Black Friday Store Shopping Guide for the Best 2023 Deals

Finding the best Black Friday Store in one of the biggest shopping days of the year, kicking off the holiday season with major deals at nearly every retailers. If you’re looking to save big at popular stores this Black Friday, this comprehensive guide will help you find the deepest discounts and shop the smartest deals.

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday occurs every year on the day after Thanksgiving, marking the official start to the holiday shopping season. Retailers offer some of their biggest sales and steepest discounts of the year on Black Friday with doorbuster deals available in limited quantities.

The term “Black Friday” originated in Philadelphia in the 1960s and referred to the heavy traffic congestion that occurred the day after Thanksgiving as crowds of shoppers flooded the stores and streets. While the origins aren’t positive, Black Friday has evolved into one of the most hyped shopping days with consumers eager to score deals.

 

When is Black Friday 2023?

Black Friday 2023 will be on Friday, November 24. However, for 2023, Black Friday Store retailers are starting their online deals earlier than ever. Shoppers can expect to see Black Friday Store pricing as early as late October.

Many retailers are extending Black Friday Store savings into a full week or month-long event both online and in stores. The best approach is to keep an eye out for deals all November long leading up to the big in-store doorbusters on Friday the 24th after Thanksgiving.

 

Why is Black Friday Such a Big Shopping Day?

Several factors contribute to Black Friday being the biggest shopping day of the year:

• Huge discounts and doorbusters – Retailers offer their deepest discounts of the year with limited quantity doorbusters to get shoppers excited. Popular products get the lowest prices on the Black Friday Store.
• Start of holiday shopping – For many shoppers, Black Friday Store kicks off their holiday buying for family and friends. Getting good deals early can help shoppers check off their lists.
• Extended store hours – To accommodate demand, many stores open extra early like 5 AM or even on Thanksgiving night. Some remain open for 24-hour marathons.
• Aggressive promotions – Retailers heavily advertise and promote their Black Friday sales through print ads, email campaigns, and online deals. This builds shopper hype.
• Competition for shopper dollars – No retailer wants to miss out on the billions spent over Black Friday weekend. Competing sales drive bigger discounts.

Recap and Statistics of Black Friday Store 2022

Before previewing the deals for 2023, let’s look at some key stats and results from Black Friday 2022:

• Total spending over the Black Friday weekend reached $59.5 billion in 2022 according to Adobe Analytics data. This was up 1.2% year-over-year.
• Online spending on Black Friday specifically hit a record $9.12 billion – up 2.3% from 2021. Cyber Monday also broke records at $11.3 billion.
• Top-selling product categories on Black Friday Store included toys, video games, appliances, tools, clothing, shoes, and electronics. Apparel saw 145% year-over-year growth.
• The average discount rate on Black Friday Store was 32.9%, with deeper discounts online versus in-stores. The most discounted categories were televisions, toys, computers, and appliances.
• For the first time, over 60% of consumers shopped online versus in-person on Black Friday, as per Adobe. This shift has accelerated.
• Popular retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Target, and Best Buy reported record increases in online sales over the Black Friday weekend.

Top Black Friday Store Deals for 2023

Based on last year’s top deals and advertised savings, here are some of the best Black Friday discounts expected at the most popular retail stores in 2023.

Walmart

• 4K TVs – Massive markdowns on top brands like Samsung, LG, Vizio. 65″ and larger sizes see the deepest discounts, often 50%+ off.
• Laptops – Budget-friendly mainstream laptops discounted $150-$400 off usual pricing. Look for HP, Gateway, Lenovo, and Dell.
• Toys – Legos, Nerf guns, board games, Disney toys, and video games all 25-50% off. Hottest toys sell out fast.
• Small appliances – Black Friday prices on air fryers, pressure cookers, coffee makers, vacuums, and more. Up to 60% off.
• Clothing – Special buys on apparel and shoes for the family featuring new low prices for the season.

Amazon

• Echo/Alexa devices – Amazon’s smart speakers and displays see their biggest discounts – up to 50% off Echos and Fire TVs.
• Amazon brands – Deep deals on Amazon’s own tech like Fire tablets, Kindle e-readers, Blink cameras, Ring security.
• Fashion brands – 30-40% off special deals on apparel, shoes, watches, luggage, and accessories from name brands.
• Furniture – Save on mattresses, office chairs, desks, and storage solutions from top furniture sellers.
• Electronics – Holiday pricing on TVs, laptops, headphones, printers, tech gadgets, and Amazon devices.

Target

• Gift sets – Beauty gift sets see 40-50% off retail prices; popular options sell out early.
• Pajamas – Black Friday Record Store Day specials on matching family pajamas and slippers discounted 30-40% off.
• Home goods – Bedding, bath items, décor, kitchenware all deeply discounted including Threshold and Opalhouse brands.
• Apparel – Expect 40% off all clothing, outerwear, intimates, accessories using promo codes and discounts.
• Furniture – Target furniture including sofas, beds, dining sets 10-20% off plus extra promo savings.

Best Buy

• Smart home tech – Save big on Nest/Google Home, Arlo cameras, video doorbells, smart lighting, thermostats, security systems.
• Gaming – Latest consoles, video games bundled with gift cards and controllers for $50+ off retail.
• Headphones – Premium brands like Sony, Bose, Beats discounted over 50% off throughout the store.
• Laptops/PCs – Hundreds off gaming rigs, 2-in-1 laptops, monitors, PC accessories, tablets, MacBooks.
• Major appliances – Dozens of deals on ranges, refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers – especially smart appliances.

Old Navy Black Friday 2023: Exciting Deals and Sales for Major Shopping Event

 

Black Friday Shopping Tips to Save Big

Follow these tips and tricks to get the most out of your Black Friday 2022 shopping:

• Make a budget – Set a firm budget beforehand so you don’t overspend in the hype and only buy really needed items.
• Check ads early – Retailers release Black Friday ads 1-2 weeks in advance. Browse the deals ahead of time to plan your buys.
• Shop early online deals – Don’t wait until Black Friday itself. Many deals launch online in early November.
• Use apps – Download retailers’ apps for exclusive app-only deals and instant alerts on discounts.
• Leverage price matching – Use price matching guarantees to get Black Friday pricing early if prices drop again.
• Compare prices – Use price tracking sites to see if deals are really the lowest prices versus other sales times of year.
• Sign up for rewards – Retail credit cards and loyalty programs offer extra discounts for members.
• Focus on doorbusters – Look for limited quantity and short time flash sales for the biggest relative discounts.
• Check return policies – Factor return windows into purchase decisions in case discounts get better later.

Most Popular Black Friday Buys

Based on past Black Friday best-sellers and this year’s projected top deals, expect major interest and savings in these hot product categories:

4K TVs

Deep discounts on premium, high-end 4K Ultra HD smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and more. Look for big screen sizes, top display technology like QLED and OLED, and advanced features.

• Samsung 85″ Class QN85B Neo QLED 4K Smart TV (45% off)
• LG 77″ Class C2 Series OLED 4K Smart TV (40% off)
• Sony 75″ Class X85K LED 4K Google TV (38% off)

Laptops

Black Friday brings impressive savings on everyday mainstream laptops, gaming rigs, 2-in-1 convertible models, and MacBooks.

• Dell XPS 13 Laptop, Intel Core i7-1250U, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD (40% off)
• ASUS ROG Zephyrus 14” Gaming Laptop, AMD Ryzen 9, 16GB Memory, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (33% off)
• 2022 Apple MacBook Air Laptop with M2 Chip, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD Storage (9% off)

Smartphones

With loyalty programs, carrier deals, and gift cards – shoppers can score $400+ off the latest iPhones, Galaxy S22s, and Google Pixel 7s.

• Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max 128GB (Up to $1000 off w/ trade-in at Apple)
• Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 512GB (Up to $1000 off w/ trade-in at Samsung)
• Google Pixel 7 Pro 128GB (Up to $400 off w/ activation at Best Buy)

Tablets

Fire tablets, Galaxy Tabs, and iPad deals will be plentiful on Amazon, Walmart, and direct from Apple. Look for $50+ off.

• Apple 2022 10.9-inch iPad Air Wi-Fi 64GB (20% off)
• SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra Android Tablet, 14.6″ 120Hz Display Wi-Fi, 512GB Storage (22% off)
• Fire HD 10 Tablet (10.1″, 1080p Full HD, 32 GB) with Ads (50% off)

Smartwatches & Fitness Trackers

Top models like the Apple Watch Series 8, Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, and Fitbit Sense 2 see steep discounts.

• Garmin fenix 7, Premium Multisport GPS Smartwatch, 45mm (29% off)
• 2022 Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) 44mm – Midnight Aluminum Case (15% off)
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 (Bluetooth, 40mm) Smartwatch (30% off)

Top 10 Black Friday “Black Friday Store” Deals for 2023

Ready to shop? Here are my predictions for the 10 best Black Friday deals to watch for this year in the “black friday store” category:

1. Guitar Center Black Friday Doorbusters

Up to 50% off guitars, amps, drums, keyboards, DJ gear, recording equipment and more. Doorbusters in stores with limited quantities.

2. Michaels Black Friday Sales

Take 40% off everything including art supplies, custom framing, crafts, décor online and in stores with coupons.

3. Joann Stores Black Friday Fabric Sales

Massive discounts on all fabric, sewing machines, quilting supplies, yarn for DIY projects. 60% off fleece.

4. Blick Art Materials Black Friday Deals

Art supplies, paint brushes, drawing tools, canvases, paints all 30-50% off + extra 20% off coupons online.

5. Hobby Lobby Black Friday Specials

Christmas trees, lights, decor 50% off. Home accents 40% off. Custom frames 50% off. Craft supplies 30% off.

6. Northern Tool + Equipment Black Friday Savings

Up to 50% off power tools, generators, air compressors, engines, shop equipment. Free shipping over $99.

7. Home Depot Black Friday Appliance Sales

Major markdowns on fridges, ranges, dishwashers, laundry pairs, vacuums, small appliances up to 40% off.

8. Lowe’s Black Friday Power Tool Deals

Package deals on combo kits from DeWalt, Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee with hundreds off plus bonus batteries.

9. Harbor Freight Black Friday Coupons

Hand tools, generators, trailers, shop presses, saws, automotive all 25-60% off with big coupon savings in stores.

10. Northern Brewer Black Friday Homebrew Deals

Starter homebrew kits 50% off. Ingredients, fermenters, kegs, brewing equipment 20-30% off sitewide.

More Tips for Scoring the Best “Black Friday Store” Deals

• Start monitoring Black Friday ads in early November to plan your buys. Retailers like Guitar Center and Northern Tool release their big books of deals 1-2 weeks ahead.
• Sign up for email and text alerts from your favorite stores so you get notified the instant Black Friday sales go live. Supplies are limited on the hottest doorbusters.
• Shop early online Black Friday sales that start days or weeks ahead of the big day. Retailers like Northern Brewer and Blick Art Materials launch online deals long before in-store events.
• Check store apps and websites for online-only Cyber Monday deals on arts, crafts, music and woodworking supplies. Joann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby and Guitar Center extend promos.
• Look for stackable savings like percentage off coupons that can be applied on top of already reduced sale prices both online and in stores. Michaels, Harbor Freight, Blick Art all offer coupons.
• Head to the store first thing on Black Friday morning or on Thanksgiving night for the best shot at limited quantity doorbusters. Home Depot and Lowe’s open early with hot power tool offers.
• Know return policies in case you find better deals later. Stores like Guitar Center and Northern Tool generally have extended holiday return windows.

When Do Black Friday Sales Start for Stores?

Black Friday is the culmination of weeks of holiday shopping deals. Here is the timeframe when sales launch:

• Early November – Select Black Friday pricing and doorbusters go live online.
• Mid November – Black Friday sneak peeks, ads and additional online deals launch.
• Thanksgiving Day – Dozens of stores now open on Thanksgiving evening with major doorbusters.
• Black Friday – The biggest in-store only doorbusters reserved for the official Black Friday.
• Cyber Monday – Retailers extend more online-only deals and savings into Monday.

The best approach is to start looking for deals in early November. Keep tabs on your favorite stores for advance savings. Then shop doorbusters throughout Thanksgiving week into Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Be flexible across the month to maximize savings.

Black Friday Store Shopping Strategies

To make the most of massive Black Friday discounts at all the top retailers, keep these key strategies in mind:

• Set a budget and make a list to avoid overspending on impulse buys.
• Check Black Friday ads early to research pricing and plan your purchases.
• Sign up for retailer loyalty programs and email/text alerts for the best exclusive deals.
• Start shopping early online deals in November before supplies sell out.
• Use apps and websites for online-only savings and easy browsing of offers.
• Head in-store on Thanksgiving and Black Friday for limited quantity doorbusters.
• Compare prices across retailers to ensure you’re getting true rock bottom prices.
• Use coupons, rebates and other savings-stacking opportunities when available.
• Remember return policies in case you have buyer’s remorse or find better pricing later.

Black Friday Store Hours for 2023

Here are the expected Black Friday store opening times for 2023, according to 2022 hours:

• Walmart: Opens at 6 AM on Black Friday.
• Target: Opens at 7 AM on Black Friday.
• Best Buy: Opens at 5 AM on Black Friday.
• Home Depot: Opens at 6 AM on Black Friday.
• Lowe’s: Opens at 6 AM on Black Friday.
• Macy’s: Opens at 6 AM on Black Friday.
• Kohl’s: Opens at 5 AM on Black Friday.
• JCPenney: Opens at 5 AM on Black Friday.
• Michaels: Opens at 7 AM on Black Friday.
• GameStop: Opens at 7 AM on Black Friday.
• Guitar Center: Opens at 7 AM on Black Friday.

Check individual store websites and ads for exact opening times. Many will open on Thanksgiving evening to start doorbusters early.

Beat the Crowds with Online Black Friday Shopping

Avoid the frenzied crowds and long lines by taking advantage of online Black Friday deals while in-store doorbusters create massive lines and crowded parking lots, more Black Friday deals than ever are available online. Retailers are enticing shoppers with early online deals weeks before Black Friday even begins.

Here are some of the major benefits and strategies for online Black Friday shopping:

Convenience

You can comfortably shop amazing deals on your phone, laptop, tablet, or desktop at home. No battling traffic or parking nightmares. Retailers also make online browsing and buying easy.

Early Access

Online deals start days or weeks ahead of the mad in-store rush. You can shop discounts as early as October or November without leaving home. Retailers also offer online-only savings not available in stores.

Availability and Inventory

Popular doorbusters with limited quantities sell out fast in crowded stores. But online you have full access to inventory across a retailer’s entire network of distribution centers and locations. Hard to find deals are easier to snag online.

Reviews and Research

It’s easier to read reviews, compare pricing, and research products online. You can take your time evaluating options without salespeople pressuring you. Comparison sites also let you see which retailers have the best prices.

Added Discounts

Look for special online promo codes and coupons you can layer on top of already reduced sale pricing for extra savings. Retailers provide online codes you won’t find in stores.

Apps and Alerts

Download major retailer apps to access deals right from your device. Enable notifications so you’re alerted when sales go live or items come back in stock. Apps make deal hunting convenient.

While the frenzy and excitement of in-store Black Friday shopping remains, consumers are finding they can get nearly every deal from the comfort of home. As online shopping grows, Black Friday becomes an omni-channel event.

The Best Black Friday Store Deals Anticipated for 2023

Major retailers will be competing hard for your business this Black Friday. Based on sneak peeks, trends, and 2022 pricing, expect killer deals at top stores on:

• 4K Smart TVs at Walmart, Amazon, Target, Best Buy
• Apple watches and iPads at Target, Walmart, Amazon
• Home appliances at Lowe’s, Home Depot, Best Buy
• Headphones at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy
• Toys at Walmart, Target, Amazon
• Laptops at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy
• Video games at Target, Walmart, GameStop
• Clothing and apparel at Kohl’s, Macy’s, JCPenney

 

 

The merchants with the biggest discounts and widest selection of doorbusters will take Black Friday. Make your list across retailers and watch for sales starting in early November. Use this guide to score the absolute best values on your must-have items.