Everything You Need To Know About Black Friday 2023
Black Friday 2023 is finally here!!! For avid shoppers who have been anticipating the biggest shopping day of 2023, this is not news.
Gone are the days when Black Friday deals start and end on that day. The traditional one-day experience now holds the entire weekend and continues on Cyber Monday. This means that you have at least four days of non-stop discounts popping up on most shopping sites.
Did you just think this is a lot? You are absolutely right. But to properly navigate the chaos, you need a plan. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Black Friday 2023, from its date to where you can find the best deals, the top categories and products to watch out for.
When Is Black Friday 2023?
Black Friday 2023 falls on the day after Thanksgiving, which is the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. In 2023, Black Friday falls on Friday November 24. This marks the traditional start of the holiday shopping season and is a day that millions of shoppers eagerly await. While 2023 date is the same as every other year, the deals and discounts offered can vary, so you should always keep an eye on your favorite retailers and their announcements.
When Do Black Friday 2023 Deals Start?
Black Friday deals no longer start on the actual day itself. Many retailers now offer early discounts in the days leading up to Black Friday. Traditionally, it begins early in the morning, with many stores opening their doors at midnight or even earlier. However, in recent years, the trend has shifted towards online shopping. Many retailers launch their Black Friday deals online days in advance, allowing customers to shop from the comfort of their homes.
In fact, Black Friday has expanded into a week-long event known as "Black Friday Week." It's not uncommon to see pre-Black Friday sales beginning as early as the Monday before Thanksgiving. You should always monitor retailer websites and newsletters to stay updated on early deals, flash sales, and doorbusters.
Related: Will Inflation Affect Black Friday in 2023? Experts Share Their Opinions
Is Black Friday 2023 Even Worth It?
Some people are wary of wading into the Black Friday madness, while others jump in with both feet. One question is consistent with both groups: Is Black Friday really worth the hassle?
There are many amazing deals you can get in this year's Black Friday but there are just as many bad deals. You should also note that you might not always get the cheapest or most reasonable deals. This is the time to do proper research on both the items and discounts offered.
Always check the difference between the discount offered and the recommended retail price. You can find this amount by checking other websites that offer the product. Also if you’re feeling iffy about a purchase, it’s not the end of the world. So don't hesitate to leave the cart.
The verdict: Black Friday is totally worth it so long as you follow the best online shopping practices.
What Will Be on Sale for Black Friday 2023?
Black Friday is known for offering discounts on a wide array of products, including electronics, clothing, appliances, and more. Here are some of the categories that you can expect to see on sale during Black Friday 2023:
Electronics: Electronics are always a hot category on Black Friday, with discounts on smartphones, laptops, TVs, and gaming consoles. Retailers often slash prices on the latest models and technology. Keep an eye out for deals from major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.
Fashion and Apparel: Fashion and apparel brands also offer substantial discounts on Black Friday. Clothing and apparel stores offer significant discounts on clothing, footwear, and accessories. It is a great time to stock up on winter essentials or refresh your wardrobe. Whether you are looking for clothing, shoes, or accessories, retailers like Macy's, Nordstrom, and Zara are likely to have attractive deals.
Home Appliances: Black Friday is a great time to upgrade your home appliances. Large and small home appliances like refrigerators, ovens, blenders, and coffee makers are frequently discounted. Look for deals on refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and other household essentials from retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's.
Related: 15 Safety Tips When Shopping For Black Friday Deals
Toys and Games: Black Friday is the perfect time to start your holiday shopping for kids. Expect discounts on popular toys and games from retailers like Target, Walmart, and Toys "R" Us.
Beauty and Cosmetics: Beauty and cosmetics brands often offer exclusive Black Friday deals. Keep an eye out for discounts on skincare products, makeup sets, and fragrances from retailers like Sephora and Ulta.
Travel Deals: Travel agencies and airlines often provide Black Friday discounts on flights, hotels, and vacation packages, making it a great time to plan your next getaway.
Home Décor and Furniture: If you are looking to update your home décor or furniture, Black Friday is a great opportunity to find deals. Look for discounts on sofas, beds, dining sets, and more from retailers like Wayfair and Ashley Furniture.
These are just a few categories to watch, but there will be deals across various other sectors, including sports equipment, outdoor gear, books, and more.
What Are The Best Things To Buy On Black Friday 2023?
I logged into my favorite online store a couple of minutes before writing this article and there were a lot of seemingly good deals. For someone who is not a savvy shopper, by December my house would have about ten boxes of UFC merchandise, PS5 game CDs and sneakers I don't need.
What's a good deal? What's a dud? Here's our list of the best things to buy on Black Friday 2023:
Amazon Smart Speaker: One of the tips for safe online shopping is to read reviews of a product before buying it. Going by this, the Amazon Echo Dot should be on top of your shopping list. It has more than 375,000 reviews and a 4.7-star rating! Impressive!
Whether it is the original Echo speaker or the portable Echo Dot, Amazon smart speakers are still popular. The fourth-generation Echo has sold out on Amazon several times in the last three months. Its sleek and minimalist design makes it a great pick.
Throw blankets: Harmattan is almost here and some experts have predicted that the nights will be colder than usual. So having a cozy throw blanket on your wish list is a great idea. There are many good deals on them. With high recommendations from over 54,000 people, this Sherpa blanket is a steal.
TVs: My earliest introduction to Black Friday was Hollywood movies. And the common theme was American shoppers standing in long queues for Television sets. Every year, most online shops give good deals on TVs and 2021 won't be any different.
Smartphones: What is Black Friday without good deals on smartphones? The date is perfect for tech-lovers because most brands would have released their flagships. While the deals on these may not be great, there are usually better deals on phones released in the early half of the year.
So if you fancy any particular TV, you may want to order it now. With Heroshe's impeccable package handling, you don't have to worry about shipping it to Nigeria.
Nintendo Switch: Since the beginning of 2020, it has been hard to find this coveted gaming console. That hasn't caused its popularity to reduce. Earn the best uncle of the year mug by gifting this to your kids, nephews, and nieces.
Slippers: This one is specifically for women. Spoil yourselves, queens! There is usually a high demand for slippers towards the end of the year. With the demand though comes a lot of great Black Friday deals on them. Just look at this beautiful fluffy pair of slippers with 17,000+ 4.6-star reviews.
Gaming Laptops: There is currently a shortage of chips in the world. This means that there will be a low supply of high-end phones and gaming laptops in the next couple of months. So be on the lookout for gaming laptops below $1,000 as that may be the last time you see them at that price till mid-2023.
Home Décor: Does your home décor need a revamp? Do you need wall art, rugs, or mirrors for your house? Black Friday is the time to get the best deals on them from most retailers.
Video Game Consoles: The Playstation 5 and Xbox series X have both been around since November last year. Is the price now worth the upgrade? I'd like to think so. The demand for both consoles has been high over the last couple of months. This is a trend that will not stop during the 2021 holiday season even though the stock is quite low. So if you find consoles on your favorite online shopping site, don't hesitate to snap it up.
Small Kitchen Appliances: There are always great Black Friday deals on small kitchen appliances. Some of the items with deals include air fryers, slow cookers, microwaves, and coffee makers.
This is the best time to shop for these. It doesn't matter if you want to become the newest owner of an air fryer or you just want to give your favorite aunt a pressure cooker.
Cookware: Christmas is almost here and it is now time to change those pots and pans that you've left in your cupboard all these years. If it is going to feed you, there are probably many great Black Friday deals on your favorite online shopping stores.
Fitness trackers and wearable tech: If you peek into many people's New Year resolutions, becoming fitter is usually a common theme. Why not get a jump start on your resolutions now? There are many great Black Friday deals on smartwatches and rings like Fitbit, Apple Watch, and other good brands.
You will find deals on a wide range of smartwatches at your favorite online retail stores. You get even better deals when you buy older models.
Digital cameras, lenses, and accessories: Black Friday is like Christmas for photographers. This is because there are many nice bundle deals on DSLR or point-and-shoot cameras. Many of the deals offered by the retailers include free accessories as part of the bundle.
Headphones: If you need new headphones, Black Friday is the time to score great deals. There were huge discounts on JBL, Sony, and Beats at retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart in 2022. We expect the trend to continue in 2023.
What Are The Worst Things To Buy On Black Friday 2023?
1. Everyday goods
Most retailers don't apply discounts to items used every day like cleaning supplies, jeans, and underwear. This makes them some of the worst things to buy on Black Friday.
2. Jewelry
Black Friday is not the time to buy sparkly gems. Sara Skirboll, a shopping and trends expert at RetailMeNot, agrees. She said, "Shoppers should hold off on any jewelry purchases until after the New Year. While jewelry is a go-to gift for a loved one during the holidays, January brings savings in the form of Valentine's Day discounts."
3. Fitness Equipment
While there are great deals on smartwatches during Black Friday, the exact opposite applies to fitness equipment like dumbbells, kettlebells, and treadmills. January is the best time to get deals on this since retailers target people whose New Year's resolutions are to have a stronger workout regimen.
4. Perfume
Were you expecting perfumes or colognes to be on the list of best things to buy? Sorry to disappoint you. You might as well remove that LV on your wishlist because there won't be any good deal on it. There are usually no great deals on perfumes during Black Friday so don't have any expectations.
5. Apple Products (Through Apple)
Apple never holds Black Friday sales. The most they do is offer you gift cards if you buy their products at full price. The more expensive the item you bought, the bigger the gift card. This is not a great Black Friday deal e̶v̶e̶n̶ ̶i̶f̶ ̶i̶t̶ ̶i̶s̶ ̶s̶i̶g̶n̶i̶f̶i̶c̶a̶n̶t̶l̶y̶ ̶b̶e̶t̶t̶e̶r̶ ̶t̶h̶a̶n̶ ̶a̶ ̶t̶r̶e̶a̶s̶u̶r̶e̶ ̶h̶u̶n̶t̶.
6. Outdoor Furniture
This is one of the best items to buy during Black Friday. Most retailers put up outdoor furniture for sale during another Amazon shopping event - Labor Day. Save your money and wait till September next year.
7. Final Sale Items
Remember that running GIF of Forrest Gump? That should be you when you see items marked as final sales. Many of these items get listed by retailers who have money problems. Buying these items means if you have any problems with them, it would be impossible to get a refund, return, or exchange.
8. Bedding
Why buy bedding at a measly 10% discount on Black Friday when you can get them for 50 - 80% in January? Hold off on your bedding purchases until then.
9. Boxed Chocolate
Boxed chocolates are nice gifts for the holiday season but the Black Friday discounts aren't worthwhile. You are better off waiting till Valentine's Day and Easter.
10. Books
This is another site you shouldn't bother with during Black Friday. Some stores like Barnes and Nobles run special coupons but then they do that every other week.
If you are getting involved in the Black Friday madness, make sure it is worth your time. Don't visit stores to look at the items they have on sale and make real-time decisions as you will end up with a lot of impulse buys. Check for items on sale, research them and find the best price. Don't be that person who wakes up next Monday with a box full of UFC merchandise you don't need. That is all.
How to Find the Best Deals on Black Friday 2023
With so many deals available on Black Friday, you should have a strategy in place to find the best discounts. Here are some tips to help you navigate the shopping frenzy and score the best deals:
- Make a Wishlist: Before Black Friday, create a wish list of the items you want to purchase. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse buying.
- Research Prices: Research the prices of the items on your wish list in advance. This will allow you to identify genuine discounts and avoid falling for inflated prices.
- Sign up for Retailer Newsletters: Subscribe to retailer newsletters to receive early access notifications and exclusive deals. Many retailers offer special discounts to their email subscribers.
- Follow Retailers on Social Media: Follow your favorite retailers on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Retailers often announce flash sales and exclusive discounts on their social media channels.
- Compare Prices: Don't settle for the first deal you find. Compare prices across different retailers to ensure you're getting the best price for the item you want to purchase.
- Check Return Policies: Before making a purchase, familiarize yourself with the retailer's return policy. This will ensure that you can easily return or exchange items if needed.
- Shop Early or Late: Black Friday deals are not limited to the day itself. Many retailers offer early access deals and extend their sales beyond Black Friday. Consider shopping early or late to avoid the rush and still get great discounts.
- Use Price Comparison Tools: Utilize price comparison tools and websites to find the best deals. These tools will help you compare prices across multiple retailers and find the lowest price available.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of your purchases and receipts to ensure a smooth shopping experience. Create a spreadsheet or use a shopping app to stay organized and manage your budget effectively.
- Stay Safe: If you plan to shop in physical stores, be mindful of your safety and follow any local health guidelines, especially in light of the ongoing pandemic.
Cyber Monday: The Online Shopping Extravaganza
While Black Friday 2023 ads may steal the spotlight, Cyber Monday is an equally important holiday shopping event. Falling on November 27, 2023, Cyber Monday sales may offer the best exclusive online deals and discounts. It's the perfect opportunity to snag great deals from the comfort of your home or office.
On Cyber Monday, you can expect to find incredible discounts on a wide range of products, including electronics, fashion, beauty, and more. Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target are known for offering significant online discounts during this event. Keep an eye out for flash sales, limited-time offers, and exclusive online-only deals.
Heroshe's Services Amidst Black Friday, Cyber Monday and The Holiday Season
Heroshe is a service company that has solutions that cater to individuals and businesses. We ship the items you buy on Black Friday and Cyber Monday from the U.S. and U.K. to Nigeria and Ghana with zero stress.
Some of the benefits you gain by shipping with us this holiday shopping season include:
Constant updates
With an improved package tracking feature, you get real-time updates on the location and progress of your shipments.
Package Safety
With us, you don't have to worry about missing packages. We guarantee the safety of your packages from the US until you pick them up in Nigeria.
Affordable Prices
We provide consistent, hassle-free, and timely deliveries like the 3 major carriers - UPS, DHL, and FedEx - but at a fraction of their cost. See our pricing page for more information.
Ready to get involved in Black Friday madness? Heroshe has you covered with love and swift delivery. Sign up now and we will ensure your packages get shipped from the U.S. and U.K. to Nigeria and Ghana. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to get exclusive Black Friday shipping deals.