Countdown to Black Friday
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Day after Thanksgiving - the biggest shopping day of the year.
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Black Friday
November 27, 2026
The Madness of Black Friday
I've done the 4am Black Friday thing. Standing in line, freezing, for a TV I didn't really need. Got home, realized I could've bought it online for the same price while drinking coffee in my pajamas. Lesson learned.
These days? I make a list weeks before. Specific items, target prices, which stores. No impulse buys. The countdown reminds me to actually do the research instead of winging it at midnight on Thanksgiving.
My Black Friday Strategy
After years of both wins and regrets, here's what actually works:
Make your wish list. Start tracking prices on items you actually need. Set up price alerts.
Research which stores have the best deals on your specific items. Create accounts, save payment info to speed up checkout.
Early deals start appearing. Check if your items are already on sale - sometimes Black Friday prices are available early.
Stick to your list. Don't get distracted by "limited time" deals on stuff you don't need. Compare final prices including shipping.
What's Actually Worth Buying
Not everything is a good deal on Black Friday. From my experience:
β Usually Good Deals
TVs, laptops, gaming consoles, big appliances, name-brand electronics. These see real 20-40% discounts.
β Often Fake Deals
Cheap "Black Friday only" products made just for the sale, fashion, furniture. Prices often aren't better than other sales.
β οΈ Check Price History
Some retailers raise prices before Black Friday to make discounts look bigger. Use CamelCamelCamel, Honey, or similar tools.
π‘ Pro Tip
Cyber Monday often has the same or better prices, minus the chaos. If you can wait until Monday, you probably should.
Black Friday Facts
- β’The name comes from Philadelphia police in the 1960s describing the chaos of shoppers and tourists the day after Thanksgiving.
- β’$9+ billion spent online on Black Friday alone. Add in-store purchases and it's much higher.
- β’Started creeping earlier - many stores now start "Black Friday" deals on Thanksgiving evening or even earlier in the week.
- β’30% of annual retail sales happen between Black Friday and Christmas. Retailers make or break their year in these weeks.