, check both in-store and online	Strategy tip: Compare bundles and online exclusives

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What are the best Black Friday deals?

In 2025, the biggest deal opportunities are expected to fall into 8 key categories:

Electronics and TVs – Large-screen TVs, laptops, and major tech gadgets often headline.
Home appliances and smart home gear – Big savings may appear on washers, dryers, smart thermostats or home-assistant devices.
Wearables (like smartwatches, rings and glasses), as well as tablets, and mobile devices – These categories often see strong discounts or bundle offers.
Online services and subscriptions – With digital commerce continuing to grow, services (streaming, software, cloud) may show attractive promo pricing.
Bundles and early-access deals – Some of the best savings may come not just in lowest price but in added value (e.g., freebies, bundles, membership perks). To get the best value, look beyond just the percentage off and pay attention to stock, delivery timelines, and return policies.
Toys – Classic toy brands, popular collectibles, and new holiday releases often see aggressive markdowns as retailers compete for early gift shoppers.
Furniture and home goods – Expect discounts on both big-ticket furniture and smaller home essentials.
Apparel and accessories – Fashion retailers typically roll out deep discounts across clothing, shoes, and accessories, both in-store and online.

Are Black Friday deals still worth it in 2025?

Whether Black Friday deals are truly worth it depends less on the size of the discount and more on what you value most. For some, saving a few hundred dollars on a high-ticket tech item is a clear win. For others, the hassle of long checkout lines, website traffic, or over-hyped marketing may outweigh the savings.

Ultimately, what’s worth it comes down to your personal needs, budget, and timing:

If you’ve planned for a major purchase - like upgrading a TV, laptop, or appliance - Black Friday may be an ideal time to buy.
If your goal is to stock up on everyday essentials or gifts, you may find similar discounts earlier in the season or closer to year-end clearance events.
If you’re focused on sustainability or conscious consumption, you might decide that skipping impulse sales entirely offers greater peace of mind than any price tag.

In short: The deals are still worth chasing, but you may want to do some research, explore the best shopping times, and have a clear budget rather than assuming every discount is a slam dunk.

How to find the best Black Friday deals: 7 tips

Here are 7 practical steps to make Black Friday shopping more efficient and effective:

Set your wish list and budget now - know what you want and how much you’re willing to spend.
Monitor early-access deals and sign up for retailer alerts, membership perks or preview catalogs.
Use price-tracking tools or historical pricing data to avoid buying something that appears discounted but isn’t.
Compare across channels - online vs. in-store, mobile app exclusive codes, membership discounts.
Check stock levels, delivery date, return policy and extras (bundles, free shipping).
Avoid impulse purchases - even if the price looks good, ask if you truly need the item and whether the value makes sense.
Log and organize your deals - keep track of what you’ve bought, warranties, delivery windows and deadlines for returns.

How Black Friday shapes shopping, spending, and the economy

Black Friday isn’t just a day of big sales – it also offers a window into how we shop and what drives the economy. Here are 5 ways Black Friday gives us a snapshot into shopping habits and economic trends:

A boost for retailers: Black Friday drives a big portion of annual sales, showing which products and trends are most popular.
Planning and preparation: How stores manage inventory, marketing, and staffing reflects the effort needed to meet high seasonal demand.
Kickstarting the holidays: The shopping rush signals the official start of the holiday season, encouraging people to begin buying gifts earlier each year.
The online shift: The growth of digital deals highlights how online shopping is changing the way stores operate, from websites to warehouses and shipping.
A window into how shoppers feel: How and what people buy offers insight into spending confidence, priorities, and holiday expectations.

5 ways to shop sustainably this Black Friday

Black Friday is full of exciting deals, and with a little planning, you can make choices that are both smart and thoughtful. Here are 5 challenges and solutions to keep in mind:

Challenge: Huge shopping spikes mean more packaging, shipping, and sometimes returns, all of which add to waste and emissions.
Solution: Consolidate your orders when possible, choose slower or eco-friendly shipping options, and limit unnecessary returns.
Challenge: Impulse purchases can end up unused or discarded.
Solution: Pause before buying – ask if you’ll really use the item long-term and if it adds value to your life.
Challenge: Some products are produced or shipped without much regard for sustainability.
Solution: Look for recycling programs, refurbished items, second-hand deals, or bundles that reduce waste.
Challenge: Not all companies operate responsibly.
Solution: Support brands that demonstrate fair labor practices, transparency, and environmental responsibility.
Challenge: Focusing only on the lowest price can lead to short-lived products that don’t last.
Solution: Plan purchases around durability, reusability, and overall value, not just the sale tag.

5 tips for Black Friday shopping

Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to make the most of deals while staying safe and smart:

Shop safely online: Only use secure websites (look for HTTPS), avoid suspicious links in emails or social media, and use strong, unique passwords. Watch out for phishing scams or fake deal sites that promise "too-good-to-be-true" discounts.
Stay safe in stores: Black Friday crowds can be intense. Follow store safety guidelines, keep your belongings secure, and plan how you’ll pick up items or pay. Contactless or mobile payments can reduce hassle and speed up checkout.
Know the fine print: Before buying, check return policies, warranties, and delivery options. A low price isn’t a good deal if returning or repairing the item is difficult or expensive.
Stick to your budget: Set a spending limit ahead of time. Avoid high-interest financing or opening new credit cards just to chase deals – overspending can turn a bargain into a burden.
Keep organized records: Save receipts, confirmation emails, tracking numbers, and return labels. Having everything in one place makes it much easier if something goes wrong or needs to be returned.

7 FAQs about Black Friday 2025

Is Black Friday only for in-store shopping?
No - Black Friday deals now span online, mobile apps and in-store channels. Many retailers begin promotions online early and offer ship-to-store or curb-side pick-up.
Are the "doorbuster" deals always the best on Black Friday?
Not necessarily. Doorbusters can be limited in quantity or have strings attached (special hours, in-store only, limited stock). Sometimes broader deals elsewhere provide better value.
Will prices drop after Black Friday?
It depends. Some categories may continue to be discounted; others may sell out. Extended sale windows mean some deals appear before Black Friday, and “Cyber Monday” or other promotion days may offer further value.
Is it better to shop on Cyber Monday instead?
For online-exclusive deals and digital goods the Monday after Black Friday (Cyber Monday) often presents strong value - the best day depends on the category you’re targeting.
Should I include shipping or delivery cost in my budget for Black Friday shopping?
Yes - sometimes what looks like a big discount is eroded by high shipping, expedited delivery fees or limited return windows.
Are smaller retailers or independent brands good places for Black Friday deals?
Sometimes - many smaller or niche brands use the period to attract attention, offer creative bundles or loyalty perks. It’s smart to include them in your research.
Does Black Friday happen outside the U.S.?
Yes - many global retailers and countries have adopted the term or created similar "Black Friday" sales events, though the date, structure or cultural significance may differ locally.

A smarter way to shop this Black Friday season

From chaotic crowds and fiscal panics to digital first-day deals and early-access promotions, Black Friday has come a long way. In 2025, the key isn’t just to chase the lowest price but to plan thoughtfully and focus on what’s important to you - whether that’s budget, sustainability, convenience, or something else.

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