As Thanksgiving draws near, another cherished American custom is on the horizon: Black Friday. This annual event brings joy to bargain hunters and holiday shoppers braving the winter chill to score unbeatable discounts. The allure of country-wide in-store and online deals often makes Black Friday seem like a paradise for those who love a good deal.
However, in some scenarios, the savings may not be as substantial as they appear. Buyers can sometimes end up spending more than planned, lured by the promises of incredible savings which, upon inspection, turn out to be less than impressive. So how can one differentiate between a genuine bargain and an item better left on the shelf?
Consider focusing on the following eight categories on Black Friday:
1. TVs: Most people associate Black Friday with scooping up discounted televisions. Shoppers could potentially shave about $300 (or more) off their purchase. Explore options from Best Buy, Costco, or Walmart. Just remember, the highest-end models might not be the ones with significant price cuts, so doing your research before the big day is crucial.
2. LARGE APPLIANCES: Black Friday is the perfect time to replace your refrigerator, laundry machine, or vacuum. Historically, the best appliance deals tend to emerge in November. Consider checking out the promotions at Sears and Home Depot.
3. KITCHEN APPLIANCES: Small appliances like coffee makers, blenders, or toasters often see price reductions over Black Friday. From Keurig coffee makers to Ninja Blenders, you can upgrade your kitchen for less.
4. APPLE PRODUCTS: While you may not find discounts on the latest iPhone or MacBook, slightly older models often see substantial price cuts. For the most bang for your buck, bypass the Apple store and check for deals at Best Buy and Target instead.
5. LAPTOPS: Laptops are another classic Black Friday purchase. Often, this is the optimal time to invest in a new computer system. You might find laptops for several hundred dollars less than usual, especially if you’re okay with a slightly older version. Check out Best Buy or Amazon for myriad deals.
6. TABLETS & E-READERS: These devices make excellent holiday gifts and often start at lower prices than laptops. Like other electronics categories, you’re more likely to see discounts on prior year models. But since electronic companies update their products annually, the differences between models can be minor, meaning you can procure previous versions for less.
7. CAMERAS: Black Friday offers prime opportunities to score a bargain on cameras and their requisite accessories. In addition to discounts on the camera itself, you might find package deals at a steal. If you’re an avid hunter, Amazon may even have deals on game cameras.
8. VIDEO GAME CONSOLES & GAMES: In our technologically advanced age, video games and consoles reign supreme as holiday gifts. In contrast to other electronics, latest model systems might be available at a discount. Additionally, some of the most worthwhile deals often package all you need to get started, including consoles, controllers, games, and headsets.
If you’re passionate about Black Friday shopping and don’t mind rising early to queue in the chilly dawn, you’ll want to ensure your time is well spent. While a multitude of tantalizing deals are paraded in front of you, not all are as incredible as advertised. However, by keeping your eye on these listed categories, you’re likely to find genuinely good deals on usually expensive items.
Do you partake in the Black Friday tradition each year? Which items do you typically aim for? Let us know!
