Black Friday: The World’s Biggest Shopping Event

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Black Friday has become the most highly anticipated and popular sales event worldwide. It started in the United States in the 1950s and 60s, when retailers began offering huge discounts on products and services. Since the 2000s, Black Friday has expanded globally, becoming a key date on the shopping calendar.

Over the years, Black Friday has evolved into a major event for both consumers and businesses. For shoppers, it's an opportunity to snag big savings right before the holiday season. For brands and retailers, it’s a chance to boost their visibility, drive sales during a traditionally slow period, and clear out inventory quickly.

What to Expect for Black Friday 2024

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Although Black Friday began in the US, it’s now a global phenomenon thanks to the rise of e-commerce. To put things into context, in the early 2000s, online shopping was still in its infancy, even in the US and Europe. Back then, most people had to go to physical stores to shop on Black Friday.

The boom of e-commerce completely changed the game, offering consumers access to a much wider variety of products and services, like clothing, toys, gaming consoles, computers, smartphones, home appliances, cosmetics, and more—all from the comfort of home.

Social media and influencers have also played a huge role in expanding e-commerce. Influencers regularly host live shopping events and unboxings to showcase products to their audiences, helping drive sales for brands and online retailers. This approach has proven highly successful. In fact, live shopping in China alone generated more than $300 billion in revenue in 2021, highlighting the growing influence of social media and content creators on shopping trends worldwide.

Thanks to this evolution in e-commerce, Black Friday has cemented its place as the go-to event for finding amazing deals. In addition, digital marketing has become more personalized, with tailored advertising campaigns designed to strengthen the relationship between brands and their customers. Social media is at the heart of this shift, creating customized shopping experiences. Email marketing also plays a big role, allowing companies to offer personalized deals directly to their customers.

However, the growing volume of transactions during Black Friday has sparked environmental concerns. Overproduction, waste, and the sheer amount of discarded goods are some of the biggest criticisms of the event. In response, many brands have adapted their Black Friday strategies. They encourage responsible shopping, asking consumers to avoid impulse purchases and think carefully about what they really need. Others focus on offering discounts on refurbished or second-hand items to reduce waste. Some platforms also promote eco-friendly brands that prioritize sustainability, with practices like short supply chains, eco-certified materials, and recycling.

When is Black Friday 2024?

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Black Friday always takes place the day after Thanksgiving in the US and Canada. This timing is no coincidence—it’s a public holiday in the US, giving millions of people the chance to enjoy a long three-day weekend. This tradition has been in place since Black Friday began in the 1950s and 60s. For 2024, Black Friday will fall on November 29.

While the main event is on Friday, many retailers extend their sales through the weekend. Some even launch their promotions earlier in the week, during what’s known as Black Week. For these brands, discounts will start as early as Monday, November 25, 2024.

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Top Product Categories to Watch During Black Friday

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During Black Friday, a wide range of brands, online stores, and major retailers participate in the event. Certain product categories tend to be especially popular, with electronics and smartphones leading the pack. Black Friday is a great time for shoppers to grab the latest models of smartphones, tablets, tech accessories, and computers at discounted prices. Video games have also seen a surge in demand in recent years.

Sony's PlayStation 5, along with its accessories and games, is one of the most sought-after items, driven by the limited supply when the console was first launched. Fashion is another top category during Black Friday, with clothing for men, women, and kids, as well as shoes, accessories, and jewelry, being hot-ticket items. Home appliances, furniture, décor, and cosmetics also round out the list of popular product categories.

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Where to Find the Best Black Friday Deals

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So, where can you score the best deals during Black Friday 2024? Unsurprisingly, major e-commerce platforms and big-box retailers typically offer the most impressive discounts. You’ll want to keep an eye on Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and similar giants for great deals across a wide range of products.

Emerging platforms like TikTok Shop and Instagram Shopping are also getting in on the action, offering attractive discounts on fashion, mobile phones, and high-tech gadgets.

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Is Black Friday Just an Online Event?

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Not at all! While Black Friday has definitely exploded online, it originally started as an in-store event. Physical retailers have traditionally led the way in Black Friday sales, but e-commerce has gradually overtaken them. In 2022, for example, 87.2 million shoppers (+14% from 2021) made their purchases online, while 72.9 million (+12% from 2021) opted to shop in-store.

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How to Score the Best Deals on Black Friday

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With so many people eager to take advantage of the best deals, Black Friday can get a little chaotic. To make sure you don’t miss out, it’s important to have a plan.

Start by making a list of what you want to buy. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases. Next, do a little research beforehand, whether that means visiting stores or browsing online. Price comparison tools are also a great way to make sure you're getting the best deal.

Finally, subscribe to newsletters from your favorite brands and online stores. That way, you'll receive exclusive Black Friday offers directly in your inbox. You can also use browser extensions to get real-time notifications about available discounts and promo codes.

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How to Avoid Scams During Black Friday

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Unfortunately, the rise in online shopping during Black Friday has also led to an increase in scams, fraud, and phishing attempts. But with a little caution, you can shop safely. First, avoid deals that seem too good to be true—they often are. Be wary of promotional offers sent via SMS or email from unknown sources.

These scams are often easy to spot due to poor spelling or overly flashy visuals designed to lure you in with fake deals. Always check reviews on reputable sites before purchasing from unfamiliar platforms. If a website has mostly negative reviews, it's better to steer clear.

Also, ensure the site you’re shopping on offers secure payment options. For added safety, consider using two-factor authentication, which requires a confirmation code from your bank before completing a transaction.

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Will Black Friday Deals Extend Past the Weekend?

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Typically, Black Friday promotions last through the weekend, giving shoppers three days of exceptional sales. Many retailers also extend these deals into Cyber Monday, which takes place on the following Monday. In 2024, Cyber Monday will fall on December 2, officially wrapping up the Black Friday event. While most deals will end after this date, some retailers offer early discounts starting at the beginning of Thanksgiving week.

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Is Black Friday the Best Time to Shop?

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There’s no shortage of sales events throughout the year, including seasonal sales (summer and winter) and promotions like Cyber Monday and French Days. But Black Friday remains the best time to shop, as it comes just before Christmas and New Year's. It’s the perfect time to find discounted gifts for the holidays.

During Black Friday, consumers can take advantage of countless deals from a variety of retailers, snagging high-quality products at unbeatable prices.