Black Friday 2025 is already in full swing, with shoppers across the United States diving headfirst into what’s long been billed as the most hectic—and potentially rewarding—shopping day of the year. As of November 27, 2025, major retailers like Walmart and Target have launched a fresh wave of deals, and eager consumers are comparing prices in real time, both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. This annual shopping extravaganza, which bridges the gap between Thanksgiving and the December holidays, continues to evolve, shaped by shifting consumer habits, inflationary pressures, and a growing reliance on technology to sniff out the best bargains.
According to JonesboroRightNow.com, Black Friday remains one of the busiest and most profitable days for retailers, a trend that shows no sign of slowing. In 2024, American consumers spent a record $10.8 billion online during Black Friday alone, with total sales for the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend reaching an eye-popping $61 billion. This year, the National Retail Federation forecasts that holiday spending could top $1 trillion for the first time—a milestone that underscores both the enduring allure of seasonal deals and the economic muscle of American shoppers. Roughly 187 million people are expected to shop between Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2025, a testament to the event’s cultural staying power.
Yet, as CBS News reports, the landscape for deals this year is a mixed bag. While discounts abound around Thanksgiving, some business owners have confided that rising costs are making it harder to roll out the aggressive sales shoppers have come to expect. Inflation and affordability concerns have pinched low- and middle-income families, nudging them to be more discerning—and cautious—about their purchases. Even so, the promise of deep discounts and limited-time offers keeps consumers coming back, year after year.
So, how can shoppers make the most of Black Friday 2025? Experts and consumer advocates alike have a host of tips to help maximize savings and minimize stress. First and foremost: set a budget. As JonesboroRightNow.com advises, “Shopping beyond your means, even if the prices are low, can exact a financial toll.” It’s all too easy to get swept up in the frenzy and overspend, so knowing your limits before you start is crucial.
Next, make a list of recipients and gift ideas. This not only helps keep your shopping focused but also enables you to track down specific deals on the items you actually want. And don’t forget to compare prices ahead of time—an essential tactic, given that some so-called deals may not be as sweet as they appear. Apps like BuyVia, Shopkick, and Shopular let you scan barcodes and compare prices across retailers on the fly, ensuring you don’t fall for marketing gimmicks or inflated prices that have been stealthily marked down.
With the rise of online shopping, many of the best Black Friday promotions now start on Thanksgiving or even earlier, according to National Public Radio. That means savvy shoppers can start hunting for bargains from the comfort of home, sidestepping the notorious crowds and chaos associated with in-person events. In recent years, retailers have mirrored their in-store deals online, making it easier than ever to snag discounts without leaving your couch.
But for certain categories, going in person still pays off. Deborah Weinswig, founder and CEO of Coresight Research, told CBS News that shoppers looking for big appliances—think refrigerators, washing machines, or kitchen gadgets—should prioritize brick-and-mortar stores on Black Friday itself. “We expect to see lots of promotions that are unique to in-store purchases at retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s,” she said. Inventory could be limited, so arriving early is wise, and prices may fluctuate depending on demand and stock levels at each location.
When it comes to travel, don’t wait for the so-called “Travel Tuesday” after Thanksgiving. Julian Kheel, founder of Points Path, told CBS News that the best deals often launch as early as Thursday evening, with companies racing to get ahead of the competition. “Most companies will try to get ahead of the competition by launching sales by the morning of Black Friday at the latest,” he explained. Signing up for airline and hotel email alerts can help you stay ahead of the curve—just remember to unsubscribe once you’ve booked that dream trip.
Electronics aficionados, on the other hand, should mark their calendars for Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. According to Adobe Digital Insights analyst Vivek Pandya, “We’ll see discounts in the range of 10% to 28%.” That means everything from TVs to computers and smart speakers could see significant markdowns, making it the best day to upgrade your tech arsenal.
For parents and anyone shopping for kids, Black Friday itself is still the prime time for toy deals. Retail analysts told CBS News that popular toys—especially perennial favorites like Legos—tend to sell out quickly, and prices are unlikely to drop further as the season progresses. Marshal Cohen, retail advisor at Circana, urged shoppers to go beyond the advertised prices and comparison shop for extra savings. “Retailers are competing with so much of the same product,” he said. “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.”
Other expert tips abound for those determined to stretch every dollar. Andrea Woroch, a consumer savings expert, recommends enrolling in store loyalty programs, which can yield coupons and perks like free shipping or additional discounts stacked atop existing sales. Tools like camelcamelcamel.com and Amazon’s AI-assisted shopping assistant, Rufus, help track price drops, while cash back apps such as ShopBack can put a little money back in your pocket—Best Buy, for instance, is offering 5% cash back, LG 12%, and Amazon 1.5% during the sales period. Woroch also suggests using AI tools like Google’s Gemini to scout out the best deals on particular gifts, and shopping at retailers that offer price match guarantees. “That’s going to basically make sure that anything you buy now and it goes on sale later in the season, you can still get price adjustment. And I’m seeing stores like Target, they’re offering a very generous price match guarantee,” she told CBS News.
Of course, not all deals are what they seem. Shoppers should be wary of “doorbuster” exclusions and flashy countdown timers designed to spark impulse buys. Knowing the true value of items—and sticking to your budget and list—remains the surest way to avoid post-holiday regret. Limiting the number of stores you visit can also help keep your energy and spending in check, especially if you’re braving the in-person crowds.
With so much at stake and so many variables in play, Black Friday 2025 is shaping up to be another record-setting event, even as economic headwinds and changing retail strategies add new wrinkles to the tradition. Whether you’re shopping for the latest gadgets, big-ticket appliances, or just a few thoughtful gifts, a little planning and a lot of savvy can help you make the most of this annual retail spectacle.
