Black Friday is one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year, attracting millions of consumers eager to score major discounts and deals. But when exactly does Black Friday take place? How long does it last, and when does the next one roll around? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about when Black Friday occurs, including important dates, sale timelines, and why it remains a major event on the retail calendar.
When is Black Friday 2024?
Black Friday traditionally falls the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, which means it always occurs on the fourth Friday of November. In 2024, Black Friday will take place on November 29. While the date remains constant year after year, the significance and scale of the event continue to grow, with many retailers starting their promotions much earlier in the month.For example, while some stores and online platforms begin offering discounts in the days leading up to Black Friday, the official day still carries the most excitement and attention. Shoppers can expect both online and in-store deals, with various categories like electronics, fashion, and home goods available at steep discounts.
Is Black Friday just one day?Although Black Friday technically starts on the Friday after Thanksgiving, it often extends through the entire weekend, culminating in Cyber Monday, the online shopping extension. Some retailers even stretch their sales into the following week, calling it “Cyber Week” or “Black Friday Week.”
When Does Black Friday End?
Though the heart of Black Friday is the day itself, the discounts and deals continue well beyond Friday. Here’s a breakdown of when Black Friday events wrap up:
- In-Store Sales: Many physical stores close around midnight on Friday and reopen for the weekend, with sales continuing throughout the weekend.
- Online Sales: E-commerce websites often extend their deals well into the weekend and sometimes all the way until Cyber Monday, which happens on the following Monday after Black Friday.
- Cyber Monday: While technically not part of Black Friday, Cyber Monday offers online-exclusive deals and discounts, and it has become almost as big as Black Friday in terms of consumer participation.
When Will the New Black Friday Be?
While Black Friday 2024 is set for November 29, you might be wondering when the next Black Friday will be. Fortunately, Black Friday always happens on the same day every year: the Friday after Thanksgiving. So, after 2024, you can mark your calendars for:
- Black Friday 2025 will be on November 28.
- Black Friday 2026 will fall on November 27.
This consistency makes it easy for shoppers to prepare in advance for the year’s biggest sales event.
When to Start Preparing for Black Friday?
Even though Black Friday officially kicks off in late November, preparing early is crucial to getting the best deals. Here’s a quick checklist for getting ready:
- Sign up for Newsletters and Alerts – Many retailers send out early-bird notifications about upcoming Black Friday discounts. Sign up for alerts from your favorite brands to get early access to promotions.
- Create a Wishlist – Start browsing your favorite stores and note the items you want to purchase, so you’ll know where to focus your efforts.
- Set a Budget – With so many tempting offers, it’s easy to overspend. Set a budget in advance and stick to it.
- Watch for Pre-Black Friday Sales – Some retailers start offering Black Friday deals as early as the beginning of November, so keep an eye out for discounts before the official day.
Many platforms like Shopee and Amazon even kick off their Black Friday-related deals earlier, making it essential to act fast. Be ready to grab those discounts the moment they drop.
When Is Black Friday in Other Regions?
While Black Friday is most commonly associated with the U.S., it has spread worldwide, with many countries offering their own sales events. For example:
- In the U.K., Black Friday has become a key part of the shopping calendar, even though it doesn’t coincide with Thanksgiving.
- Shopee’s Black Friday sale typically happens in Southeast Asia, and can start earlier than the U.S. counterpart, often lasting throughout the entire month of November.
These events may vary slightly by region, but the central idea remains the same: massive savings on various products, both online and offline.
Conclusion
Black Friday remains an exciting time for consumers worldwide, offering unbeatable deals and a chance to knock out holiday shopping early. While the official day is always the Friday after Thanksgiving, it’s important to stay vigilant, as many sales begin well before the big day itself. Whether you’re shopping in-store, online, or participating in global sales events like those from Shopee, Black Friday is the ultimate opportunity to score discounts.So mark your calendars for November 29, 2024, and start preparing now. Your wallet—and your gift list—will thank you.
