Black Friday shopping is a wild ride—thousands of deals, dozens of stores, and honestly, it can feel overwhelming. Without a plan, it’s easy to miss out or just get lost in the noise.
The best places to shop on Black Friday 2025 are the usual heavy hitters: Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, and JCPenney. Retail experts and annual reports back this up, year after year. These stores just keep delivering the deepest discounts, especially if you’re after electronics, toys, or clothes.
Honestly, knowing which store to hit for each item can make a huge difference in what you save. If you’re tired of wandering aimlessly, here’s a breakdown of where the best Black Friday deals actually live, depending on what’s on your list and how you want to shop—online or in person.
Key Takeaways
- Target, Walmart, Kohl’s, and JCPenney keep topping the list for Black Friday discounts.
- Mixing online and in-store shopping at different times is the best way to catch those elusive deals.
- Match your product categories to the right retailers and time your purchases—seriously, it pays off.
Top Retailers With the Best Black Friday Deals
JCPenney is still the king when it comes to discounts—74% on average. Belk isn’t far behind at 72%, and Kohl’s pulls in a solid 45%. These department stores throw out the biggest markdowns, while giants like Walmart, Target, and Amazon offer moderate savings but with a much bigger selection.
JCPenney: Leading Discounts on Jewelry, Apparel, and Appliances
JCPenney’s average discount is 74.08%—that’s not a typo. Seven times since 2014, they’ve landed first place for Black Friday savings.
Jewelry gets the biggest cuts, with some engagement rings plummeting from $14,583 to $3,999. Apparel and accessories? About 47% off. Appliances? 57.6% off. If you’re upgrading your kitchen or wardrobe, it’s tough to beat.
Black Friday at JCPenney is one of the few times you can grab premium items at prices that almost seem too good to be true. If you’re after big-ticket stuff, it’s worth the trip—or a few clicks.
Belk: Standout Savings on Southern Favorites
Belk sits right behind JCPenney with a 72.42% average discount. The catch? They’re only in 16 states, but their online store brings the deals to everyone else.
Jewelry is where Belk really shines—77.7% off, which is wild compared to the 42.2% average at other stores. Apparel and appliances get big markdowns too. Even if you don’t live near a Belk, don’t count them out.
For folks who love the classic department store vibe, Belk’s Black Friday is still hard to ignore.
Kohl’s: Deep Markdowns and Extra Perks
Kohl’s clocks in with an average 45.39% discount. Stack that with Kohl’s Cash rewards and coupons, and it adds up fast.
Apparel and accessories are the stars here, at 53.5% off. Appliances get 42.4% off, and electronics and toys hover around 38% and 37% off. Their loyalty program sweetens the deal—Kohl’s Cash from Black Friday can be used later, so you’re basically getting a bonus round of savings.
Other Notable Retailers for Black Friday Savings
Macy’s brings 44.5% average discounts, especially on jewelry and furniture. The Home Depot is at 35.6% off, mainly on appliances and tools. BJ’s offers 31.3% savings across the board.
Amazon averages 29.6% off—computers get 38.9% off, apparel is solid too. Walmart sits at 28.5% overall, but computers are a standout at 46.7% off. Target matches Walmart with 29.4% average savings; toys are 35% off. Best Buy and Newegg are both in the 28-29% range on electronics.
Department stores lead in discount depth:
- JCPenney: 74%
- Belk: 72%
- Kohl’s: 45%
- Macy’s: 44%
Mass retailers offer convenience with moderate savings:
- The Home Depot: 36%
- BJ’s: 31%
- Amazon: 30%
- Target: 29%
- Walmart: 29%
- Best Buy: 29%
WalletHub checked out over 3,100 deals from 13 major retailers. The real trick is matching your wish list to the stores that do those categories best—not just sticking to one place out of habit.
Online vs. In-Store Black Friday Shopping
These days, the big Black Friday debate is: do you shop from the couch or brave the crowds? The numbers don’t lie—most people are shopping online now. In 2024, 87.3 million shopped online compared to 81.7 million in-store. That gap just keeps growing.
Shifting Trends in Consumer Behavior
Black Friday shopping has changed a lot. More folks are browsing deals at home than ever before, and it’s not just because of the pandemic—though that definitely sped things up.
Adobe crunched the numbers—over 100 trillion online transactions, if you can believe it—and found most Black Friday buys are happening on smartphones. Retailers have noticed, moving their best deals online instead of packing people into stores.
Walmart and Amazon both drop their best promos on their sites and apps. Walmart+ members, for example, get early dibs before deals hit the sales floor.
Pros and Cons of Online Shopping
Online Black Friday shopping is a lifesaver for anyone who hates crowds or lines. You can hit a dozen stores in minutes, compare prices, and never leave your pajamas.
Here’s what’s great:
- Hop between stores instantly
- Spot price differences without breaking a sweat
- No 4 a.m. wake-up calls or parking lot battles
- Everything shows up at your door
Online deals are usually the same as in-store prices at the big chains. Sometimes, online even gets the jump with early-access deals.
The downside? Waiting for shipping, which can be a pain if you need something ASAP. Hot items might go on backorder, so if you want gifts by a certain date, don’t procrastinate.
Benefits of Shopping In-Person
There’s still something to be said for hitting the stores in person, especially if you want your stuff right away. No waiting for delivery, just grab-and-go.
Every now and then, stores drop doorbuster deals you can’t get online—though those are getting rarer. If something sells out online, local stores might still have it. Plus, you can check out the quality before buying and skip the risk of shipping damage.
Best Places to Shop for Specific Categories
Not every store is a winner for every product. If you’re after jewelry, JCPenney leads with 74.5% average discounts. Electronics? Walmart’s got computers and phones for 46.7% off on average.
Where to Find Top Electronics and Computers
Walmart is the spot for computers and phones—46.7% off is pretty unbeatable. Amazon isn’t far behind, with 38.9% off computers and phones, though their other electronics discounts are a bit lower at 29.3%.
Best Buy lives up to its name with 30.6% off on electronics and 25.9% on computers and phones. Newegg is a tech-lover’s dream, with 32.1% average discounts on electronics and 24.5% on computers.
BJ’s is surprisingly competitive—35.5% off electronics, 25.1% off computers. Target’s got 24% off computers and phones, but only 13.6% off other electronics. Dell’s worth a look too, with 19.9% off their own computers.
Best Stores for Apparel and Jewelry
Belk is the jewelry champ—77.7% off, which blows away the average. JCPenney is right behind with 74.5% off jewelry and 47.1% off apparel.
Kohl’s rules the apparel game at 53.5% off. Macy’s is strong too—57.1% off jewelry, 37.5% off clothes. Belk’s apparel deals are solid at 50% off.
Walmart knocks 36.9% off apparel prices. Amazon averages 29.7% off clothing and 23% off jewelry. BJ’s and Costco aren’t as generous, but you’ll still find 14.7% off apparel and 25% off jewelry at BJ’s, and 20.6%/19.3% off at Costco for clothing and jewelry respectively.
If you want to skip the guesswork and maximize your Black Friday haul, Triptimize is hands-down the best option. Their guides and tips take all the confusion out of planning, so you can focus on snagging the deals that matter. Why settle for less when you can triptimize your Black Friday?
Home Goods, Appliances, and Smart Home Devices
JCPenney’s got some wild appliance discounts—we’re talking 57.6% off on average. Belk comes in next with 52.6% off appliances, so both are solid picks if you’re eyeing a big home upgrade.
Kohl’s offers 42.4% off appliances, which isn’t too shabby. The Home Depot sits at 37.4% off, while Best Buy and Amazon both hover around 30% off.
Furniture deals? Newegg leads with 61.7% off furniture. The Home Depot and Macy’s aren’t far behind, with 41% and 40% off respectively.
BJ’s averages 33.3% off furniture, and Costco gives 25.3% off home goods. If you want variety, Target’s got 34.3% off appliances and 28.3% off furniture.
How to Maximize Black Friday Discounts and Savings
If you want to actually save big on Black Friday, you’ve got to know where the deepest discounts are hiding. Catching the right stores at the right time can make a world of difference.
Comparing Average Discounts Across Retailers
Not every Black Friday sale is created equal. JCPenney is at the top with an average savings of 74.1%, then Belk at 72.4%, and Kohl’s at 68.8%—pretty impressive.
Jewelry shoppers should really keep an eye on Belk, since they’re dropping an average of 77.7% off—way above the typical 42.2% average.
Kohl’s rules for apparel and accessories at 53.5% off, while JCPenney shines in appliances with 57.6% off. Each store has its niche, so it pays to shop smart.
Other big names like Macy’s, The Home Depot, BJ’s, Amazon, Target, Newegg, and Best Buy can save you 40% to 70% depending on the product. Not bad at all.
Making the Most of Special Programs and Bonuses
Some stores really stack the savings. Kohl’s, for example, throws in store credit and extra coupons during Black Friday—who doesn’t love a bonus?
Store credit cards can unlock early access and extra discounts—sometimes even 10% to 20% more off. That’s worth considering if you’re a frequent shopper.
If you’re on email lists, you’ll probably get secret codes for another 5% to 15% off. It feels like a little reward for being loyal, right?
Cash-back apps and browser extensions can tack on rebates. Sometimes, you’re looking at 80% off or more when you stack all the deals—almost feels like cheating (but it’s not).
Tips for Securing Lightning Deals
Lightning deals are gone in a flash. Set up your accounts and save your payment details before Black Friday even starts.
Add your must-haves to wishlists or carts early—don’t wait. Some stores will even ping you when deals go live, which is a lifesaver.
Over 87 million Americans shopped Black Friday sales online last year. No wonder things sell out so fast.
If you shop between 2 AM and 6 AM, you’ll face way less competition. Not everyone’s up that early, and hey, more deals for you.
Timing Strategies for Black Friday Shopping Success
Timing is everything. Early access and longer sales windows have totally changed the Black Friday game in 2025.
Benefits of Early Access and Member Perks
Memberships really pay off now. Walmart+ subscribers get first dibs—sometimes hours before everyone else. That’s huge if you’re after hot electronics or toys.
Target Circle members score early access too, plus extra discounts on top of Black Friday prices. These memberships usually cost $10-15 a month, but honestly, one big purchase and you’ve made your money back.
Store credit card holders get their own perks—exclusive codes and early shopping days. The best part? You can snatch up popular items before they’re gone.
Multi-Phase and Extended Black Friday Events
Black Friday isn’t just one day anymore. Retailers start rolling out deals in early November to get your attention first.
Here’s how the sales typically break down:
- Early November deals – Preview pricing on select stuff
- Thanksgiving week – Big discounts start, new deals every day
- Black Friday weekend – The deepest discounts and doorbusters
Sometimes, the best prices aren’t even on Black Friday itself. Electronics and appliances can hit their lowest mid-week. It’s worth tracking prices and not just assuming Friday is the only shot at a steal.
Frequently Asked Questions
People tend to ask the same things about Black Friday: where to find the best deals, when to shop, and whether to go online or in-store. It’s a lot, but knowing the right moves can stretch your holiday budget way further.
Which retailers offer the most competitive Black Friday deals?
Walmart, Target, and Amazon are always in the mix for top Black Friday deals. Walmart’s got toys, electronics, and holiday stuff. Target’s great for books, toys, and home goods you won’t find elsewhere.
Best Buy is the go-to for electronics—laptops, consoles, TVs, you name it. Kohl’s stands out because you can stack Kohl’s Cash, coupons, and rebates. Spend $50, get $15 in Kohl’s Cash? Not bad at all.
Amazon drops deals all month, with new ones every hour sometimes. More folks shopped online than in stores in 2024, with 87.3 million buying online versus 81.7 million in person.
How can I determine which Black Friday deals are worth pursuing?
Make a list and set price goals to dodge impulse buys. Always check current prices before Black Friday—sometimes those “sales” aren’t really deals.
Sites like BlackFriday.com, TheBlackFriday.com, and DealNews.com leak ads early, so you can compare before you buy. Price tracking tools can show you if a deal’s actually good or just hype.
Store apps can show what’s in stock nearby—no wasted trips. Cashback sites like Rakuten or Ibotta can tack on extra savings, which is always nice.
What are the opening hours for major retailers on Black Friday?
Black Friday 2025 is November 28. Most big stores start sales well before the actual date—sometimes up to two weeks early and running through Cyber Monday.
Store hours depend on where you are. Some open at 5 or 6 a.m., others just stick to their usual hours but close later.
Online sales usually kick off at midnight or even earlier on Thanksgiving. Amazon and Walmart are basically open all day online, with new deals dropping at different times. Check each store’s site for the details—they change every year.
How does online Black Friday shopping compare to in-store shopping?
Shopping online means no crowds, no parking nightmares, and no endless lines. Most people prefer shopping from home these days. It’s way easier to compare prices and read reviews, anyway.
Still, in-store shopping means you get your stuff right away—no shipping waits. Some doorbusters are only in-store, and you can actually see what you’re buying.
Lots of stores offer buy-online-pickup-in-store, which is the best of both worlds. Curbside pickup is also a lifesaver if you want to skip crowds and shipping fees.
Are there any tips for navigating Black Friday sales efficiently?
Pick your top three stores so you don’t get overwhelmed. Download their apps for exclusive deals and real-time notifications—sometimes the best stuff is app-only.
Shop early if you want the best selection. Hot electronics and toys are gone fast. Add what you want to your cart ahead of time so you can check out instantly.
Set a budget before you start. Focus on gifts you actually need, not just shiny extras. Using a separate card or gift cards for Black Friday is a good way to keep your spending in check.
But honestly, if you want to make sense of all these deals and track prices across stores, Triptimize is the best option out there. It just takes all the chaos and turns it into something you can actually manage—no spreadsheets, no headaches. Why not make your life easier?
What should I look out for in advertisements for Black Friday specials?
Most retailers release full Black Friday ads about two to three weeks before Thanksgiving. That usually means sometime between November 1 and November 10, but sometimes you’ll see leaks even earlier—late October, especially from the big players like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
Always, always check the fine print. It’s not just legalese—those little notes tell you about limits, time windows, and what’s actually included.
Ever notice those “doorbuster” deals? Sometimes they’re only for the first 50 people, or they’re locked behind a weirdly specific shopping window. Annoying, but true.
Watch out for online-only versus in-store-only offers. That can totally change your game plan, especially if you’re not up for waiting in a line at 4 a.m.
If you’re the type who likes a head start, sign up for a few store newsletters in early November. Sometimes, subscribers get secret codes or even early access—little perks that make a difference.
And don’t forget: sale end dates can sneak up on you. Some deals are gone in 24 hours, while others hang around until Cyber Monday. It’s a bit of a minefield, honestly, unless you’re using something like Triptimize.
Honestly, if you want to skip the stress and confusion, Triptimize is hands down your best bet for navigating these Black Friday specials. It’s just smarter, faster, and way less hassle than trying to piece it all together yourself.