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.
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.
Loading...
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?' "
USA TODAY
Shop or sleep?
For die-hard shoppers, Black Friday brought light to those who gathered before sunrise for bargains. Sleep can wait.
Even though many stayed out late on Thanksgiving, they were ready to do it again early Friday morning and retailers welcomed them, hoping the crowds would bring green on a calendar-shortened shopping season.
But it was a quieter morning than Andria Lima of Fort Lauderdale expected at the Coral Square Mall in Coral Springs, Florida. She’s shopped Black Friday sales before and said she was surprised to find the mall emptier than past years.
She bought most of the items she was after with online sales but came to the mall’s Shoe Carnival for the early morning coupon giveaway.
“It’s overrated,” Lima said of Black Friday. “They really build it up.”
Black Friday 2019 store hours:When Home Depot, Lowe's, GameStop and other stores open
Paper or paperless receipts:Should we say so long to long receipts and go digital?
Debi Kaplan, of Coral Springs, was expecting the mall to be busier too.
“It’s quiet. I thought it would be packed,” she said, noting there is a benefit. “No lines.”
Kohl's and J.C. Penney opened Thanksgiving afternoon and stayed open throughout the night while other stores, including Target and Best Buy, closed for a few hours and will reopen at 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. respectively.
Friday morning also kicks off in-store sales at stores that closed on the holiday including Lowe's, Home Depot and Costco, which experienced issues with its website and app most of Thursday. A majority of stores open at 6 a.m.
Rob Kolenko started the line at the Coral Springs Best Buy around 6:20 a.m. ahead of the 8 a.m. opening.
It wasn’t his first trip to the store this week. He came to the store Thursday but missed out on the TV he wanted so planned to be one of the first shoppers Friday to get a different doorbuster — a 65-inch Smart TV for $299.99.
“I made sure I was here early,” Kolenko said wearing shorts and sunglasses. “We’re lucky we don’t have to worry about cold and snow and things like that.”
For years Black Friday has marked the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season and the time of year when shoppers get focused on holiday spending.
That rush of spending gave Black Friday its name, as in the time of year when retailers were "in the black." For nearly a decade, that official kickoff has been creeping ever closer to Thanksgiving, eating into time people used to spend around the holiday table.
Shoppers may find that not all deals are created equally.
Kim Suarez and her mother and daughter, also shopping at the Coral Springs Mall, were wearing “Black Friday Squad” shirts that they got for this year for their annual outing, but it didn’t feel the same for them.
“We were home having dinner with our family and all the doorbusters started at 5 p.m.,” Suarez said, adding they were disappointed that there weren’t as many deals left on actual Black Friday.
Black Friday is prime time for getting the best pricing on appliances and sporting goods when buying online, according to Adobe Analytics, an analytics software firm. Cyber Monday, which ends the holiday shopping season kickoff weekend, will offer the best online deals on TVs.
Since 2014, Black Friday has yielded its mantle as the busiest shopping day of the year to ''Super Saturday,'' the last Saturday before Christmas. RetailNext, which analyzes traffic and other metrics at brick and mortar stores says that based on historical data and current trends, Super Saturday will again have the highest tally of overall sales.
Black Friday tips, hours and more:We've got USA TODAY strategies for shopping smart during the holidays
Not all shoppers were on the hunt for treasures to put under the tree. Across the county, many beer lovers made the annual Black Friday pilgrimage to acquire bourbon barrel-aged beers from Goose Island Brewing Co., the Chicago-based brewer that Anheuser-Busch acquired in 2011. For the 10th year, Goose Island has released its original Bourbon County Brand Stout and additional flavor variants with a nationwide Black Friday morning event.
Lee Lessick, of Philadelphia, 46, began waiting outside the Total Wine & More store in McLean, Virginia, about 7 a.m. Friday for the chance buy some of the beers, which ranged in price from $13 to $26. His prizes included a bottle of the original Bourbon County Stout, a 15.2% ABV stout aged in a mix of Heaven Hill, Buffalo Trace and Wild Turkey barrels. The result is an inky, rich stout that delivers flavors of chocolate, vanilla, toffee and caramel.
Other boozy treasures he acquired included the Mon Chéri Stout, which is enhanced with cherries, the Café de Olla Stout, made with coffee beans, cold coffee and orange peel, and the Wheatwine Ale, aged in wheated bourbon casks.
By the time the doors opened on the brisk 40-degree morning, about 30 others had joined him in line. Lessick, who was on his fifth annual quest for the beers, said, “the beers are distinct and they are different. They are very complex. Other beers seem very thin compared to these.”
Another bonus for Lee Wood, of Lawton, Oklahoma, 37, who was in line behind Lessick to purchase the beers: “It’s a chance to get away from the family.”
Contributing: Mike Snider in McLean, Va.
Follow USA TODAY reporters Charisse Jones and Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @charissejones and @KellyTyko
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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!
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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 forthcoming cold months.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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 hiking shoes are on sale, along with snow boots and jackets, so heading outdoors as the temperatures drop won't be so daunting.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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 are available for less, so the cold weather won't cut into your fitness plans for the season.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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'll be very happy.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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—always stay the same. 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 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 it's sleek smartwatch is no exception. This timepiece comes with a simple face can switch between displays 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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Jessica Simpson Comfy Faux Fur Women's House Slipper (starting at $16.99; amazon.com)
This super soft slipper is cozy and cute, too. 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 bright like purple and burgundy.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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 it's usual price of $28.99. Snag this one on sale, and start wearing this trend for yourself.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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, and an eyeliner and mascara set for $13 or less.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Victorinox Luggage bags and backpacks (starting at $24.95; amazon.com)
Prepare for your upcoming holiday travel will 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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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 any much-needed moisture. Simply apply to your skin for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water for fresher skin.
______________________________________________________________________________
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 overall from the iconic brand.
Toys and gaming
PC gaming laptops, desktops, monitors, components and accessories (starting at $54.99; amazon.com)
Gamers know that any old PC or desktop isn't going to cut it. They'll 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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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 tot to unbox, and a glittery case allows them to easily store and transport their new surprises.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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).
_______________________________________________________________________________
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, plus Tektro hydraulic brakes for safe stopping and a high-quality aluminum frame.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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.
Our Black Friday live blog will help you find the best deals, and point out some ethical and sustainable ways to mitigate the environmental impact
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]
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.
The biggest shopping day of the year is here. Even though the build up to Black Friday starts earlier and earlier every year, there's nothing like the day itself, when the best sales and deals are finally unveiled.
Of course, all those sales are hard to sort through, and not everything is worth the time (or money). That's why we've created this guide to the must-shop deals of the day, broken out by category, with brands and retailers listed alphabetically, so you can easily find what you're looking for.
We'll be covering all the sales and deals throughout the weekend and into Cyber Monday, so check back for updates. To stay up to date throughout the season, sign up for our twice-weekly email newsletter here.
Major retailers
Tech, gaming and toys
DJI : Save up to 40% on drones like the Mavic Air and on cameras like Osmo Action or Osmo Pocket .
Save up to like the Mavic Air and on . Eargo : Get the EargoNeo for $500 off on Amazon.
Get the on Amazon. Google : Save $200 on the Pixel 4 and 4 XL across all colors.
Save across all colors. Griffin Technology : Now's your chance to save up to 70% off charging cables, docks, power bricks , folios, cases and tons of accessories.
Now's your chance to save up to , folios, cases and tons of accessories. HP : This Black Friday, get up to 65% off select doorbusters , 5% off select PCs over $999 with code HOLIDAYPC and 10% off select PCs $1,399 or more with code HOLIDAYPC10.
This Black Friday, get up to , 5% off select PCs over $999 with code HOLIDAYPC and 10% off select PCs $1,399 or more with code HOLIDAYPC10. Incase : Save 50% sitewide on laptop sleeves and backpacks . Plus score up to 70% off factory items.
Save . Plus score up to 70% off factory items. Incipio : Score up to 40% off all cases on the site and take an additional 70% off all sale accessories.
Score up to on the site and take an additional 70% off all sale accessories. Insignia : Get a 32-inch Fire TV Edition HD TV for just $99.99 on Amazon.
Get a for just $99.99 on Amazon. Lenovo: Black Friday is in full force with up to 64% off select laptops, and up 75% off all other sale products.
Fashion and beauty
Adidas : Discounts are available across popular styles, including $20 off the brand's signature Stan Smith Shoes .
Discounts are available across popular styles, including . Alala : Save on activewear with 25% off sitewide using code BLACKOUT.
Save on activewear with using code BLACKOUT. Alexis Bittar : The online jewelry retailer is giving shoppers 25% off sitewide with the code GIVETHANKS until Dec. 3.
: The online jewelry retailer is giving shoppers with the code GIVETHANKS until Dec. 3. Alo Yoga : Take up to 70% off select sale items and 30% off full price items , with special deals dropping every day through Cyber Monday.
Take up to and , with special deals dropping every day through Cyber Monday. American Apparel : This deal isn't half bad. Everything is 50% off at American Apparel with promo code 50ALL.
This deal isn't half bad. at American Apparel with promo code 50ALL. Ann Taylor : Take 50% off sitewide with code BLACKFRIDAY.
Take with code BLACKFRIDAY. Avenue : Take 50% off all the plus size fashions , including tons of stylish holiday party-ready outfits.
Take , including tons of stylish holiday party-ready outfits. Baggu: Get 15% off sitewide from adorable reusable bag brand Baggu. You can also get 25% off orders of more than $50 and 30% off orders of $100 or more through December 3. And there's free shipping for orders over $30.
Ban.do : The always colorful retailer Ban.do is offering 30% off its entire site with the code THIRTYOFF through Dec. 2. Consider this the perfect time to snag one of its adorable planners or array of gifts under $25.
The always colorful retailer Ban.do is offering with the code through Dec. 2. Consider this the perfect time to snag one of its adorable planners or array of gifts under $25. Bare Necessities : For all your lingerie, shapewear, and underwear needs, Bare Necessities is offering 25% off sitewide , plus free 2-day shipping.
For all your lingerie, shapewear, and underwear needs, Bare Necessities is offering , plus free 2-day shipping. BaubleBar : Amp up your holiday party outfits with a few new statement pieces from BaubleBar. Take 25% off full-price items using promo code FESTIVE25 .
Amp up your holiday party outfits with a few new statement pieces from BaubleBar. Take . Betsey Johnson : Get 35% off your entire order at Betsey Johnson, a brand that specializes in holiday-appropriate sparkly shoes and accessories, through Dec. 1.
Get at Betsey Johnson, a brand that specializes in holiday-appropriate sparkly shoes and accessories, through Dec. 1. Billabong : Hundreds of new markdowns are an extra 60% off right now.
Hundreds of new right now. bkr : Take 25% off everything from bkr. Use promo code BLACKFRIDAY2019 to score the discount, plus a mini lip balm trio with every order.
Take from bkr. Use promo code BLACKFRIDAY2019 to score the discount, plus a mini lip balm trio with every order. Bloomingdales : The more you buy from Bloomingdales, the more you'll save. Take 15% off purchases of $100 to $249 , 20% off $250 to $399, and 25% off orders of $400 or more on labeled items.
The more you buy from Bloomingdales, the more you'll save. Take , 20% off $250 to $399, and 25% off orders of $400 or more on labeled items. Bobbi Brown : Looks like a stunning deal on makeup from Bobbi Brown with 25% off all orders for Black Friday.
Looks like a stunning deal on makeup from Bobbi Brown with for Black Friday. Boden : Use code H7N3 for 30% off (plus free shipping and returns) at this family-friendly clothing brand.
Use (plus free shipping and returns) at this family-friendly clothing brand. Body Shop Online : Body Shop's online store is offering 40% off sitewide, 50% off seasonals, 25% off gifts and $5 shower gels until Dec. 4.
Body Shop's online store is offering 40% off sitewide, 50% off seasonals, 25% off gifts and $5 shower gels until Dec. 4. Bombas : Take 20% off sitewide with code HOLIDAY20 to save on a pair (or two) of these socks.
Take to save on a pair (or two) of these socks. Bonobos: The men's clothing brand is offering 30% off sitewide with code BFWEEK, so there's no better time to snag a pair of the brand's beloved chinos.
Boohoo : The extra-sparkly women's clothing and accessories brand Boohoo has everything you could need to dress up for a holiday party. The brand is offering 60% off everything on its website.
The extra-sparkly women's clothing and accessories brand Boohoo has everything you could need to dress up for a holiday party. The brand is offering on its website. Botkier : Shoes and accessories, 30% off $150+ and 40% off $250+ , no code needed.
Shoes and accessories, and , no code needed. Calpak : Take 15% off some of the most stunning luggage and travel accessories we've ever laid eyes on.
Take and travel accessories we've ever laid eyes on. Carbon38 : Use code THANKS30 for 30% off the site's Give Thanks Edit, which includes bestsellers like the glossy, perfect for every occasion Takara Leggings.
Use the site's Give Thanks Edit, which includes bestsellers like the glossy, perfect for every occasion Takara Leggings. Carhartt : Carhartt's workwear is durable, yet on-trend. And for Black Friday, you can save 25% on gear , including Full Swing, gloves, footwear, bags, socks, and more.
Carhartt's workwear is durable, yet on-trend. And for Black Friday, you can , including Full Swing, gloves, footwear, bags, socks, and more. Champion : From gym class to streetwear, comfy, cool tees, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and more are discounted for the brand's Pre-Black Friday Sale. Take 10% off orders of $100 or more , 15% off $150 and 20% of $200 or more.
From gym class to streetwear, comfy, cool tees, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and more are discounted for the brand's Pre-Black Friday Sale. Take , 15% off $150 and 20% of $200 or more. Charles & Keith: Select styles from Charles & Keith are up to 50% off, plus a bunch of holiday-ready, full-price items are 20% off.
Draper James : The Southern-inspired fashion brand founded by Reese Witherspoon is offering 25% off sitewide , including sale items.
The Southern-inspired fashion brand founded by Reese Witherspoon is offering , including sale items. Dyson : You can get the coveted Supersonic Hair Dryer, plus two gifts of your choice — ranging from a stand to a chic carrying case — for just $399.99 . At Nordstrom, you can get the red gift edition of the Supersonic Hair Dryer with its own presentation case — a $459 value — for just $399 , plus free shipping .
You can get the coveted Supersonic Hair Dryer, plus two gifts of your choice — ranging from a stand to a chic carrying case — for . At Nordstrom, you can get the red gift edition of the Supersonic Hair Dryer with its own presentation case — , plus free shipping eBags : Save up to 70% on high-quality luggage and travel accessories. Use code EXTRA for an additional 50% off sitewide, though exclusions apply.
Save up to and travel accessories. Use sitewide, though exclusions apply. Eileen Fisher : Through Dec. 2, over 500 already marked-down styles are an extra 20% off .
Through Dec. 2, over . Express : Everything is 50% off for Black Friday, plus free shipping, through Dec. 2.
Everything is for Black Friday, plus free shipping, through Dec. 2. Fanatics : Use promo code TURKEY to show your team spirit and get 65% off .
Use promo code TURKEY to show your team spirit and . Foreo : Get up to 40% off some of sleekest skincare tools and devices we've ever seen. We're looking specifically at the Luna line, a collection of silicone electric facial cleansing devices that work to exfoliate, cleanse and lift your skin.
Get up to and devices we've ever seen. We're looking specifically at the Luna line, a collection of silicone electric facial cleansing devices that work to exfoliate, cleanse and lift your skin. Forever 21 : Forever 21's Black Friday deal won't last forever. Right now, take 30% off everything on their site with promo code GIVETHX.
Forever 21's Black Friday deal won't last forever. Right now, take on their site with promo code GIVETHX. Fossil : Use code INTHEBAG to take advantage of Black Friday savings through Dec. 1, with some products offered at 50% off their original price.
Use to take advantage of Black Friday savings through Dec. 1, with some products offered at 50% off their original price. Franco Sarto : Through Dec. 2, the Italian-inspired leather shoe brand is offering 40% off sitewide with code FRANCOHOLIDAY40 , which means many of their surprisingly affordable ankle booties are now less than $100 . The brand also offers a wide selection of wide calf boots.
Through Dec. 2, the Italian-inspired leather shoe brand is offering , which means many of their surprisingly affordable . The brand also offers a wide selection of wide calf boots. Frank and Oak: Code BF30 gets you 30% off everything (except gift cards and outerwear) through Dec. 3. Best of all, for every order placed before Cyber Monday, the clothing brand will be planting a tree in the Amazon in partnership with One Tree Planted.
Madewell : Take 30% off your purchase using the code GIFTWELL through Dec. 1.
Take using the code GIFTWELL through Dec. 1. Marc Jacobs : Marc Jacobs is taking 40% off all Marc-downs and 50% off select handbag s. Plus, sweatshirts are going for just $95.
Marc Jacobs is taking s. Plus, sweatshirts are going for just $95. Mejuri : Mejuri usually doesn't do sales, but the cult-favorite jewelry retailer is offering savings for Black Friday this year with 10% off one item, 15% off two, and 20% off three —no promo code required.
Mejuri usually doesn't do sales, but the cult-favorite jewelry retailer is offering savings for Black Friday this year with —no promo code required. Mr Porter : Save on the most coveted fashions for guys with 30% off through Cyber Monday . Nearly 1,000 styles are marked down, and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.
Save on the most coveted fashions for guys with . Nearly 1,000 styles are marked down, and the discount will be automatically applied at checkout. MZ Wallace : Use code GIFTJOY for a free Small Metro Pouch (a $45 value) with any purchase of $250 or more.
Use (a $45 value) with any purchase of $250 or more. Naadam : Use code BF30 for 30% off some of the softest (and sustainable) cashmere on the market.
Use code some of the softest (and sustainable) cashmere on the market. Nike : Take an extra 25% off sale styles with code SEASONMVP.
Take an with code SEASONMVP. Nisolo : Now through mid-December, Nisolo is offering various discounts with the code GOODTIDINGS , including 20% off bestselling styles.
Now through mid-December, Nisolo is offering various discounts with the , including 20% off bestselling styles. Nordstrom Rack : Discounts on brands like Nike, TUMI, Frye, and more throughout the weekend, with new flash sales cropping up each day.
Discounts on brands like Nike, TUMI, Frye, and more throughout the weekend, with new flash sales cropping up each day. Outdoor Voices : The internet-favorite workout brand is taking 25% off select legging styles with code LEGGINGS25.
The internet-favorite workout brand is taking Paravel: Take 25% off everything from this travel brand, excluding travel kits, with promo code DOMINOFRIDAY.
State Cashmere : Get 25% off your entire order of cashmere goodies with the code 2019THX25 .
your entire order of cashmere goodies with the . Steve Madden : Step into 20% off at Steve Madden—reward members get an even larger discount (and it's free to sign up)—with code THANKFUL.
Step into at Steve Madden—reward members get an even larger discount (and it's free to sign up)—with code THANKFUL. Stuart Weitzman : Save up to 60% on the classy footwear from Stuart Weitzman with code SWTHANKFUL.
Save up to from Stuart Weitzman with code SWTHANKFUL. Sweaty Betty : One of our favorite brands of high-quality activewear is offering 30% off with promo code CHEERS .
One of our favorite brands of high-quality activewear is offering . Tarte Cosmetics : Use code VIP25 and snag 25% off palettes, skincare sets, brushes and much more.
Use palettes, skincare sets, brushes and much more. Thakoon : Get 25% off everything from chunky sweaters to chic dresses through Dec.1.
Get from chunky sweaters to chic dresses through Dec.1. Ties.com : Tie up a deal on a new tie for a guy in your life with 45% off $150+, 35% off $100+ and 25% off $50+, using promo code DEALWEEK.
Tie up a deal on a new tie for a guy in your life with 45% off $150+, 35% off $100+ and 25% off $50+, using promo code DEALWEEK. Toms : Use code THANKFUL for 30% off any item through Dec. 2.
Use through Dec. 2. Topshop : Snag up to 50% off select styles and enjoy free shipping (worldwide).
Snag up to and enjoy free shipping (worldwide). Tory Burch: Take 30% off purchases of $250 or more with promo code THANKS at the brand's Holiday Event.
Ugg : If your closet is lacking in cozy footwear, head over to the Ugg Closet, which has opened up to reveal deals on some of the brand's classic boots , sneakers, flats and slippers.
If your closet is lacking in cozy footwear, head over to the Ugg Closet, which has opened up to , sneakers, flats and slippers. Untuckit : 25% off sitewide through Dec. 1, and combined savings of up of up to 50%.
through Dec. 1, and combined savings of up of up to 50%. Urban Outfitters : Buy one, get one 50% off sitewide . The discount is taken at checkout on the lower priced item.
. The discount is taken at checkout on the lower priced item. Vince Camuto : The ultra-chic shoe and accessory brand is offering 40% off its entire site through Dec. 3 , with various styles of booties now less than $150.
The ultra-chic shoe and accessory brand is offering , with various styles of booties now less than $150. Vincero Watches : Take 15% off all orders and 20% off orders of $200 or more. There's no better time (or place) to stock up on a luxurious yet affordable watch for any person in your life.
Take and 20% off orders of $200 or more. There's no better time (or place) to stock up on a luxurious yet affordable watch for any person in your life. Vineyard Vines : Take 25% off purchases of $100+ when you use promo code GIFTS19.
Take when you use promo code GIFTS19. White and Warren : Get cozy this Black Friday with 25% off sitewide until Dec. 2.
: Get cozy this Black Friday with until Dec. 2. 7 For All Mankind: You won't want to miss out on up to 60% off the beloved denim brand at Nordstrom.
Home and health
23andMe : Take $100 off 23andMe's best-selling Health + Ancestry Service .
Take . Ancestry® : Get 50% off the AncestryDNA® kit and subscription service.
and subscription service. BarkBox : Start wagging that tail. Your first BarkBox is just $5 for Bark, sorry, Black Friday with any multi-month subscription.
Start wagging that tail. Your for Bark, sorry, Black Friday with any multi-month subscription. Bear Mattress : Take 25% off your purchase and receive two free Cloud Pillows with the code GIFT through Dec. 2.
: Take 25% off your purchase and receive with the code GIFT through Dec. 2. Birch : Use code BF200 for $200 off a new Birch mattress , a brand loved for its use of natural and organic materials.
Use , a brand loved for its use of natural and organic materials. Birch Lane : The furniture and decor brand is hosting a blowout sale for Black Friday, with discounts of up to 80% off . You'll save on everything from coffee tables to ottomans and even sofas and sectionals.
The furniture and decor brand is hosting a blowout sale for Black Friday, with discounts of . You'll save on everything from coffee tables to ottomans and even sofas and sectionals. Boll & Branch : Upgrade your bedding, bathroom basics and even loungewear with 25% off orders of $150 or more .
Upgrade your bedding, bathroom basics and even loungewear with . Brooklinen: One of the Internet's favorite bedding brands, Brooklinen is offering 20% off sitewide.
Casper : One of our top bed-in-a-box mattress brands is offering 10% off any mattress order until Dec. 2.
One of our top bed-in-a-box mattress brands is offering until Dec. 2. Cocoon by Sealy : Not only will you get 25% off your purchase of any Chill Mattress , you'll also receive a free DreamFit Sheet Set and two DreamFit Pillows.
Not only will you get , you'll also receive a free DreamFit Sheet Set and two DreamFit Pillows. Crane & Canopy : Take 20% off everything from bedding, to bath linens, to decor with promo code BESTDAY. It's all on sale at Crane & Canopy's biggest sale of the year.
Take from bedding, to bath linens, to decor with promo code BESTDAY. It's all on sale at Crane & Canopy's biggest sale of the year. Cricut : Black Friday sales from this DIY crafts brand include lower prices on the Cricut Explore Air 2, EasyPress2, EasyPress Mini and more.
Black Friday sales from this DIY crafts brand include lower prices on the Cricut Explore Air 2, EasyPress2, EasyPress Mini and more. Dyson : Up to 50% off select bestsellers on Amazon, including the popular stick vacuum.
on Amazon, including the popular stick vacuum. GE Lighting : Get 30% off all C by GE products at Best Buy this Black Friday. That includes smart bulbs, smart switches and much more.
Get this Black Friday. That includes smart bulbs, smart switches and much more. Hayneedle: Top-rated bar stools are up to 60% off, gardening and decor are up to 50% off and Christmas trees are seriously discounted. Plus, get free shipping for all orders over $49.
Helix : Use the code BF100 for $100 off any mattress purchase and two free Dream Pillows.
Use the any mattress purchase and two free Dream Pillows. Hydro Flask : You don't need to be a VSCO girl to use one of the best water bottles on the market. At Nordstrom, a 32-ounce wide mouth Hydro Flask is 25% off in black or white.
You don't need to be a VSCO girl to use one of the best water bottles on the market. At Nordstrom, a in black or white. Joss & Main : Take 70% off rugs, 65% off beds and headboards, and up to 60% off big-ticket items like sofas.
Take 70% off rugs, 65% off beds and headboards, and up to 60% off big-ticket items like sofas. Le Creuset : No black here; it's Colorful Friday at Le Creuset. Save on iconic cookware in bright and neutral hues.
No black here; it's Colorful Friday at Le Creuset. in bright and neutral hues. Lovesac : Are you sitting down? Because the deals at Lovesac might knock you off your feet. Save up to 35% on Sactionals , 30% off Sacs, and 35% off Holiday Sac Bundles.
Are you sitting down? Because the deals at Lovesac might knock you off your feet. Save up to , 30% off Sacs, and 35% off Holiday Sac Bundles. Lowe's : Hundreds of Black Friday deals , from appliances to tools and smart home and bath.
, from appliances to tools and smart home and bath. Mattress Firm : Now through Nov. 29, snag a king mattress for the price of a queen, and a queen mattress for the price of a twin, with savings of up to $600 .
Now through Nov. 29, snag a king mattress for the price of a queen, and a queen mattress for the price of a twin, with . Nectar : Take $100 off any mattress purchase and receive two free Memory Foam Pillows.
Take and receive two free Memory Foam Pillows. Petco : Don't forget about your four-legged friends on Black Friday. Petco is offering 10% off when you buy online or pickup in store, plus a $10 eGift card on purchases of $60+ . Not to mention, you'll get 40% off your order if you opt for Repeat Delivery.
Don't forget about your four-legged friends on Black Friday. Petco is offering 10% off when you buy online or pickup in store, plus a . Not to mention, you'll get 40% off your order if you opt for Repeat Delivery. Pier 1 : Deck your halls for the holidays with 25% off sitewide at Pier 1. Just use promo code BLACKFRIDAY to save on everything from seasonal decor to everyday furniture and home accents.
Deck your halls for the holidays with at Pier 1. Just use promo code BLACKFRIDAY to save on everything from seasonal decor to everyday furniture and home accents. Primary Goods: Take $10 off any purchase of $99 or more with code DREAM10. Spend up to $449, and the more you spend the more you'll save with Primary Goods' tiered discount codes.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailer's listed price at the time of publication.
