Black Friday 2025: Meaning, Best Deals, Shopping Tips, Price Tricks, and Scams to Avoid (Complete Guide)
Quick answer: Black Friday is the biggest shopping event of the year, happening on November 28th, 2025. It features massive discounts across tech, beauty, fashion, home products, and online services. To get the best deals without being scammed, compare prices, use trusted retailers, check price history, avoid fake ads, and shop early.
On this page
- 1. What Is Black Friday?
- 2. When Is Black Friday 2025?
- 3. Why It Is Called “Black Friday”
- 4. The Evolution of Black Friday
- 5. The Best Categories for Black Friday Deals
- 6. Best Stores and Platforms to Buy From
- 7. Price Tricks Retailers Use
- 8. How to Save the Most Money
- 9. Common Black Friday Scams (and How to Avoid Them)
- 10. FAQ
- 11. Official Sources
1. What Is Black Friday?
Black Friday is an annual shopping event that takes place the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. It marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season and offers significant discounts across nearly all product categories.
2. When Is Black Friday 2025?
Black Friday 2025 falls on November 28th, 2025. Many retailers begin deals earlier, often starting on Monday of the same week.
3. Why It Is Called “Black Friday”
The term “Black Friday” originated in the 1960s, when U.S. retailers described the heavy traffic and crowds after Thanksgiving. Later, it became associated with the moment businesses finally moved “into the black,” meaning profitable.
Today, Black Friday is a global event with record-breaking online sales every year.
4. The Evolution of Black Friday
1960s–1990s
Early in-store sales, often chaotic and limited to U.S. shoppers.
2000s
Big retailers like Walmart and Best Buy expanded nationwide sales.
2010s
Rise of online shopping through Amazon and e-commerce platforms.
2020s
Black Friday became a week-long digital event with early deals, price protection, and global participation.
5. The Best Categories for Black Friday Deals
- Smartphones (iPhone, Samsung)
- Laptops and tablets
- TVs and smart home devices
- Beauty and skincare
- Fashion, sneakers, and accessories
- Home, furniture, and kitchen appliances
- Gaming consoles and subscriptions
- Travel deals and digital services
6. Best Stores and Platforms to Buy From
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Best Buy
- Apple Store
- Sephora
- Zara
- H&M
- Adidas & Nike
- Airlines & travel websites
7. Price Tricks Retailers Use
Shoppers should be aware of common strategies that companies use to manipulate pricing:
- Artificially raising prices before lowering them on Black Friday.
- Highlighting “limited time” deals that run for weeks.
- Using fake countdown timers.
- Showing exaggerated “before” prices to make discounts look bigger.
- Offering bundles that are cheaper when bought separately.
Always check price history using reliable trackers before you buy.
8. How to Save the Most Money
- Create a list of what you actually need.
- Compare prices on several websites.
- Use price history tools like CamelCamelCamel.
- Check for coupons, cashback, and rewards.
- Buy early: the best deals often sell out quickly.
- Stick to a budget to avoid impulse buying.
9. Common Black Friday Scams (and How to Avoid Them)
Fake Websites
Always check the URL and avoid unfamiliar stores.
Fake Social Media Ads
Many scammers promote fake discounts on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.
Phishing Emails
Do not click suspicious links or download attachments.
Stolen Payment Information
Use PayPal or virtual cards for safer transactions.
10. FAQ
Is Black Friday cheaper than Cyber Monday?
Black Friday is better for physical products, while Cyber Monday focuses on tech and online services.
Is Black Friday really worth it?
Yes, if you compare prices, choose trusted stores, and avoid scams.
When do the best deals appear?
Most top deals appear early in the week of Black Friday or between midnight and 8 a.m. on Friday.
Do prices drop more on Black Friday?
Some do, but price history tools help determine real savings.
Is Black Friday worldwide?
Yes, most major countries now participate in the event.
