Black Friday 2025 arrives Friday, November 28 — but major retailers have already pushed big deals live and confirmed early opening hours. If you want the best prices with the least stress, plan ahead now: several national chains launched online offers before Thanksgiving, and many physical stores will open early the morning of November 28. This guide breaks down the confirmed dates, door-buster windows, early access options, and practical strategies to help U.S. shoppers get the most out of the day.
What day is Black Friday 2025?
Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving — this year that is Friday, November 28, 2025. That date anchors the major in-store events, but most large retailers have stretched the discount window across multiple days, with significant online markdowns already available.
Confirmed early online sales and preview windows
Many retailers began posting Black Friday discounts and preview pages during Thanksgiving week. Shoppers can already find categories marked down in advance, including electronics, home goods, kitchen appliances and seasonal toys. Several outlets also created dedicated sections featuring overstock and clearance items with aggressive markdowns. Since some early deals have limited stock, popular items may sell out before Friday.
Early-access programs and membership perks
Membership programs continue to influence when shoppers get access to the best deals. Paid members and app users often receive early entry to select discounts days before the official Black Friday start. If you are targeting a high-demand item, check whether early access is available through an app account or membership tier — it can significantly increase your chances of securing limited inventory.
What time do stores open on Black Friday 2025?
A wide range of retailers will open early on Nov. 28, with many large chains planning 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. local openings. Some warehouse and bulk retailers are maintaining slightly later starts, but most early-morning openings are consistent across major U.S. cities. Because exact hours vary by location, shoppers planning in-store visits should check their local store’s hours to avoid delays or missed doorbusters.
Top categories to watch for major deals
Electronics continue to lead Black Friday demand. Expect steep markdowns on televisions, laptops, gaming consoles, smart home devices, and headphones. Major electronics retailers have already released curated deal lists with time-limited offers.
Kitchen appliances — including air fryers, stand mixers, countertop ovens, and coffee makers — are appearing with significant markdowns in outlet-style sections.
For families, toys, learning gadgets, and holiday gift bundles see especially deep discounts during the week of Thanksgiving.
In-store vs. online shopping: what to expect
In-store shoppers tend to benefit from immediate access to doorbusters, local inventory, and location-only promotions. Online shoppers gain convenience, more product variety, and options like same-day pickup and fast delivery. For high-demand tech items, combining both strategies works best: monitor online stock and be prepared to visit your local store early if a limited-quantity item is only available in person.
How to prepare your shopping plan
Successful Black Friday shopping begins with organization. Create a three-tier list:
- Must-have items — products you will buy only if they reach a certain price.
- Nice-to-have items — buy if the discount is strong.
- Low-priority items — avoid impulse buys unless the price drop is substantial.
Bookmark product pages and sign in to your accounts ahead of time so checkout moves faster. If you plan to shop in person, confirm parking rules, store entry points, and any restrictions for early-morning lines.
Safety and consumer protection tips
- Check price history to confirm an item is genuinely discounted.
- Review return policies, which may differ from standard rules during the holiday season.
- Use secure payment options that include fraud protection.
- Watch purchase limits, as doorbusters often allow one unit per customer.
- Monitor delivery timelines so gifts arrive when needed.
Last-minute advice for in-store shoppers
Arrive a little earlier than posted opening times to avoid long lines. Bring essential items such as your ID, payment cards and a phone charger. Follow staff instructions, especially for line management and product vouchers, to ensure a smooth and safe shopping experience.
Final checklist before checkout
- Confirm the Black Friday date: November 28, 2025.
- Compare prices across online and in-store listings.
- Add items to cart or wish lists ahead of time.
- Activate retailer apps for flash sale alerts.
- Double-check return windows and shipping deadlines.