Black Friday Is Coming: Here’s What to Expect for the Biggest Shopping Day of the Year
Rolling Stone
11/23/2021
© Kyle Rice
Black Friday is happening on November 26 this year, but major stores and sites have already started posting early deals, hoping to catch the number of people still working from home (and thereby with more time to spend online) and people looking to get their holiday shopping don early, to avoid shipping delays or last-minute deadlines.
A survey from retail data and coupon site, RetailMeNot, found that 83% of shoppers plan to get an early start on their holiday shopping, with most saying they’ll get started before Thanksgiving.
Top deals this year are expected to include huge savings on 4K Smart TVs, robot vacuums, fitness accessories and smart home devices. Brand name laptops, headphones and speakers are also expected to be on sale — many from brands that rarely offer discounts.
Here’s what to know about the best Black Friday deals for 2021.
When is Black Friday This Year?
Black Friday takes place this year on Friday, November 26, 2021. Black Friday is always on the day after Thanksgiving, and has long been considered as the “kickoff” to the holiday shopping season.
While retailers used to only offer one-day deals on Black Friday, many sites have since extended their sales through Black Friday weekend, which is on November 26-28, 2021 this year.
The following Monday is known as “Cyber Monday,” which is also a day for big deals and promotional offers online. Cyber Monday this year is on November 29, 2021.
Black Friday weekend is typically the busiest shopping period of the year, and new data from Adobe’s 2021 Holiday Shopping Forecast predict online sales over those three days to top $36 billion.
What Are the Best Black Friday Deals 2021?
While Prime Day has become a huge shopping day on Amazon.com, Black Friday encompasses all retailers and online sites — not just Amazon. And while sites like Target, Walmart and Best Buy traditionally hold big Black Friday sales, a lot of independent retailers and smaller sites are launching Black Friday deals for 2021 too.
According to RetailMeNot, shoppers should expect the best Black Friday deals of 2021 to include savings across tech, beauty and fashion. Black Friday is also your best chance to get savings on items that typically don’t go on sale: think expensive at-home fitness devices, digital cameras and drones.
Buy: Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Digital Camera $297.99
Adobe’s report, meantime, predicts deals on furniture and bedding, tools, toys and home appliances. Cyber Monday, the report notes, will be the best day for television deals.
In addition to the big box stores, shoppers will be able to score Black Friday discounts at sites like Bed Bath & Beyond, JC Penney and Sam’s Club (which now has a 90-day free trial to let you shop SamsClub.com without a membership). Check out QVC’s Black Friday deals too, which you can shop online at QVC.com (I.e. no more dialing into an infomercial hotline).
What Are the Best Black Friday Tech Deals 2021?
When it comes to the best Black Friday tech deals for 2021, RetailMeNot lists items like VIZIO TVs, JBL wireless earbuds, and Samsung Galaxy watches (which are part of Samsung’s “Exciting Values” sale on electronics and laptops).
VIZIO’s M-series TVs are all on sale for Black Friday, at BestBuy.com and on Amazon.com. The best deal is on their 70-inch M7 Series Quantum LED 4K TV, which is on sale for $749 — a whopping $350 off and the lowest price we’ve seen all year. This is one of the best Smart TV deals for Black Friday. Other sizes are on sale too, from a 50-inch unit all the way up to 75 inches. See full VIZIO deals here.
You can also expect a number of Black Friday laptop deals, on popular brands like Microsoft, Lenovo, HP laptops and Google Chromebooks. Gaming laptops are also expected to be discounted (see: Razer laptop deals here), as are gaming accessories overall, from gaming speakers (for PC gaming) to gaming headsets and headphones with mics. Logitech is a great site to shop for Black Friday gamer deals too.
Buy: Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 14-Inch $179.99
One of the best deals right now is at Microsoft, where you can get a free pair of earbuds ($199.99 value) with the purchase of any Surface Pro 8 bundle. The bundle includes your choice of Surface Pro 8, Surface Pro Signature Keyboard, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Complete Protection Plan plus the wireless earbuds free.
Buy: Surface Pro 8 Bundle (+ Earbuds) at $1433
And one of last year’s best-sellers is expected to sell well again: the Nintendo Switch gets an OLED model this fall, but expect original Nintendo Switch deals to be snapped up from now through Cyber Monday. See the latest Nintendo Switch Black Friday deals here.
Retailers have also started posting Black Friday Apple deals, which is especially impressive since the store doesn’t participate in Black Friday on its own. Right now, the AirPods Pro are on sale for under $200 as of this writing on Amazon — more than $50 off its regular price.
Buy: Apple AirPods Pro $299.99
And you can start shopping early Black Friday deals on headphones, like these brand-new Bose Noise-Cancelling Headphones on sale for just $199 — a $100 discount.
Buy: Bose QuietComfort 35 II Headphones $179.00
What Are the Best Black Friday Fashion Deals 2021?
Black Friday weekend is a change to score huge discounts on clothing, shoes, bags and accessories online, and RetailMeNot lists says to expect “over a thousand deals at hundreds of favorite retailers, like Amazon, Nike, Macy’s and Ugg.
Fast fashion retailers like H&M, Zara, Uniqlo and Gap, also typically have big discounts — sometimes up to 60% off fashion and accessories. In fact, Gap is getting started early, with a 40-50% off sale happening right now on Gap.com.
Looking for Black Friday footwear deals? Last year saw Black Friday deals at Adidas, Reebok and other sneaker/athletic wear sites too, with FootLocker.com offering big discounts as well.
Buy: adidas Ultraboost 21 Running Shoes $75+
And Black Friday is a chance to score rare discounts on luxury fashion and accessories, from sites like Mr. Porter, Net-a-Porter, SSENSE and Shopbop (which now carries men’s and women’s wear). Amazon is also offering 50% off men’s and women’s watches, from brands like Timex, Bulova, Tommy Hilfiger and more.
Kay Jewelers in particular is offering 25%-50% off everything from luxury timepieces, to wedding bands and gold chains, like this Milano Rope Chain fashioned in 10K gold.
Buy: Milano Rope Chain Necklace at $524.99
We’ll be updating this page in the lead up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, especially during that weekend, so bookmark this link and come back often. And as always, these deals move fast, so you’ll want to snatch them up and add to cart before the items are all sold out.
What Are the Best Amazon Black Friday 2021 Deals?
Amazon is your best place to start your early Black Friday shopping with thousands of deals and discounts.
Amazon has also kicked off the start of its 2021 holiday shopping season with its “Early Black Friday Deals” event, which offers limited-time deals across home, tech, kitchen, grooming and fashion.
Buy: Amazon Early Black Friday Deals at $10+
The online giant will continue to update its early Black Friday deals in popular categories leading up to November 26.
Buy: Amazon Fire TV 50-Inch 4K TV $329.99
A reminder: Amazon Prime members get access to exclusive savings and new deals every day, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Get a 30-day free trial to Amazon Prime here to score the discounts.
Best of the Rest: These Early Black Friday Deals Are Live Now
ABODE
Save up to 50% off a multi-piece home security bundle, or get an indoor smart camera for $25. No promo code required. Get the deals here.
ADORAMA
Get deep discounts on photo equipment, computers, monitors, and more. No promo code required. Get the deals here.
APPLE
Apple doesn’t participate in Black Friday on its own, but you can get AirPods Pro or MacBook Air on sale if you shop around.
BARNES & NOBLE
Save 50% on all Criterion Collection DVDs and Blu Rays. No promo code required. Get the deals here.
BEST BUY
Best Buy has kicked off a massive Black Friday sale with thousands of items marked down to their lowest prices of the season. The store guarantees these prices, and will refund you the difference if they’re marked down further. Get the deals here.
BIO BIDET
Save up to $300 on an assortment of bidet seats. No promo code required. Get the deals here.
BURROW
Save 10% sitewide when you use the promo code EARLY21 at checkout. Get the deals here.
CASETIFY
Get 10% off one case, 20% off two cases, 25% off three cases. No promo code required. Get the deals here.
CASPER
Get 20% off with select bundles, 15% off mattresses, and 10% off pillows and sheets. No promo code required. Get the deals here.
COYUCHI
Get 20% off select items, no promo code required. Get the deals here.
CRICUT
Save up to $150 on a material cutting machine or heat press. No promo code required. Get the deals here.
DYSON
Dyson’s Black Friday deals save you up to $150 on a select vacuums. No promo code required. We like the Dyson Cyclone V10 absolute, which has 20% more suction power than the Dyson V8 models. Regularly $549+, this Dyson deal has it down to $499.99 — the first time we’ve seen this vacuum under $500.
Buy: Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute at $499.99
Expect to also find savings on Dyson air purifiers, humidifiers, cooling/heating fans and hair care tools. Get all the Dyson Black Friday deals here.
ERGATTA
Get $200 and guaranteed holiday delivery when you use the promo code HOLIDAY200 at checkout. Get the deals here.
FRENCH CONNECTION
Save up to 40% off men’s and women’s styles. No promo code required. Get the deals here.
HEDLEY & BENNETT
Get a free embroidery with every apron (normally $20). No promo code required. Get the deal here.
HELIX
Save $100 off any mattress with the promo code BFSALE100, $150 off orders over $1,250 with the promo code BFSALE150, or $200 off orders over $1,750 with the promo code BFSALE200. Get the deals here.
HOMESICK
Save up to 25% sitewide. No coupon code required. Get the deals here.
LECTRIC EBIKES
Get $50 off any model plus four premium accessories while supplies last. Get the deals here.
LITEBOXER
Save up to $500 on a wall-mounted or floor standing boxing kit. No promo code required. Get the deals here.
MERIDIAN
Get 25% off when you use the promo code HOLIDAY25. Get the deals here.
MEJURI
Buy: Mejuri Heirloom Ring at $550
Mejuri is offering up what the jewelry brand is calling its “best sale ever:” get 20% off everything with a minimum spend of $150 at Mejuri. It’s a great time to stock up on that piece you’ve been eyeing, like Mejuri’s classic Heirloom Ring, made from 14kt gold and available in your choice of gemstone. Get the deals here.
MICROSOFT
Microsoft’s Black Friday deals for 2021 get up big savings on Surface laptops, Windows PCs, Xbox accessories and more.
Save 95% on Xbox Game Pass for PC and get your first three months for just $1. Use it access hundreds of games including Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5 and Halo Infinite (Subscription continues automatically at $9.99/month after your three months are up).
Plus: save up to 75% on select games from Xbox Game Studios, including Forza Horizon 4, Sea of Thieves, Rare Replay, and Gears of War 5 and save up to 40% on select HyperX gaming accessories for Xbox and PC.
Save up to $200 on select Surface Laptop Go (starting at $549.99) and up to $600 on select PCs. See all the Microsoft Black Friday deals here.
MIRROR
Get $500 off any package and free delivery by using the promo code BFCM21 at checkout. Get the deal here.
NEST BEDDING
Get 20% off select luxury mattresses, sheet and duvet bed sets. Save an additional 20% on sheet and duvet bed sets when you purchase a luxury mattress. Get the deals here.
OUR PLACE
Buy: Our Place Always Pan at $99
Save up to $125 on items and bundles, including $46 off the Always Pan. Get the deals here.
OVERSTOCK
Get up to 70% off thousands of items, from furniture to jewelry. No promo code required. Get the deals here.
RAZER
Get exclusive discounts on laptops and gaming accessories, plus a free gift on orders over $129 with the promo code HOLIDAY. Get the deals here.
SAMSUNG
Buy: Samsung Galaxy Buds2 at $79.99
Save on smartphones appliances, earbuds, and more at Samsung. Among the deals: Save $250 on the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and get a free pair of Galaxy Buds2 with purchase. Want the earbuds on their own? You can save $70 on the Galaxy Buds, with Samsung’s best-selling earbuds discounted to just $79.99.
And save $50 off select Galaxy Watch4 models — one of the best Black Friday smartwatch deals online. No coupon code required. Get the deals here.
SIJO
Get 20% off sitewide when you use the promo code NOV20 at checkout. Get the deals here.
SWFT
Save $200 on a Fleet eBike when shopping at Best Buy. No promo code required. Get the deal here.
TARGET
More than 80,000 items are already on sale at Target. No promo code required. Target’s Black Friday deals include all the hottest brands and products, like Apple watches and AirPods, Nintendo Switch and Oculus Quest 2, KitchenAid mixers and Dyson vacuums
Among the top Target Black Friday deals: get the Element 65 4K UHD Frameless Roku Smart TV for just $299.99 (reg. $649.99), get a free $50 gift card with purchase of the Oculus Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset (discounted to $299), and get the Dyson V8 Motorhead Origin Cordless Stick Vacuum for $249.99 (reg. $379.99). Get the deals here.
TEMPO
Save $500 of all home fitness mirrors with the promo code SAVEBIG. Get the deals here.
THE HOME DEPOT
Save hundreds on appliances, home decor, tools, lighting, and more. No promo code required. Get the deals here.
THE JACKET MAKER
From now until December 3rd, save up to $20 on single items and up to $150 when you score three or more products at one of our favorite leather jacket retailers, the Jacket Maker. You can shop its Black Friday deals here to get a steal on stylish, budget-friendly jackets and more — no promo code necessary. Now, will you buy the Dean Jacket or the Adalyn Quilted Jacket?
TRIFECTA
Save 40% and get free chicken for life when you use the promo code CHICKEN40 at checkout. Get the deal here.
TUFT & NEEDLE
Save up to 20% sitewide. No promo code required. Get the deals here.
VIZIO
As mentioned earlier, VIZIO’s M-series line of TVs are all on sale for Black Friday, at BestBuy.com and on Amazon.com. The best deal is on their 70-inch M7 Series Quantum LED 4K TV, which is on sale for $749 — a whopping $350 off and the lowest price we’ve seen all year. Other sizes are on sale too, from a 50-inch unit all the way up to 75 inches. See full VIZIO deals on Amazon here.
W3LL PEOPLE
Get free shipping on all orders. No promo code required. Get the deals here.
WALMART
Walmart.com is one of the best places to start your Black Friday shopping. Walmart’s 2021 Black Friday deals include Beats Solo Pro Wireless Headphones for $99 ($50 off), AirPods Pro for $159 ($38 off), the iRobot Roomba i1+ self-empty robot $349 ($230 off), a Samsung 2.1 Bluetooth Soundbar for just $99, and a Vizio 70-inch Class 4K SmartCast TV for $548 (a Walmart exclusive deal).
Buy: iRobot Roomba 670 Robot Vacuum at $177
You best deal gets you a Roomba vacuum for $177 — the lowest price we’ve ever seen for the robot vacuum. The Walmart Black Friday deal gets you the iRobot Roomba 670 Robot Vacuum for just $177 (regularly $329+). Great for carpets, floors and especially good on pet hair, this is one of the best robot vacuum deals on Black Friday.
Walmart also says they’ll have the PS5 ($499), Xbox Series X ($499) and Xbox Series S in stock ($299) though quantities are expected to sell out fast so you’ll want to add to cart early. Get the deals here.
WAYFAIR
Wayfair’s 2021 Black Friday sale gets you up to 80% off home furnishings, small appliances, decor items, kitchen gadgets and furniture. Top Wayfair Black Friday deals include $160 off the popular Vitamix Blender (now just $289.95); 40% off GE appliances (think freezers, washer/dryers and dishwashers); up to 80% off area rugs for every room of the house; and up to 50% off bedroom furniture.
Buy: Vitamix Explorian Series E310 Blender at $289.95
Wayfair’s Black Friday deals are now live online at Wayfair.com and we also spotted discounts on wall art and living room furniture. See full details here.
WHISKER
Save up to $100 on the company’s litter robots. No discount code required. Get the deals here.
Video: Why is it called Black Friday? Here's how the day got its name. (USA TODAY)
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