Black Friday 2026: What to Expect
Black Friday 2026 falls on November 27th, but as in recent years, expect deals to start appearing as early as the beginning of November. Retailers are extending their sale periods to capture early shoppers and spread out demand.
Key Shopping Dates for 2026
- November 1-15: Early Bird deals begin
- November 20-26: Thanksgiving Week promotions
- November 27: Black Friday
- November 30: Cyber Monday
- December 1-20: Extended holiday sales
Best Deals by Category
Electronics (Expected 30-70% Off)
TVs: Black Friday is historically the best time to buy TVs. Expect doorbusters on 55" and larger screens.
Laptops: Major savings on mid-range laptops, especially from Dell, HP, and Lenovo.
Smartphones: Carrier deals with trade-ins, free accessories, or bill credits.
Gaming Consoles: Bundle deals with extra controllers or games.
Headphones: Premium brands like Sony, Bose, and Apple AirPods at 30-50% off.
Home Appliances (Expected 25-50% Off)
- Robot vacuums (Roomba, Shark)
- Kitchen appliances (stand mixers, air fryers, Instant Pots)
- Coffee makers and espresso machines
- Smart home devices (Nest, Ring, Echo)
Fashion & Apparel (Expected 40-70% Off)
- Winter coats and outerwear
- Athletic wear (Nike, Adidas, Under Armour)
- Designer handbags and accessories
- Boots and seasonal footwear
Toys & Games (Expected 30-60% Off)
- LEGO sets
- Board games and puzzles
- Action figures and dolls
- Video games
Home & Furniture (Expected 20-60% Off)
- Bedding and mattresses
- Furniture (sofas, dining sets, bedroom sets)
- Holiday decorations
- Small kitchen appliances
Retailers to Watch
Amazon
Early deals starting mid-November. Lightning deals throughout Black Friday week. Expect massive discounts on Amazon devices (Echo, Fire TV, Kindle).
Walmart
Three-event structure: pre-Black Friday online deals, Thanksgiving online deals, and Black Friday in-store.
Target
Target Circle Week in early November, followed by Black Friday deals. Strong toy and electronics deals expected.
Best Buy
Typically the best for electronics. Early access for members, followed by public deals.
Apple
While Apple rarely discounts products directly, third-party retailers offer gift cards with purchases.
Nike & Adidas
Up to 50% off select styles. Sign up for early access as a member.
Shopping Strategies for Maximum Savings
1. Start Your Research Now
Create a wishlist and track prices using CamelCamelCamel or Honey. Know the regular price so you can identify true deals.
2. Sign Up for Newsletters
Retailers often give early access to email subscribers.
3. Download Retailer Apps
App-exclusive deals are increasingly common. Plus, apps make checkout faster.
4. Use Multiple Savings Methods
- Stack coupon codes
- Use cashback sites (Rakuten typically offers increased cashback during Black Friday)
- Pay with rewards credit cards for extra points
- Use store gift cards purchased at a discount
5. Shop Online Early Morning
Many deals go live at midnight or early morning. Set alarms for hot items that may sell out.
6. Check Return Policies
Buy now, decide later. Most retailers extend return windows during the holidays.
Items to Skip on Black Friday
Not everything is a good deal on Black Friday:
- Previous-gen technology: Often marked up before being "discounted"
- Winter clothing: Better deals in January clearance
- Gym equipment: Wait for New Year's sales
- Jewelry: Better sales around Valentine's Day
Cyber Monday vs. Black Friday
Black Friday: Better for big-ticket items like TVs, appliances, and furniture.
Cyber Monday: Often better for smaller electronics, software, and online-only retailers.
Pro tip: The lines are blurring—many deals now run throughout the entire week.
Avoiding Black Friday Scams
- Only shop on secure websites (look for HTTPS)
- Be wary of "too good to be true" deals
- Avoid unfamiliar websites with no reviews
- Use credit cards for better fraud protection
- Check CouponsCodeHut for verified coupon codes—don't trust random codes from forums
Conclusion
Black Friday 2026 promises excellent deals across all categories. By planning ahead, doing your research, and using strategic shopping techniques, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars this holiday season.
Bookmark this guide and check back regularly for updates as Black Friday approaches. Follow CouponsCodeHut for the latest verified coupon codes and deal alerts!