What Black Friday Is
Black Friday is widely recognized as the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season in the United States. Traditionally held the day after Thanksgiving, it has become a cultural phenomenon where retailers offer deep discounts to entice shoppers both in stores and online. The name originates from the notion that retailers move from “the red” into “the black” financially during this period, turning a profit after months of slow sales. Over the years, Black Friday has evolved into a global shopping event, with deals spanning electronics, apparel, toys, home goods, and more. The genre of Black Friday sales is now defined by limited-time offers, doorbuster specials, and early access deals for loyal customers or members.
Walmart Moves Early
Walmart has launched one of the most aggressive early Black Friday campaigns in 2025, signaling that the holiday shopping window is expanding. On November 17, Walmart announced its pre-Black Friday deals under the headline “More Black Friday Deals, More Cyber Monday Steals and More Goggins.” Early access began on November 14 for online and in-store shoppers, while the main Black Friday sales run from November 25 to November 30. Cyber Monday deals will follow on December 1, exclusively online. Walmart+ members enjoy early access starting November 24 at 7 p.m. ET. The retailer is offering discounts across thousands of items, with select products marked as much as 72 percent off. Many items are priced under $20, providing an opportunity for budget-conscious shoppers to stock up on gifts. Walmart also highlights fast delivery, claiming eligible items can reach 95 percent of U.S. households within three hours.
Other Major Retailers Join In
Black Friday is no longer a single-day event or limited to one retailer. Several major stores are jumping on the early sale trend in 2025. Best Buy has launched early promotions including up to $600 off select gaming PCs, laptops as low as $199.99, and deals on home appliances like espresso machines. Ulta Beauty has started its own early sale offering up to 40 percent off cosmetics and skincare items. Other major retailers, including Target and Sam’s Club, are offering early Black Friday deals to capture shoppers ahead of the traditional holiday weekend. This shift reflects a broader strategy by retailers to spread out demand and reduce congestion while still delivering competitive pricing.
The Black Friday Genre of Deals
Black Friday deals typically fall into several categories. Doorbuster deals are extreme discounts on limited items, designed to drive foot traffic to stores or website visits online. Category-wide sales offer percentage discounts on electronics, home goods, fashion, and toys. Bundles and exclusive offers are often reserved for members or early-access shoppers. With the rise of online retail, Cyber Monday has become a digital extension of Black Friday, offering comparable deals for shoppers who prefer to avoid in-store crowds. In recent years, retailers have blended these events, creating multi-week promotional periods known as “early Black Friday” or “Black November” to maximize revenue.
The Early Sale Trend in 2025
The early Black Friday trend is particularly strong this year, with retailers launching deals well ahead of Thanksgiving. This early strategy allows retailers to manage inventory pressures, avoid delivery bottlenecks, and secure sales in a competitive retail environment. Consumers benefit from more flexible shopping windows and access to premium deals before items sell out. However, traditional Black Friday weekend may feature less dramatic one-day discounts as retailers focus on online, membership-based, or time-limited deals.
Advice for Shoppers
Shoppers should plan carefully to take advantage of early Black Friday deals. Limited-quantity items can sell out quickly, and the most aggressive discounts are often reserved for early-access or loyalty program members. Electronics, home appliances, and toys are among the categories where early deals may already represent the lowest prices of the season. Consumers should compare prices across retailers and be mindful of shipping timelines, especially in high-demand regions such as South Florida, where delivery speed can influence purchasing decisions. Black Friday has evolved into more than a single day of sales; it has become a multi-week shopping season with a variety of deals across categories. By understanding the genre of Black Friday promotions and monitoring early sales from retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Ulta Beauty, shoppers can maximize savings while avoiding the stress of last-minute holiday purchases.
