KOMPAS.com – Pesta belanja Black Friday jatuh pada hari ini, Jumat, 29 November 2019.
Sejumlah e-commerce di Indonesia turut meramaikan dengan memberikan promo dan diskon bagi pelanggannya.
Di banyak negara, Black Friday , ditunggu-tunggu dan selalu diwarnai antrean panjang.
Bagaimana sebenarnya kisah di balik Black Friday ?
Melansir dari Telegraph, Black Friday awalnya sebetulnya berkaitan dengan krisis keuangan, bukan kegiatan belanja.
Kala itu, Jumat, 24 September 1869, dua pemodal Wall Street, Jim Fisk dan Jay Gould Bersama-sama memborong emas di AS dengan harapan harga mengalami kenaikan.
Selanjutnya, dijual untuk mendapatkan keuntungan besar.
Atas tindakan kedua pengusaha tersebut, harga emas AS jatuh dan membuat banyak orang di Wall Street bangkrut.
Beberapa tahun setelahnya, hari setelah Thanksgiving dikaitkan dengan Black Friday.
Thanksgiving merupakan perayaan tersendiri di AS dan ditetapkan sebagai hari libur.
Warga menggunakan hari tersebut serta hari sesudahnya sekaligus sebagai hari untuk membeli barang-barang terkait kebutuhan Natal.
Saat itu, toko-toko di AS mencatat bahwa keuangan mereka yang awalnya memburuk mulai membaik sepanjang tahun.
Sehari setelah Thanksgiving, mereka menjual barang dagangan dengan harga diskon.
Istilah Black Friday muncul pertama kali dari petugas polisi di Philadelphia.
Ia menghubungkan istilah tersebut setelah munculnya kerumunan besar orang-orang pasca Thanksgiving tahun 1950-an.
Kekacauan pun terjadi, di antaranya kemacetan lalu lintas dan banyaknya aksi pengutilan.
Hal ini membuat petugas polisi sibuk. Mereka tak bisa mengambil cuti kerja dan harus bekerja shift untuk mengendalikan kekacauan karena Black Friday .
Penyebutan fenomena ini menjadi Black Friday muncul di kalangan para petugas polisi.
Saat istilah itu menyebar ke seluruh Philadelphia, para pedagang kurang sepakat dengan penyebutan Black Friday yang mereka anggap berkonotasi negatif.
Mereka kemudian berusaha mengubahnya menjadi istilah Jumat Besar atau Big Friday , namun tak berhasil.
Black Friday lantas mulai dikenal di media cetak setelah iklan yang diterbitkan majalah The American Philatelist tahun 1966.
Akhir 1980-an, istilah tersebut semakin dikenal di kalangan pengecer yang kemudian mengaitkannya dengan penjualan pasca-Thanksgiving.
Saat ini Black Friday menjadi momen belanja terbesar di AS setiap tahun.
Toko-toko memotong harga untuk meningkatkan penjualan dan keuntungan.
Black Friday turut menyebar ke berbagai negara, termasuk di Indonesia.
Di Amerika Serikat, biasanya ritel-ritel akan dipadati pembeli saat Black Friday .
Namun, di Indonesia, Black Friday dikaitkan dengan diskon belanja yang diberikan oleh toko-toko online meskipun beberapa toko offline ada pula yang ikut meramaikan momen ini.
tirto.id - Pesta belanja online Black Friday akan jatuh pada Jumat, 29 November 2019 besok. Sejumlah e-commerce di Indonesia ramai-ramai memberikan promo dan diskon bagi pelanggannya. E-commerce yang turut berpartisipasi di Black Friday di antaranya Lazada dengan diskon hingga 70 persen, Shopee diskon hingga Rp500 ribu, Bukalapak diskon 99 persen hingga Blibli diskon Rp100 ribu untuk pembelian ponsel. Berikut adalah daftar promo Black Friday sejumlah e-commerce di Indonesia. Zalora Ada promo menarik dari Zalora yaitu diskon hingga 70 persen plus 20 persen ekstra, yang bisa diperoleh minimal pembelanjaan Rp349 ribu untuk semua pelanggan dan tanpa minimum untuk pelanggan baru. Pelanggan bisa menggunakan kode voucher YOURTREATS untuk memperoleh diskon. Adapun diskon "Speed Deals" hingga 70 persen khusus pukul 14.00-17.00 WIB. Untuk informasi lebih detail mengenai promo Black Friday Zalora, bisa dicek melalui tautan berikut: ZALORA Shopee Shopee menggelar promo bank dan kredir online selama Black Friday, yaitu diskon hingga Rp500 ribu. Promo dari BCA diskon kredit sebesar Rp120 ribu dengan kode promo BCA12BDAY untuk minimal transaksi Rp2 juta. Diskon kredit BNI Rp100 ribu dengan kode promo BNIK12BDAY untuk minimal transaksi Rp1,5 juta atau diskon debit Rp50 ribu dengan kode promo BNIDBT12BDAY untuk minimal transaksi Rp1 juta. Selanjutnya, diskon kredit Bank Mandiri Rp120 ribu dengan kode MANDIRI12, untuk minimal transaksi Rp2 juta. Untuk informasi lebih detail terkait daftar bank dan promonya, bisa dicek melalui tautan berikut: SHOPEE. Bukalapak Ada promo diskon hingga 99 persen untuk Black Friday. Selain itu, Bukalapak juga menawarkan promo SUPER CUAN akhir tahun cashback 3 x Rp100 ribu dengan kode voucher SUPERCUAN . Promo ini berlaku hingga 18 Desember 2019. Promo Pesta Gajian khusus bagi pengguna DANA yaitu beli voucher seharga Rp1 untuk diskon hingga Rp100 ribu. Untuk informasi lebih detail terkait promo Balck Friday Bukalapak, bisa dicek melalui tautan berikut: BUKALAPAK. Blibli Blibli memberikan diskon berupa potongan harga langsung hingga Rp100 ribu setiap pembelian ponsel Samsung dengan kode voucher SYOK11-HAPE. Selain itu, untuk setiap pembelian ponsel Samsung, ada promo gratis pengiriman, cicilan 0 persen hingga 24 bulan tanpa kartu kredit. Untuk informasi lebih lanjut terkait promo Black Friday Blibli, bisa dicek melalui tautan berikut: BLIBLI. Sejarah Black Friday Dilansir dari laman Black Friday Global , pada awalnya, Black Friday adalah peristiwa satu hari di Amerika Serikat. Namun, selama beberapa tahun terakhir, acara ini telah berkembang menjadi maraton belanja yang berlangsung selama beberapa hari. Kadang-kadang dapat dimulai pada hari Kamis dan berlanjut sampai akhir minggu, atau bahkan bulan. Dalam upaya untuk menarik perhatian konsumen, beberapa toko memulai apa yang disebut presales pada hari Senin. Namun, di sebagian besar negara, puncak minat pembeli turun pada hari yang sama. Di Indonesia, data Google Trends untuk 19-25 November 2018 menunjukkan bahwa dua pertiga dari semua pertanyaan yang terkait dengan penjualan Black Friday dicatat pada hari Jumat sebesar 39,7 persen. Namun demikian, minat pelanggan mulai tumbuh pada hari Rabu dan memudar pada hari Minggu. Kecenderungan ini menjadi ciri khas tidak hanya Indonesia tetapi juga negara lain. Penelitian yang dilakukan oleh Black-Friday.Global pada tahun 2018 menunjukkan bahwa 36 persen orang Indonesia yang disurvei mengetahui keberlangsungan Black Friday. Namun, tidak semua dari mereka dapat mengingat tanggal yang tepat, yang dapat menjelaskan peningkatan minat secara bertahap dalam acara ini bahkan beberapa minggu sebelum acara tersebut berlangsung. Data Black-Friday.Global internal untuk 2018 di Indonesia menunjukkan peningkatan penjualan 68 persen dibandingkan dengan hari biasa. Angka tinggi seperti itu tidak biasa. Misalnya, di Singapura peningkatannya adalah 511 persen, di Inggris - lebih dari 1,708 persen, dan di Jerman - lebih dari 2,418 persen. Menurut survei, di antara warga Indonesia yang akan mengambil bagian dalam kegilaan Black Friday, 36 persen sudah tahu apa yang harus dibeli. Adapun jumlah barang yang dibeli, orang Indonesia akan membeli rata-rata 3 produk. Statistik tahun lalu menunjukkan bahwa kategori produk paling populer di antara pembeli Black Friday di Indonesia adalah sepatu, pakaian, elektronik, kosmetik dan parfum, serta travel.
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Black Friday jadi angin segar ditengah lemahnya ekonomi global dan lesunya belanja ritel. Sejumlah produk elektronik didiskon besar-besaran dan menjadi incaran warga. Di negara bagian Michigan warga bahkan rela antri sebelum toko buka. Sejumlah toko memang buka sejak thanksgiving day pada hari Kamis yang sedianya adalah hari libur.
Selengkapnya dalam program Closing Bell CNBC Indonesia (Jumat, 29/11/2019) berikut ini. (daf)
Doorbusters Busted: Shoppers Rethink Black Friday
Enlarge this image toggle caption Charlie Riedel/AP Charlie Riedel/AP
Black Friday isn't what it used to be. Just ask Chris Ott.
He married into a family that never missed the occasion. And let's just say, he really got into it.
After Thanksgiving dinner, they'd peruse Black Friday ads, developing a "really fun strategic plan — pick the store that we were going to wait outside of, we would divide and conquer," says Ott, 42, a cybersecurity engineer and youth pastor in the Denver area.
"It was so extreme for us that we'd be on vacation with family in Florida over Thanksgiving and we would wait outside the Best Buy in Orlando to see what we could get there," he adds with a laugh.
But lately, this family tradition has fizzled out. Stores kept opening earlier, cutting into Thanksgiving dinner. The Internet made it easy to price-check deals that started to seem less worthwhile. Online shopping became convenient.
Last year, "we decided we'd rather just put up Christmas decorations, and didn't even go," Ott says.
It's not just Ott. This year, only 36% of people said they planned to do most of their holiday shopping on Black Friday — down from 51% just three years ago, according to a survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
PwC survey, Holiday Outlook 2019
"Black Friday is still a very major event, both for retailers and for shopping. But historically, it's been the major event and now it's just a part of the overall season," says Steve Barr, who leads PwC's consumer markets practice.
Stores have "permanently conditioned" shoppers to expect big discounts on days other than Black Friday, Barr says. Retailers have made up additional shopping holidays like Cyber Monday and Prime Day. They've moved doorbusters back to Thursday and even Wednesday. This year, many started holiday sales in October.
To be clear, Black Friday is still the busiest shopping day of the year. "Our data shows that there's still a massive spike on Black Friday," says Brian Field of ShopperTrak, which tracks in-store foot traffic.
Of course, not everyone who visits a store actually buys something. Still, compared with the rest of the year, Field says, Black Friday also does better at attracting shoppers to stores.
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But for the past two years, the number of people joining the tradition has inched lower. And some experts say, that's not necessarily a bad thing.
"It's a minor decline," Field says. "And it's probably more than made up for with the shopping that's happening online."
In fact, this year PwC found — for the first time — the majority of people planned to do their holiday shopping online instead of in stores.
PwC survey, Holiday Outlook 2019
Besides, stores have tried for years to make doorbusters a more pleasant experience, to tame the stampedes and the fights over toys and TVs. In the most infamous 2008 incident, some 2,000 riled-up shoppers literally burst through the doors of a Walmart in New York state, trampling a store worker to death.
And if you think about it, the doorbuster culture has stores fighting over shoppers who are mainly there because stuff is cheap — many of whom might not return until the following holiday season, says Peter Fader, professor of marketing at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Now, Fader says, more and more companies are realizing the real value is in loyal shoppers who are there all year, rather than fair-weather shoppers from one weekend in November.
"There's always the chance that we could turn that ugly duckling into a beautiful swan, but it's not that common," he says. "And you'd start to say, 'Whoa, wait a minute, why are we paying people double overtime to be here, to serve these not-so-great customers?' "
Today's the day. Black Friday is here, and so are incredible savings on products across all categories at Amazon. The mega retailer is rolling out deals upon deals on everything from giftable favorites to everyday necessities.
With so many sales to choose from, we're here to make your Amazon shopping a cinch. Below, we've rounded up the biggest and best of the Amazon deals. Stuff will start selling out fast, so don't wait to cash in on the once-a-year savings. For more advice on how to make the most of Black Friday, we're keeping track of the top Black Friday deals overall here.
Tech
LG smartphones (starting at $159.99; amazon.com)
Several LG smartphones are on sale for Black Friday. The 32GB LG Stylo 5 ($159.99, originally $299.99; amazon.com) in either black or silvery white features Alexa Push-to-Talk and a preinstalled selection of Amazon apps, along with a 6.2-inch FHD+ FullVision Display, 389 ppi, 3GB of RAM with option to add up to 2TB of micro SD expandable memory, and Android 9.0. Or opt for the LG G8 ThinQ ($399.99, originally $849.99; amazon.com), which features Alexa Hands-Free, 6.1-inch QHD+ OLED FullVision display, 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage with option to add up to 2TB of micro SD expandable memory, along with Android 9.0, which is under an LG user interface.
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Motorola smartphones (starting at $119.99; amazon.com)
For those who are on the hunt for a new smartphone this Black Friday, Motorola is boasting some massive savings on Amazon right now across a collection of high-tech gadgets that all come with Alexa built in. Plus, if you purchase a Motorola G7 this Black Friday, you'll also get a free Echo Dot.
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Laptops, monitors and desktops (starting at $79.99; amazon.com)
Are you more of a PC person than a Mac one? Good news is there's plenty of savings to be had across a variety of Amazon's most beloved laptops, monitors and desktops right now. HP laptops, ViewSonic monitors and Acer desktops all top the list.
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Garmin smartwatches (starting at $105.99; amazon.com)
Garmin devices can track a variety of your activities, from workouts to sleeping, and give you personalized feedback along the way. For serious runners, they can also provide advanced running dynamic information, like your stride length and ground contact time. Additionally, many of its device also let you listen to music via Bluetooth headphones and pay with contactless credit card solutions for a completely hands-free workout experience.
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Aukey headphones, chargers and power banks (starting at $5.99; amazon.com)
Your devices are great on their own, but they're so much better when you have the right accessories. Right now, Aukey is marking down a variety of tech accessories that will enhance your video streaming, gaming, web browsing and working experience. These include power banks that can charge up your device when you're away from an outlet, a fisheye lens that can take widescreen shots on your iPhone's camera, and Bluetooth headphones that work just as well at the gym as they do in your bed when you're binge-watching Netflix.
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Netgear products (starting at $15.99; amazon.com)
Get the most out of your Wi-Fi network with these discounted Netgear products, which range from routers that deliver fast speeds with 1,500 square feet of coverage, to Wi-Fi extenders that can be plugged into any wall socket to help turn dead zones in your home to functional web-browsing space.
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Best-selling books on Kindle (starting at $0.99; amazon.com)
Whether you already have a Kindle or you just bought a discounted one for Black Friday, you can load it up with over 100 best-selling books, thanks to 80% savings on select titles from Amazon. Fiction, memoirs, thrillers, fantasy and novels of pretty much any other genre a literary mind may enjoy are up for grabs, so start reading your new books promptly when you shop this deal now.
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Echo wall clock ($23.99, originally $29.99; amazon.com)
What the Echo Spot or Echo Dot lacks in visuals, the Echo wall clock delivers. When you set a timer on the device, the ring around the numbers will light up, giving you a clear picture of how much time is left on your timer. It is important to note that unlike other Echo devices, the Echo wall clock doesn't stand alone and needs to be synced to an additional Amazon-Alexa device for full functionality. With Black Friday savings in full swing, we'll take it as a sign from the universe to buy both.
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SanDisk 512GB memory card ($63.99, originally $99.99; amazon.com)
There's plenty a Kodak moment to be had this holiday season. Ensure your family photos and videos are securely stored with a heavy-duty memory card, like this popular option from SanDisk. It's compatible with Android smartphones and tablets and can store a whopping 512GB of content.
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TCL 5-Series 43" TV ($249.99, originally $499.99; amazon.com)
TCL's midrange 43-inch 5-Series features a 4K UHD panel and packs support for Dolby Vision, and at just $299.99, down from $499.99, you're getting a lot of value. It has slim bezels and a full Roku box built in.
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TCL 6-Series 65" TV ($599.99, originally $649.99; amazon.com)
TCL's latest 6-Series really ups the panel quality while keeping value front and center. It's a QLED panel that hits 4K UHD resolution and supports Dolby Vision, so expect vibrant colors and deep blacks, all for just $599.99.
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Pixel 4 ($599, originally $799; amazon.com) and Pixel 4 XL ($699, originally $899; amazon.com)
Both the Pixel 4 and 4 XL scored high in our full reviews. They have particularly outstanding cameras and a vibrant display that goes up to 90Hz. For Black Friday, you can score $200 off either model.
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Anker PowerPort III Nano USB Type-C wall charger ($19.99; amazon.com)
This tiny USB Type-C charger from Anker can push out 18 watts, which is enough to fast charge the iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, along with Google's Pixel line and Samsung's Galaxy smartphones.
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Fitbit Versa 2 ($148.99, originally $199.95; amazon.com)
At $50 off, the Versa 2 is more than just a fitness tracker. On select devices, you'll be able to respond to messages, stream songs and even enable an Alexa skill to have the smart assistant on your wrist — just remember, she'll write back on the screen, not talk. Plus, this rich Bordeaux and Copper Rose color combo is exclusive to Amazon.
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Anker PowerCore+ Mini ($14.99, originally $19.99; amazon.com)
Never lose power while you're on the go with the Anker PowerCore+ Mini. This portable charger is the size of a lipstick tube and can charge a smartphone that's completely dead up to 80% power.
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Sony audio products (starting at $28; amazon.com)
Whether you prefer to rock out in your own personal jam session or blast your music for all to hear, Sony has deals on audio products at Amazon to suit your listening needs. A range of on-ear, over-ear and in-ear headphones is available starting at just $38, while Bluetooth speakers are as low as $59.99. There's even a Dolby Atmos Sound Bar up for grabs at $1,198, an all-time low price, and a turntable.
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SiriusXM SXEZR1V1 Onyx EZR satellite radio with vehicle kit ($29.99, originally $79.99; amazon.com)
Your car radio will never be the same once you spring for the SiriusXM Onyx EZR satellite radio with vehicle kit. Right now, it's on sale for its lowest price ever, and that includes three months of free service. Sounds like a great deal to us.
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Jabra Elite Active 65t earbuds ($139.99, originally $189.99; amazon.com)
Hear that? It's a great deal on Jabra Elite Active 65t earbuds. These true wireless earbuds provide five hours total on a single charge, and up to 15 hours total with the included compact charging case, and can be personalized with the Jabra Sound+ app.
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Mophie wireless charge pad ($19.99, originally $54.60; amazon.com)
Untangle yourself from all the wires, and get this Mophie Wireless Charge Pad, now down to its lowest price ever. With Qi-enabled wireless charging technology, it was developed to charge your iPhone 50% faster than standard wireless chargers with up to a 7.5-watt fast charge capability.
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Kindle Paperwhite ($84.99, originally $129.99; amazon.com)
A light e-reader, that's now waterproof so you can safely carry your kindle on your next beach vacation, the Kindle Paperwhite is down to its lowest price. For a limited time, get $5 in e-book credit with every purchase, and be sure to check out the other Kindle sales happening on Amazon now.
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Wemo Mini Wi-Fi-enabled smart plug ($15.98, originally $34.99; amazon.com)
This voice-controlled Wemo Mini Wi-Fi-enabled smart plug can control any device you want, and now it's down to its lowest price ever. Plug your Christmas tree lights into it to ensure they turn on as soon as the sun sets and turn off at dawn.
Home and health
Instant Pot IP-DUO80 multi-cooker, 8-Qt ($64.99, originally $139.95; amazon.com)
It wouldn't be Black Friday without a stellar deal on the beloved Instant Pot, which combines seven appliances — pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker and warmer — in one. On Black Friday, the massive 8-quart Instant Pot IP-DUO80, a best-selling classic model, is down to its lowest price of all time, so don't miss out on this delicious deal.
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Vitamix 5200 blender ($259.95, originally $399.95; amazon.com)
Perhaps the best-known professional-grade blender on the market, the Vitamix will have no trouble pulverizing anything that fits inside its hefty 64-ounce container with its high-performance motor and stainless steel blades. Making smoothies, sauces, spreads, soups, and much more has never been so easy — or so inexpensive, since the 5200 model is on sale on Black Friday for just $259.95, an all-time low price.
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Dash Deluxe 3-quart air fryer ($58.49, originally $89.99; amazon.com)
Fried foods don't have to be so bad for you. Air fryers have grown in popularity for their use of air instead of oil to crisp up your favorites, and there's never been a better day to hop on the air fryer bandwagon. The easy-to-use Dash Deluxe 3-quart air fryer is down to its lowest price for Black Friday, so chow down on this deal before it's all eaten up.
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Contigo water bottles and mugs (starting at $7.49; amazon.com)
Take your drinks to go with highly rated Contigo thermoses and water bottles. With AutoSeal and SnapSeal technology, you can rest assured that no spills will ensue, and your drinks are guaranteed to stay hotter and colder for longer — up to 28 hours in some cases. Choose from a range of colors, so your beverages look as great as they taste.
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DeWalt tools (starting at $6.29; amazon.com)
Handy folks on your list will appreciate any number of items from this DeWalt Gold Box. Pick up an individual item — like a drill holster, orbital sander, or jigsaw — to add to their existing tool sets, or provide them with a new kit entirely, all for an excellent price.
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SodaStream sparkling water makers ($79.99, originally $129.99; amazon.com)
Ditch traditional sodas, and opt for a beverage you make yourself with the SodaStream, on sale for Black Friday. Six different bundles are available for $79.99. Each comes with at least one canister and reusable water bottle, along with varying flavor drops to amp up your carbonated creations.
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Sun Joe SPX4000-PRO 2030 Max electric pressure washer ($113.99, originally $189; amazon.com)
Blast away any grime on your deck with this powerful Sun Joe pressure washer. The Pro version, with its 14.5-amp motor and onboard 54.1-fluid ounce detergent tank, offers both low and high cleaning options, along with a quick-connect turbo head spray nozzle, which the brand claims will clean 40% faster than a standard nozzle. Best of all, it's on sale for $113.99, its lowest price ever.
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Rubbermaid and Foodsaver food storage (starting at $12.99; amazon.com)
No place to store those Thanksgiving leftovers? Save on food storage and vacuum sealers from Rubbermaid and Foodsaver, and ensure that none of your holiday meals spoil before you can enjoy them properly.
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Graco strollers and carseats (starting at $88.19; amazon.com)
Bring your baby anywhere in the style and comfort of a Graco stroller or carseat. Many of the available options grow with your infant, so you won't be buying new gear as your baby becomes a toddler and beyond.
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Samsonite and American Tourister luggage (starting at $109.99; amazon.com)
No matter where your holiday travels take you, know that your stuff is protected inside one of these discounted Samsonite and American Tourister hardshell suitcases (two softside cases are also available). Choose from either two- or three-piece luggage sets for under $140. Bon voyage!
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Arlo devices (starting at $99.99; amazon.com)
Keep your home protected while you're traveling this holiday season with a variety of home security products from Arlo, including a wireless home security camera system that can capture movement around your home, both indoors and out.
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Ashley mattresses (starting at $75; amazon.com)
The right mattress will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night, so you'll feel less groggy when your alarm goes off. Luckily, many Ashley foam and hybrid mattresses are heavily discounted this Black Friday, with options starting at $75. And no, you aren't dreaming — prices really are that low.
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Philips Sonicare appliances and brushes (starting at $19.59; amazon.com)
There's a reason your dentist keeps pushing electric toothbrushes on you every time you get a cleaning: There's evidence that electric toothbrushes are more effective at getting rid of stubborn plaque and debris on your teeth than manual ones are. If you're ready to get serious about your oral hygiene routine, Philips Sonicare brushes, including its most advanced design to date, are on sale at Amazon.
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Turbo Tax Deluxe 2019 software with $10 gift card ($39.99, originally $49.99; amazon.com)
While the holidays are the main thing on our horizons, tax season is slowly but surely creeping up on us. Feel completely prepared to tackle your 2019 taxes with TurboTax, a software that can help guide you through the process. It's an especially great option for those who have a lot of deductions and need help filing a federal income tax return.
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Nespresso VertuoPlus coffee and espresso maker ($99.95, originally $232.95; amazon.com)
For barista-quality coffee in the morning, with little to no effort on your end, invest in the Nespresso VertuoPlus coffeemaker. The machine can brew five different cup sizes, from a 1.35-ounce espresso to a 14-ounce cup of joe and everything in between. And making a morning brew is as easy as popping in the capsule of your choice and pressing a single button.
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23andMe Health + Ancestry Service ($99, originally $199; amazon.com)
At $100 off, the 23andMe Health and Ancestry Service DNA kit (which is the company's most extensive test to date) is down to one of the lowest prices we've ever seen. Unlike other kits out there, this product goes one step beyond just mapping out where your ancestors came from. In addition to comparing your DNA to over 1,500 ethnic regions around the world, the service will also showcase how your genes may affect your overall health, as well as personality traits. A few weeks after you've sent out your sample for testing, you'll receive a full breakdown (nearly 125 personalized reports) of how your genetics can influence your chance of developing certain health conditions, if you're potentially a carrier for an inherited disease, and even how your DNA plays a role in everyday activities like sleeping or dieting. 23andMe's reporting meets FDA regulations for being scientifically and clinically valid.
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Ninja Max XL air fryer ($99.99, originally $122.99; amazon.com)
Stick to your New Year's resolutions without compromising on taste with a Ninja air fryer. This kitchen appliance can crisp up your favorite foods, like french fries or chicken, to give you the same texture and taste as fried versions, but with nearly 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. Its stellar 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Amazon doesn't hurt either.
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Casper Sleep Essential mattress ($476, originally $595; amazon.com)
If you're waking up in the middle of the night with aches and pains, it's time to take a good hard look at your mattress. Casper's Sleep Essential mattress is designed with three layers of premium foam for support, breathability and bounce. Plus, if you're nervous about getting into bed (literally) with a mattress you haven't tested out, Casper offers a 100-night trial with free returns.
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Anova Culinary Nano sous vide ($79 originally $99; amazon.com)
Why are all of your favorite food bloggers and culinary idols obsessed with sous vide? This cooking method, which involves putting vacuum sealed ingredients in a temperature-controlled water bath, results in perfectly cooked meals nearly every time. The Anova Nano Precision cooker makes the sous vide process that much easier, by syncing with your iPhone or smart device through its app to give you the ability to adjust or control the device even if you're not in the kitchen, as well as notify you once your meal is ready to be enjoyed.
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Philips Wake-Up alarm clock ($76.99, originally $115.18; amazon.com)
We're fast approaching Blue Monday, which means that many of us will be affected by the lack of sunlight during the winter season. To help boost your mood and help you feel less fatigued in the morning, invest in this Wake-Up alarm clock. This device simulates the sun's rays in your bedroom when you want to start the day, allowing you to wake up more naturally and peacefully.
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Opal countertop nugget ice-maker ($379.99, originally $499; amazon.com)
Nugget ice is the best kind of ice. This Opal countertop nugget ice-maker fits on your countertop and can produce up to 24 pounds of ice per day. Plus, it's Bluetooth-equipped, so you can set your ice-making schedule from your phone.
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Casper Sleep soft and durable Supima cotton sheet set (starting at $45; amazon.com)
Get a great night's sleep on a new set of Casper sheets, now ranging from $45 for a twin set up to $70 for a California king. They're made with staple Supima cotton, which won't pill or wear thin and will only get softer with every wash. Not to mention, you won't lose any sleep over this all-time low price.
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Instant Pot Smart Wi-Fi 6-quart multi-cooker ($89.99, originally $149.95; amazon.com)
The ultimate Instant Pot deal has arrived. Right now, you can get the Instant Pot Smart Wi-Fi 6-quart multi-cooker for its lowest price ever. This Instant Pot isn't just a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, cake maker, steamer, sauté pan, and warmer; it's also Alexa-enabled, for maximum convenience.
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iRobot Roomba E5 robot vacuum ($279, originally $379.99; amazon.com)
This iRobot Roomba E5 is better at picking up the crud on your floor, thanks to Power-Lifting Suction that delivers five times the air power, and now you can get one for $100 off. Like other Roombas, this model will intelligently navigate around all your furniture, plus it will run 90 minutes before automatically docking and recharging.
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YnM weighted blanket (starting at $42.93; amazon.com)
For restless sleepers, the YnM weighted blanket has been proven to lessen anxiety and help you fall asleep. This particular blanket features less fiber fill and breathable fabric to ensure you don't overheat while you're all snuggled up.
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Dash Deluxe rapid egg cooker ($19.99, originally $29.99; amazon.com)
Here's an egg-cellent deal on the Dash Deluxe rapid egg cooker, $2 away from the lowest price we've ever seen. On sale in red, white or aqua, it includes a poaching tray, omelet bowl, egg holder trays, measuring cup, and recipe book, plus you can use it to steam vegetables and other foods.
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Brita Everyday Pitcher, 10 Cup ($27.30, originally $34.99; amazon.com)
While shopping for deals, it's important to stay hydrated. Be sure you always have filtered water on hand with a new Brita Everyday Pitcher. Each pitcher — choose black, white or turquoise — comes with one longlasting filter. Just be sure to drink up this Black Friday deal before it's over.
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Rocketbook Wave smart notebook ($17.80, originally $27; amazon.com)
Note takers, take note: The Rocketbook Wave smart notebook is on sale for Black Friday. You can re-use the paper in this environmentally friendly, 80-page dotted grid notebook just by sticking it in the microwave. Plus, it can send all your handwritten notes to cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, Evernote, OneNote, iCloud and more using the free Rocketbook app.
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KitchenAid kitchen tools (starting at $7.69; amazon.com)
If you're baking up a storm for the holidays, these on-sale KitchenAid accessories could help make your desserts even better. Save on prep bowls with lids, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, and a cookie dough scoop, and get cooking.
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Vitruvi Stone Diffuser ($89.25, originally $119; amazon.com)
The top-selling ceramic Vitruvi Stone Diffuser looks more like a work of modern art than an essential oil diffuser. And yet, it uses just 10 to 20 drops of oil to fill a space that's over 500 square feet. Available at a discount in white, black and gray, it features two time settings and an optional light.
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La Colombe pumpkin spice draft latte, 16 Count ($36.16, originally $47.75; amazon.com)
It's pumpkin spice season! If you're a sucker for this limited-time flavor, stock up with 16 cans of cult-favorite La Colombe pumpkin spice draft latte.
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Instant Pot accessories (starting at $8.47; amazon.com)
Up your Instant Pot game with a collection of new accessories, including a cake pan, a silicone egg bites mold, a mesh steamer basket and more. They're all on sale for Black Friday, just in time for you to use them to make fabulous holiday meals.
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TEMPUR-ProForm Cloud Pillow for sleeping ($41.99, originally $69; amazon.com)
It's pillow made for every type of sleeper. The TEMPUR-ProForm Cloud Pillow's memory foam technology and adaptive material lets you sleep comfortably in any position and feels ultra soft to touch.
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Coway AP-1512HH Mighty air purifier ($116.32, originally $229; amazon.com)
The Coway AP-1512HH Mighty air purifier claims to reduce 99.97% of allergen particles in the air, vastly improving indoor air quality. A nifty indicator also lets you know what your air quality is at all times.
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Cabeau Evolution cool travel pillow ($50.99, originally $59.99; amazon.com)
The perfect pillow for long haul travel, the Cabeau Evolution cool travel pillow is made with memory foam and cooling vent technology. Your head and neck will feel both well-supported and refreshed the next time you're in flight.
Fashion and beauty
Orolay down jackets (starting at $61.49; amazon.com)
Make way for Orolay! Alas, the viral Amazon coat is not on sale (it rarely is), but similar outerwear styles from the same brand are discounted for Black Friday. Choose from a range of parkas in several different winter-ready hues starting at just $61.49, and ensure you're nice and toasty for the coming cold months.
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Columbia outerwear, clothing and shoes (starting at $22.75; amazon.com)
Bundle up for the cold months ahead with deals on Columbia outerwear, clothing and shoes for men, women and kids. Several styles of hiking shoes are on sale, along with snow boots and jackets, so heading outdoors as the temperatures drop won't be so daunting.
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Under Armour apparel, footwear and accessories (starting at $8.19; amazon.com)
Arm yourself for winter workouts with discounts on men's, women's and kids' apparel, footwear and accessories from Under Armour. Everything from sweatshirts to joggers to jackets is available for less, so the cold weather won't cut into your fitness plans for the season.
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Oral B, Crest, Braun and Pantene personal care products (starting at $8.39; amazon.com)
If you have teeth or hair, there's something for you in this Oral B, Crest, Braun and Pantene Gold Box. Save on toothpaste, toothbrushes — even Crest Whitestrips — shampoo and conditioner sets, and electric shavers, beard trimmers, epilators and IPLs. It's essentially all your grooming needs for less.
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Watches from top brands (starting at $12.95; amazon.com)
Time to shop discounted watches at Amazon. Timepieces from Casio, Seiko, Nine West, Citizen and more are on sale, and there's something to suit everyone's style.
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Amazon-brand clothing (starting at $9.75; amazon.com)
'Tis the season to stock up on all your favorite clothing essentials for cheap. Right now, popular designs — like fleece-lined hoodies, teddy jackets, plaid button-ups and cowl neck sweaters — from Amazon's in-house brands are on sale for a fraction of their original cost.
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Lands' End clothing (starting at $12.99; amazon.com)
Although Mom and Dad claim they don't want anything this holiday, we're still willing to bet if you gifted them a cozy zip-up fleece, snuggly turtleneck or a pair of luxurious moccasin slippers from this Lands' End sale, they'd be very happy.
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Tommy Hilfiger clothing (starting at $12.03; amazon.com)
Some of your winter basics — like sweaters that can be layered, cozy PJs, office-appropriate button-fronts and handbags — never change. So in addition to shopping this season's top sartorial trends, you'll also want to take a peek at all the discounted everyday wardrobe essentials that Tommy Hilfiger is offering on Amazon. Chances are, you'll be wearing many of these designs this time next year, too.
Skagen Connected stainless steel touchscreen watch ($199, originally $295; amazon.com)
Scandinavian darling watch company Skagen is best known for its high quality minimalist designs that can be worn season after season, and its sleek smartwatch is no exception. This timepiece comes with a simple face that can switch between displays including your heart rate (as well as other activity tracking metrics), the date and current time, all with the touch of your finger. Plus, there are seven bold band colors to choose from.
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Foreo Luna Mini 2 facial cleansing brush ($97, originally $139; amazon.com)
You need more than just water to get your face clean. That's where the Foreo Luna Mini 2 facial cleansing brush comes in. It uses gentle vibrations to get gunk out of your pores. But hurry, this deal will only last one day.
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Jessica Simpson Comfy faux fur women's house slipper (starting at $16.99; amazon.com)
This super soft slipper is cozy and cute, and an Amazon best-seller. Slip into a new pair for as low as $16.99. They come in a range of colors, including neutrals like black and tan and brights like purple and burgundy.
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Comeon Women's casual lapel fuzzy zipper coat (starting at $19.11, originally $28.99; amazon.com)
Teddy coats have been taking over Amazon. This one is hovering around $20 (price varies based on size), down from its usual price of $28.99. Snag this one on sale, and start wearing this trend for yourself.
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Nyx profressional makeup sets (starting at $9.69; amazon.com)
Get dolled up with these deals on Nyx. Right now, you can save on a pack of three Butter Glosses, a setting spray combo pack, or an eyeliner and mascara set for $13 or less.
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Calvin Klein polos (starting at $27.25; amazon.com)
Guys, it's time to stock up on polo shirts. A selection of styles from Calvin Klein is on sale on Amazon right now for under $50 (price varies based on size). So choose the color that suits you and get ready to look your best in a classic shirt.
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Victorinox Luggage bags and backpacks (starting at $24.95; amazon.com)
Prepare for your upcoming holiday travel with deals on Victorinox Luggage backpacks and totes. More than a dozen bags are marked down (several are even under $50), so you'll be toting your stuff through the airport in style this year.
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Belei charcoal balancing mask ($9.99, originally $18; amazon.com)
Infused with charcoal, kaolin, aloe and hyaluronic acid, this Belei charcoal balancing mask — from Amazon's highly rated in-house beauty brand — will cleanse your pores without stripping your skin of moisture. Simply apply to your skin for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water for fresher skin.
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Carhartt (starting at $44.99; amazon.com)
Amazon is marking down classic styles for men and women from Carhartt. Save on plenty of jackets, some pants, and even a pair of overalls from the iconic brand.
Toys and gaming
PC gaming laptops, desktops, monitors, components and accessories (starting at $54.99; amazon.com)
Gamers know that not just any old PC or desktop will cut it. They need heavy-duty gadgets that can vividly display their games, run seamlessly without lag time and have plenty of storage space. And in the accessories department, ergonomic mice, keyboards and headphones help ensure they're comfortable while playing. Luckily all of the above are on sale right now on Amazon.
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L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Disco Bigger Surprise ($62.99, originally $89.99; amazon.com)
If you're acquainted with a child, you're probably aware that L.O.L. Surprise! makes some of the most in-demand toys on the market. This even bigger Winter Disco Bigger Surprise kit includes 60+ never-before-seen surprises, including a limited-edition, exclusive family of dolls for your tots to unbox, and a glittery case allows them to easily store and transport their new surprises.
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Select board games (starting at $5.99; amazon.com)
There's no better way to bond with family during the holidays than over a board game or two. Save on classics and new favorites, including Catan, Ticket to Ride, Pandemic and more for Black Friday. Just don't play games with this deal; some of these boards have been known to sell out quickly.
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Barbie, Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price toys (starting at $6.49; amazon.com)
Your little ones will love how much fun they're going to have with their new Hot Wheels car, Fisher-Price Batcopter, Uno card deck and Barbie set. You'll love how you didn't spend much money at all on their favorite holiday gift.
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Select party games (starting at $6.99; amazon.com)
Get the party started this holiday season with a variety of popular card and board games. Some of the biggest markdowns on Amazon right now include viral games such as Cards Against Humanity, Exploding Kittens and Watch Your Mouth.
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Mongoose scooter ($70.54, originally $82.99; amazon.com)
While electric scooters may be all the rage these days, nothing really beats the ol' fashioned version, especially if you're on the hunt for a gift that will get your kids outside and moving. This lightweight design from Mongoose was designed to get your kiddo scooting all around the neighborhood (safely, we might add).
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Elby Bike 9-speed electric bike ($1,999.99, originally $2,999.99; amazon.com)
Give your next bike ride a boost with the Elby Bike 9-speed electric bike, now $1,000 off for Black Friday. This bike allows you to go up to 20 mph and 80 miles on a single charge and has Tektro hydraulic brakes for safe stopping and a high-quality aluminum frame.
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Segway scooters (starting at $379.99; amazon.com)
Scoot on over to Amazon to find a variety of Segways available at exceptionally low prices. Score the Ninebot S Smart Self-Balancing Electric Transporter ($379.99, originally $489; amazon.com), Ninebot ES4 Folding Electric Kick Scooter ($649.99, originally $759; amazon.com), and the Ninebot MAX Folding Electric Kick Scooter ($649.99, originally $799; amazon.com) all on sale, plus a selection of accessories to make for the best ride of your life.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailer's listed price at the time of publication.
How to get the best deals for holiday shopping
How to get the best deals for holiday shopping
Black Friday might serve as the traditional kickoff to the holiday shopping season. However, that's not always when you'll find the best prices. Experts say waiting until after the shopping bonanza for some purchases might be wise.
Here's a quick look at when you can find the best deals on popular products.
Wait for Cyber Monday
Laptops and personal computers. Cyber Monday offers great tech deals, especially on all things computer: laptops, desktops and gaming PCs, said Kristin McGrath, editor and shopping expert at BlackFriday.com.. That's because retailers will mark down these playthings starting the week of Christmas.
Cyber Monday offers great tech deals, especially on all things computer: laptops, desktops and gaming PCs, said Kristin McGrath, editor and shopping expert at BlackFriday.com.. That's because retailers will mark down these playthings starting the week of Christmas. Clothing. Retailers such as Old Navy and others typically discount heavily on Cyber Monday, so it's best to hold off on clothing purchases until Cyber Monday, when you can find sitewide discount codes.
Wait for "Travel Deal Tuesday"
If you have travel plans coming up, your best bet may be to search for flights and hotels on Tuesday, December 3, which flight-tracking service Hopper calls "Travel Deal Tuesday."
Flight and hotel prices are consistently the lowest in the post-Thanksgiving shopping period on this day, based on analysis of about 25 billion flight and hotel prices.
When is the best time to buy a real Christmas tree this year?
Wait until closer to Christmas
Toys and games. If it's not a popular toy in danger of selling out, wait closer to Christmas to buy your toys and games.
If it's not a popular toy in danger of selling out, wait closer to Christmas to buy your toys and games. Holiday decor and seasonal items. If you can hold off until a day or two before Christmas, you'll get great deals on holiday decor, she added. Of course, you'll get even better prices if you wait until the day after the holiday.
So what should you buy on Black Friday?
Televisions. The key here is to look for doorbusters, McGrath said. She notes that 4K televisions will likely to have their lowest prices of the year — and sales are likely to start on Thanksgiving day.
The key here is to look for doorbusters, McGrath said. She notes that 4K televisions will likely to have their lowest prices of the year — and sales are likely to start on Thanksgiving day. Gaming consoles. Prices should drop on Black Friday because they're hot holiday gifts this year.
Prices should drop on Black Friday because they're hot holiday gifts this year. Popular toys. You might be able to get a better price on toys closer to the holidays, but there could be shortages on hot items — McGrath recommends buying sooner these items rather than later.
You might be able to get a better price on toys closer to the holidays, but there could be shortages on hot items — McGrath recommends buying sooner these items rather than later. Smart home devices. Assistants such as Amazon's Echo and Google Home fall in price during the Thanksgiving weekend.
This story was written in collaboration with Forbes Finds . Forbes Finds covers products we think you’ll love. Featured products are independently selected and linked to for your convenience. If you buy something using a link on this page, Forbes and the author may receive a small share of that sale.
Kohl’s big Black Friday 2019 sale has started and the best deals can stand toe-to-toe with the biggest stores (and often beat them with Kohl's Cash). So here my top picks from the headline deals you need to know about as well as the doorbusters Kohl's is rolling out right now.
Kohl's has some of the best Black Friday 2019 deals MIKE MOZART
Amazon Black Friday 2019: Here Are The Best Deals
Forbes Gordon Kelly
Kohl’s Black Friday 2019: Best Console Deals
Warning: stock levels are low on most of these deals, but they should return for Black Friday itself
Kohl's Black Friday Xbox deals have already begun Kohl's
Kohl’s Black Friday 2019: Best TV Deals
Warning: stock levels on TVs are also fluctuating with several deals coming in and out of stock.
11/28 STAR DEAL, INCREASED KOHL'S CASH - LG 55-Inch 4K HDR Smart LED TV with AI ThinQ (55UM7300PUA) - $399.99 (save $130 + $120 Kohl's Cash) - shop deal now
STAR DEAL - LG 55-Inch 4K HDR Smart OLED TV with AI ThinQ (55C9PUA) - $1,499.99 (save $1,000) + $300 Kohl’s Cash - shop deal now (ensure Kohl's Cash is offered, it comes and goes with this deal)
LG 43-Inch 4K HDR Smart LED TV with AI ThinQ (43UM7300PUA) - $319.99 (save $80) + $60 Kohl’s Cash - shop deal now (as above)
Kohl's Black Friday TV sales are among the best deals you'll find this year. Kohl's
Walmart Black Friday 2019: Here Are The Best Deals [Updated]
Forbes Gordon Kelly
Kohl’s Black Friday 2019: Best Smart Home Deals
Kohl's Black Friday smart home sales, including Amazon Alexa devices, is one of the biggest ... [+] available Kohl's
Apple Black Friday 2019: AirPods Pro, iPad, iPhone, New MacBook Pro Deals [Updated]
Forbes Gordon Kelly
Kohl’s Black Friday 2019: Best Headphones / Speaker Deals
STAR DEAL - Powerbeats3 Wireless Earphones - $139.99 (save $60) + $30 Kohl's Cash - shop deal now (11/28 out of stock)
Beats Pill+ Wireless Bluetooth Speaker $127.99 (save $90) - shop deal now
Beats Studio Wireless - $279.99 (save $70) + $75 Kohl’s Cash - product link
Kohl’s Black Friday 2019: Best Other Deals
11/28 INCREASED KOHL'S CASH - Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm + EF 75-300mm Lenses - 18-Megapixel Sensor - $449.99 (save $300) + $135 Kohl's Cash - shop deal now
DJI Spark Mini Drone - $299.99 (save $50 + $60 Kohl's Cash) - shop deal now (11/28 out of stock)
Kohl's Black Friday Canon deal is one of the best Black Friday camera deals Kohl's
Kohl’s Black Friday 2019 Doorbusters
These doorbuster deals are expected to go live at midnight. Some will even go live before that. Kohl's has the first
Once again Kohl’s is really standing out from its rivals thanks to Kohl’s Cash. As such it is likely to have the top Xbox One X, Nintendo Switch, PS4 Slim, Google Nest and Beats Black Friday deals this year. Kohl’s will also beat Amazon’s best deals on its own products when Kohl’s Cash is involved.
The only disappointing omissions the lack of a PS4 Pro deal (perhaps it will come for Cyber Monday) and any further TV offers, though this shows Kohl’s current live sales are the real deal right now.
Costco Black Friday 2019: The Best New Live Deals
Forbes Gordon Kelly
Kohl’s Black Friday 2019 Shipping
Kohl's Black Friday deals are some of the best, but its $50 minimum spend for free delivery is the worst shipping policy of any store. That said, almost all the top deals will require you to spend over $50. Black Friday 2019 shipping policies can be found for Amazon (here), Best Buy (here), Target (here) and Walmart (here).
To track my daily Black Friday guides, leaks and recommendations hit the Follow button on my author page.
Follow Gordon on Facebook
More of my Black Friday Guides on Forbes
Apple Black Friday 2019: AirPods Pro, iPad, iPhone, New MacBook Pro Deals [Updated]
Amazon Black Friday 2019: Here Are The Best Deals [Updated]
Walmart Black Friday 2019: Here Are The Best Deals [Updated]
Editors
USA TODAY
Will Black Friday become a thing of the past?
It depends on who you ask as the unofficial kickoff to the end-of-year shopping frenzy begins in earnest Friday. A new USA TODAY/Ipsos Poll looking at how people plan to shop this holiday season revealed a startling insight: most Americans will only buy this weekend if they can grab a sure-fire deal, with millennials preferring Cyber Monday over Black Friday. We spoke with current and former retail store employees and the consensus is this: you can still score doorbuster deals without the chaos of the holiday crowds.
Prefer to listen? Check out the 5 things podcast below and subscribe for free on Apple Podcasts:
Prefer the in-person Black Friday experience? We have some pointers
If you prefer to visit the stores, you can start by uncovering the right products at the best price on your smartphone or tablet. A handful of shopping apps are designed to sniff out great deals by alerting you to a fire sale on something you’ve had your eye on. Once you've done your homework, get an action plan together. Some retailers are offering limited freebies likecoupon giveaways and free items after mail-in rebate which are expected to go fast. But before you make a major holiday purchase, it's important to ask these four questions. If you don't, you may find yourself making a budget-busting mistake.
Thanksgiving, phase 2: The leftovers
It's time to reheat the Thanksgiving leftovers. Our friends at Grateful have a fool-proof cheat sheet to reheating your favorite dishes so they're as good as the first time around. (Rolls can go in your slow cooker. Who knew?) Grateful also has recipes for new meals made with leftovers, as well as tips on storing leftovers so they don't tragically end up in the trash.
Skip the shopping and hit the theaters ... or couch
One of the biggest holidays of the year deserves good TV and movies to go along with your leftovers. If you're hitting your local theater, "Knives Out" or "Queen & Slim" are good bets of having audiences talking for days. Or you can always catch up on the "Frozen 2" hype and its mad science trivia that's made us scratch our heads. But what if you want to stay inside? That's fine, too. There are plenty of quintessential holiday options available on various streaming platforms.
Travel woes possible: Winter storm isn't over yet
A strong winter storm weakened and moved to the northeast on Thursday. At the same time, a second storm pounded Northern California setting up the likelihood of heavy snow spreading across the northern tier of the country as travelers head home at the end of the weekend."A major winter storm will continue to produce heavy mountain snow and high winds across much of the Western United States through Thanksgiving Day before tracking over the Rockies on Friday," the National Weather Service said. Forecasters warned of the possibility of end-of-holiday travel delays from wet or snow-covered roads and flight delays because of low pressure moving into the East.
The strength of the American consumer as a driving force behind the economy was on display during the annual Black Friday ritual, as shoppers headed to malls and trolled websites looking for deals.
Buoying spending is a strong U.S. job market, where wages are growing, even for lower income workers, and a booming stock market, which is making the wealthy feel better off.
Online...
PARIS — People don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in France, or Russia, or South Africa – but they do shop on Black Friday.
The U.S. sales phenomenon has spread to retailers across the world in recent years with such force that it’s prompting a backlash from some activists, politicians and even consumers.
Workers at Amazon in Germany went on strike for better pay on one of the busiest days of the year. Near Paris, climate demonstrators blocked one of the retail giant’s warehouses to protest over-production they say is killing the planet. Some French lawmakers want to ban Black Friday altogether.
Consumer rights groups in Britain and some other countries say retailers use Black Friday as a slogan to lure in shoppers, but it’s not always clear how real or big the discounts are. Other critics say it hurts small businesses.
Globalized commerce has brought U.S. consumer tastes to shoppers around the world, from Halloween candy to breakfast cereal and peanut butter, sometimes even supplanting local traditions.
To French activists, Black Friday is the epitome of this shift, a purely commercial event designed to boost U.S. retailers ahead of the Christmas holidays, the symbol of capitalism run amok.
“The planet burns, oceans die, and we still want to consume, consume, and therefore produce, produce – until we eradicate all living things? … We will not betray our children for a 30% discount!” reads a manifesto by groups holding “Block Friday” protests around Paris.
In Britain, where the big winter sales have traditionally been held on the day after Christmas, companies have been adopting Black Friday marketing campaigns since about 2010. After a rise in business on the day in the first years, the volume of shopping has leveled off, with most of it happening online over multiple days.
Research by a U.K. consumer association found that 61% of goods advertised in Black Friday deals last year were cheaper or about the same price both before and after the event.
That echoes similar warnings in other countries. Russia’s consumer watchdog issued a long statement with tips on how to avoid getting fooled, like checking whether prices were raised before Friday to make deals look good or whether delivery costs are inflated.
The Black Friday advertising push has extended beyond the one day to Cyber Monday, with retailers in several countries spreading them across what’s often called “Black Week.”
In the Czech Republic, one electronics chain encourages shoppers – in English, of course – to “Make Black Friday Great Again,” in an ad featuring a suited man wearing the distinctive red cap used by U.S. President Donald Trump’s election campaign.
While the phenomenon is less widespread in Asia, some major companies like Japan Airlines use it as a slogan.
Broadcasters in South Africa showed people waiting in line to shop in one of the world’s most socially and economically unequal nations. The respected weekly Mail & Guardian newspaper decried in a scathing editorial how Black Friday is used to enrich big retailers.
“Like no other day, this Friday shows how broken the world we have built is,” it said. Among other concerns is that Black Friday could hurt small businesses that do not have the vast marketing budgets and online sales presence of big retail chains or multinationals.
In Italy, for example, Black Friday falls outside the season’s strictly defined schedule for when the winter shop sales can be held. This year, sales cannot be held from Dec. 5 until Jan. 4, when stores are allowed to clear out stock. The fashion industry has warned that can hurt smaller retailers in a country that relies on them heavily.
A French legislative committee passed an amendment Monday that proposes prohibiting Black Friday because it causes “resource waste” and “overconsumption.” France’s e-commerce union, whose members are aggressively marketing Black Friday sales throughout November, has condemned the measure.
Dozens of French activists blocked the Amazon warehouse in Bretigny-sur Orge on Thursday, spreading hay and old refrigerators and microwaves on the driveway. They held signs in front of the warehouse gates reading “Amazon: For the climate, for jobs, stop expansion, stop over-production!”
The activists were later dislodged by police.
