Here’s when to find the best Black Friday deals on appliances, electronics, travel and more.
As the holiday season approaches, consumers eagerly anticipate the annual deluge of discounts and promotions surrounding Thanksgiving. However, the landscape for Black Friday shopping in 2025 presents a nuanced picture, with retail experts advising that strategic timing is paramount for securing the best deals across various product categories. While the allure of widespread sales is undeniable, understanding when and where to shop can significantly impact savings. Megan Cerullo, a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch, highlights that while discounts will be plentiful, some business owners have indicated that rising operational costs may limit their ability to offer the aggressive markdowns seen in previous years, presenting a "mixed bag" for shoppers.
Despite these potential constraints, the National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts a monumental holiday spending season, projecting that consumer expenditures could surpass $1 trillion for the first time ever. This robust spending outlook, however, comes with a caveat: shoppers are expected to be more discerning and discount-focused than ever before. Economic research underscores this trend, revealing that consumer spending in 2025 has largely been propelled by high-earning households, while low- and middle-income families continue to grapple with inflationary pressures and affordability challenges. This creates an environment where targeted, well-timed purchases become crucial for maximizing value. To navigate this complex retail environment, here’s a detailed breakdown of when to expect the most advantageous Black Friday deals, categorized by product type, along with expert advice to guide your holiday shopping.
Strategic Shopping: General Tips for Black Friday Success
Before delving into specific categories, a few overarching strategies can help optimize your Black Friday experience:
- Start Early and Research: Many retailers begin rolling out "early bird" sales days or even weeks before Thanksgiving. Keep an eye on advertisements, retailer websites, and deal aggregator sites in the weeks leading up to the main event.
- Create a Shopping List and Set a Budget: Prioritize your desired items and establish a clear spending limit for each category. This prevents impulse purchases and helps manage holiday finances.
- Sign Up for Email Alerts: As Julian Kheel of Points Path advises for travel, this tip extends to all categories. Subscribing to your favorite retailers’ newsletters will give you a direct line to exclusive offers and early notifications. You can always unsubscribe later.
- Comparison Shop Diligently: Marshal Cohen, a retail advisor at Circana, stresses the importance of looking beyond the first advertised price. Retailers often carry similar products, and prices can vary significantly. Use price-tracking apps or browser extensions to monitor historical pricing and ensure you’re getting a genuine deal.
- Understand Return Policies: Especially during the hectic holiday season, be aware of each retailer’s return and exchange policies. Extended return windows are common, but always confirm the specifics before making a purchase.
Shop In-Store for Big Appliances: Black Friday is Key
For consumers in the market for major home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, or large kitchen appliances like ranges and ovens, Black Friday itself is the prime shopping day. Deborah Weinswig, founder and CEO of Coresight Research, a leading provider of retail insights, strongly recommends heading to brick-and-mortar stores for these significant purchases.
"We expect to see lots of promotions that are unique to in-store purchases at retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s," Weinswig told CBS News. This in-store advantage often stems from retailers’ desire to drive foot traffic, clear floor models, and manage the logistics of large item deliveries more efficiently. Shoppers should plan to arrive early, as inventory for highly sought-after models can be limited. Furthermore, retailers are likely to employ dynamic pricing strategies, adjusting prices in real-time based on consumer demand and stock levels. This means that promotions could even vary from one store location to another, depending on their specific inventory situation. When shopping for appliances, consider not only the discount but also delivery costs, installation fees, and the availability of extended warranties. Researching energy efficiency ratings (like Energy Star) can also lead to long-term savings.
When to Buy Travel Deals: Start Early, Not Just "Travel Tuesday"
While the Tuesday following Thanksgiving has been popularly branded "Travel Tuesday," signaling a peak day for travel deals, expert Julian Kheel, founder of Points Path, a flight search engine, advises against waiting that long. Instead, consumers seeking travel bargains should begin their search as early as Thursday evening, immediately following Thanksgiving Day.
Kheel explains that most airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and online travel agencies (OTAs) will launch their Black Friday sales well before Tuesday to gain a competitive edge. Waiting could mean missing out on the best prices or having limited availability for desirable dates and destinations. The most effective way to stay on top of these rapidly changing promotions is to sign up for email alerts from your favorite airlines, hotel chains, and travel sites. These alerts often provide early access or exclusive deals not widely advertised. When looking for travel deals, flexibility is often rewarded. Being open to slightly different travel dates or alternative destinations can unlock significant savings. Also, carefully review the terms and conditions of any travel package, checking for blackout dates, change fees, and cancellation policies before booking. This early approach ensures you’re among the first to capitalize on the most attractive flight discounts, hotel packages, and vacation bundles.
Deals on Consumer Electronics: Cyber Monday is the Sweet Spot
For those eyeing consumer electronics, ranging from the latest televisions and sound systems to laptops, smart home devices, and gaming consoles, Cyber Monday is projected to be the optimal day for finding the best deals. Vivek Pandya, an analyst with Adobe Digital Insights, which tracks online spending trends, confirms this timing.
"We’ll see discounts in the range of 10% to 28%," Pandya informed CBS News, indicating substantial savings on popular tech gadgets. Cyber Monday traditionally focuses on online sales, making it incredibly convenient for shoppers to browse and compare prices from the comfort of their homes. This day often features aggressive online promotions as retailers aim to capture digital sales after the initial in-store rush of Black Friday. Expect to see significant markdowns on everything from high-definition and OLED TVs, powerful gaming PCs and ultrabooks, noise-canceling headphones, smart speakers, tablets, and wearable technology. Shoppers should research specific models and specifications beforehand, as some deals might be on older generations or slightly less feature-rich versions. Look for bundles, such as a TV paired with a soundbar, or a laptop with bundled software, which can offer even greater value. While Cyber Monday is the peak, be aware that "Cyber Week" often extends these deals for several days, providing a bit more leeway for those who miss the initial surge.
When to Buy Toys: Black Friday is Critical for Hot Items
When it comes to purchasing toys for the little ones on your holiday gift list, Black Friday emerges as the crucial day for securing the lowest prices, particularly for popular and in-demand items. According to retail analysts, waiting beyond Black Friday for toy deals is not advisable, especially for "hot items" that tend to fly off shelves quickly.
Vivek Pandya specifically points to items like Legos and the increasingly popular Labubu dolls as examples of toys that will see their best prices on Black Friday and are likely to sell out rapidly. The demand for these trendy items means that retailers have less incentive to offer deeper discounts later in the season. Marshal Cohen of Circana further emphasizes the importance of diligent comparison shopping for toys. "Retailers are competing with so much of the same product," he notes. "So don’t just rely on the ad you get. Take time to comparison shop and make sure it’s really going to be the best price." This means checking prices across multiple major retailers (Walmart, Target, Amazon, specialty toy stores) as well as online marketplaces. Creating a list of desired toys and prioritizing them can help shoppers focus their efforts. For highly coveted items, consider purchasing them as soon as you see a good deal on Black Friday, rather than risking them being out of stock closer to Christmas. If you miss the Black Friday window for a specific toy, subsequent discounts may be minor, and selection will likely be significantly reduced.
Beyond the Deals: Broader Considerations for Holiday Shopping
While timing and category-specific advice are essential, several other factors contribute to a successful and stress-free holiday shopping experience:
- Budgeting and Debt: With the NRF forecasting over $1 trillion in spending, it’s easy to get carried away. Stick to your budget to avoid accumulating credit card debt that can linger long after the holidays.
- Online vs. In-Store Experience: Black Friday offers both. Online provides convenience and wider selection, while in-store allows for immediate gratification, hands-on inspection, and sometimes exclusive doorbuster deals. Weigh the pros and cons for each purchase.
- Payment Methods: Consider using credit cards that offer purchase protection or extended warranties, but always plan to pay off your balances quickly to avoid interest charges.
- Supporting Small Businesses: While major retailers dominate Black Friday, remember local businesses often participate in "Small Business Saturday" (the day after Black Friday), offering unique items and personalized service. While their discounts may not be as steep, supporting them contributes to the local economy.
- Post-Holiday Sales: If you’re shopping for non-essential items or can afford to wait, consider post-Christmas sales, which can offer deep discounts as retailers clear out remaining holiday inventory. However, selection will be limited.
In conclusion, the 2025 Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping season promises a wealth of opportunities for savvy consumers. By understanding the specific windows for different product categories—shopping in-store on Black Friday for large appliances, starting your travel deal search on Thanksgiving evening, targeting Cyber Monday for electronics, and securing toys on Black Friday—you can navigate the retail frenzy with confidence. Coupled with diligent research, comparison shopping, and a clear budget, preparation remains the ultimate key to unlocking the best deals and ensuring a rewarding holiday shopping experience.
