The Black Friday Deal is the unofficial start to holiday shopping

The Black Friday Deal is the unofficial start to holiday shopping, and one of the biggest days of the year for retailers. It’s a time of limited-time discounts on hot new products, from kitchen appliances and TVs to beauty items, smart home tech, and the latest gadgets for your kids. Black Friday also gives shoppers a chance to check off items on their gift lists before the prices skyrocket closer to Christmas.

While Black Friday HostPapa Black Friday Deal is the day after Thanksgiving (November 24 this year), many stores will begin their sales early, often on Thursday or even earlier in the week. Some stores are open as early as 5 a.m. for in-store shopping, and some are even offering online Black Friday deals. Those who plan to visit a store should be sure to arrive at their chosen location with enough time to secure the most sought-after deals and avoid any long lines or delays.

In the years leading up to the 20th century, department stores were still a major fixture in most American towns and cities. During their heyday, virtually every city had its own homegrown department store chains and each offered its own post-Thanksgiving sales to draw in customers. The name “Black Friday” was coined after the 1950s to describe the crowded, chaotic nature of traffic and shopping at this busy time of year.

Black Friday has evolved into the poster child of American consumerism and a great time to get incredible in-person deals on the top-rated consumer goods you want or need for yourself or as gifts for others. But the rise of Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday and other sales has diluted Black Friday’s dominance.

With the right strategies, you can still score some fantastic deals on everything from kitchen essentials like Instant Pots and air fryers to the hottest electronics. The key is to be prepared for the best Black Friday deals to disappear quickly and to know which stores have the lowest price points on the products you’re interested in purchasing.

The first step to getting the most bang for your buck is to sign up for loyalty programs at your favorite stores. Many retailers offer rewards to loyal customers who receive alerts to their Black Friday deals and can snag some of the most coveted products in advance of everyone else. Some stores will even offer exclusive online Black Friday deals for members that are available only on their site.

Best Buy is famous for its Black Friday deals on electronics. You’ll find steep discounts on televisions, earbuds, tablets and the newest tech. For those who’d rather shop in person, you can also check out the Black Friday deals at Walmart and Target. In addition to electronics, both of these stores feature a great selection of clothing and household goods. If you’re looking for a bargain, be sure to check out the Black Friday deals at Kohl’s and Crate and Barrel as well.