Black Friday used fall to just one day a year. Shoppers camped outside stores, eagerly awaiting the chance to break down a few doors and save a lot of money. Over time, the sales event has grown. Now the entire month of November is a hydra where prices are slashed and the sword-wielding hero is an overwhelmed customer.

Stores are offering more deals than ever online, so you don't have to leave your couch to take part. But it can all get confusing. How can you determine if a deal is worth your time and money? When does the sale start and end? You do need this device? We are here to help.

When is Black Friday?

In 2024, Black Friday falls on November 29th. This is followed by Cyber ​​Monday on December 2, 2024. Most official deals start late on Thanksgiving, but some of the best deals start on Friday, sometime in the early morning hours. (Some stores provide specific start times.)

I've been shopping on Black Friday for over two decades. My advice if you're looking for great deals is to stay up late the day before Thanksgiving and look for online sales starting around midnight Eastern Time on Wednesday, November 27th. WIRED will also report on larger sales later in the day. Early Black Friday deals occur in the first few weeks of November, and retailers like Best Buy typically offer a price match if an item becomes cheaper on Black Friday.

Can you get Black Friday deals online?

You can – and should. At WIRED, we only cover online deals since most Black Friday deals are available online. The best deals don't last long, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on your favorite store's sales pages (and our coverage).

Make a list of the things you want to buy in advance – this can help you keep a clear head when it's time to start shopping. You shouldn't buy things just for the sake of buying them. Everyone is on a tighter budget these days; The sale will take place again. Take a deep breath and don't get caught up in the rush.

Which retailers will have Black Friday deals?

Almost all. There are obvious stores like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy, but chances are every retailer and brand is running some sort of sale that includes deals on clothing, shoes, books, electric scooters, tech, health and beauty items, etc . includes fitness specialty goods, to name just a few categories. There may even be special offers happening at your favorite cafe or restaurant. If in doubt, visit a retailer's website. Typically, Black Friday sales are proudly highlighted on the homepage.

Here are some Black Friday sales sites from major retailers:

Is Black Friday worth it?

TL;DR: usually. Long answer: In most cases, Black Friday deals are the best we see all year, and they set the precedent for what constitutes a good price in the following months.

However, some Black Friday deals aren't particularly great or are repetitive from year to year. For example, you'll likely see low prices on some smart home technologies like the Amazon Echo Dot or Google Nest Mini. For the past few years, these speakers have sold for around $20 every November. This year they will probably drop to the same price. Even though the price is technically at an all-time low, consider whether you really need another cheap small speaker before ordering – especially given that these deals keep popping up throughout the year.

Some discounts aren't amazing because products tend to go on sale every few months, and the fact that stores repeat offers so frequently says a lot about the nature of discounts these days. Nevertheless, the offers are worth it if you are looking for a specific item and want to save some money. Remember that price research is important. Don't worry if you miss an offer. There is a strong chance that it will occur again at some point in the future.

How much money can I save on Black Friday?

That depends on what you buy. There are so many offers in so many categories that it is impossible to list them all here.

For example, televisions are usually a good purchase around Black Friday if you find the right model. They are cheapest at this time of year and during the holidays. Likewise, you can save on clothing, toys, and home goods, but these deals may not be as tempting when you look at specific dollar amounts. However, they are definitely cheaper than usual.