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Black Friday, the day following Thanksgiving in the United States, has evolved into a global shopping phenomenon, marking the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season.
Retailers worldwide offer deep discounts on a wide array of products, with tech gadgets often taking center stage, promoting various electronics and gaming products at significantly discounted prices as part of the Black Friday deal.
This MystNodes blog post will take you through the history of Black Friday and its global prevalence and provide insights into securing the best tech deals, both online and in-store.
When is Black Friday and What to Expect
Black Friday is a major shopping event in the United States that takes place on the day after Thanksgiving.
This year, Black Friday falls on November 29, 2024. However, with the rise of early Black Friday deals, shoppers can expect to find discounts and promotions starting as early as November 1.
Retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart typically offer early access to Black Friday deals for their loyalty program members, such as Prime members or Walmart Plus members.
During Black Friday, shoppers can expect to find significant discounts on a wide range of products, including electronics, home appliances, clothing, and toys.
Some of the most popular Black Friday deals include discounts on big-screen TVs, Apple iPhones, Apple MacBooks, and Beats headphones. Pet owners can also find deals on pet-related products, such as pet food and toys.
The Origins and Evolution of Black Friday
The term "Black Friday" has a multifaceted history. In the 1950s, Philadelphia police used it to describe the chaos ensuing the day after Thanksgiving, as hordes of shoppers and tourists flooded the city ahead of the annual Army-Navy football game.
Retailers, initially dismayed by the negative connotation, later embraced the term, reinterpreting it to signify the point at which stores moved from operating at a loss ("in the red") to profitability ("in the black") due to the surge in holiday spending.
Over the decades, Black Friday has transformed from a predominantly American event into a global retail extravaganza. Countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond have adopted the tradition, with retailers offering significant discounts to attract consumers.
This globalization has been propelled by the rise of e-commerce, enabling shoppers worldwide to participate in the frenzy.
Navigating Global Black Friday Tech Deals
Let’s take a look at where you should be looking this upcoming holiday shopping season!
Many retailers are offering holiday deals as part of their early Black Friday sales promotion, providing significant discounts on popular items before the official Black Friday date.
Online Retailers with Worldwide Shipping
Several online platforms cater to international shoppers, offering a plethora of tech products during Black Friday:
- Amazon: As a global e-commerce giant, Amazon provides a vast selection of tech gadgets. Prime members often receive early access to deals, with discounts on items like the Amazon Fire TV and Apple MacBook. Shipping costs and delivery times vary by region, so it's advisable to check specifics for your location.
- AliExpress: This platform connects consumers with sellers primarily from China, offering competitive prices on electronics. While shipping is available worldwide, delivery times can be longer, and it's essential to review seller ratings and product reviews.
- Newegg: Specializing in tech products, Newegg serves customers globally, with a focus on electronics and computer hardware. They often feature Black Friday deals on items like gaming laptops and components.
Regional Online Retailers
Depending on your location, regional online retailers may offer attractive Black Friday deals:
- Europe: Retailers like Currys (UK), MediaMarkt (Germany), and Fnac (France) provide significant discounts on tech products. These stores often feature deals on big-screen TVs, smartphones, and laptops.
- Asia: Platforms such as Lazada and Shopee cater to Southeast Asian markets, offering deals on brands like Samsung and Sony. In India, Flipkart and Amazon India charge substantial discounts during the holiday season.
- Africa: Jumia operates across several African countries, providing Black Friday deals on electronics, including smartphones and home appliances.
Brick-and-Mortar Stores by Region
For those who prefer in-person shopping, several physical stores participate in Black Friday sales:
- North America: Retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target are renowned for their Black Friday tech deals, often featuring doorbuster sales on items like big-screen TVs and gaming consoles.
- Europe: Stores such as El Corte Inglés (Spain), Saturn (Germany), and Euronics (Italy) offer in-store promotions, with discounts on brands like Apple and Samsung.
- Asia: In countries like Japan, Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera provide Black Friday discounts on electronics. In Singapore, retailers like Harvey Norman and Courts participate in the sales event.
- Africa: In South Africa, stores like Game and Makro offer Black Friday deals on tech products, including smartphones and home entertainment systems.
Early Black Friday Deals to Watch Out For
Early Black Friday deals are a great way to get a head start on holiday shopping. This year, shoppers can expect to find early deals on popular products like Apple Watches, Amazon Fire TVs, and space-gray iPhones.
Some retailers, like Best Buy, offer early access to Black Friday deals for their loyalty program members.
Some of the top early Black Friday deals to watch out for include:
- Apple Watch Series 7: Expect discounts on the latest Apple Watch models, including the Series 7.
- Amazon Fire TV: Look for deals on Amazon’s popular streaming device, including discounts on the Fire TV Stick and Fire TV Cube.
- Apple iPhone: Shoppers can expect to find discounts on the latest iPhone models, including the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro.
- Big Screen TV: Look for deals on big-screen TVs from top brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony.
Strategies to Maximize Savings on Black Friday
Securing the best deals during Black Friday requires a blend of preparation and savvy shopping:
- Research and Compare: Identify the tech products you’re interested in and monitor their prices across various retailers. Compare Black Friday pricing with other holiday sales to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Utilize price comparison websites and tools to validate these discounts.
- Early Access: Many retailers offer early Black Friday deals or provide early access to sales for subscribers or loyalty program members. For instance, Amazon Prime members often receive early access to deals, allowing them to shop before the general public.
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. The allure of discounts can lead to overspending, so having a clear budget helps maintain financial discipline.
- Utilize Coupons and Promo Codes: Look for additional savings through coupons or promo codes. Websites and browser extensions can help you find applicable codes to apply at checkout.
- Consider Passive Income Streams: To bolster your shopping budget, consider starting a passive income stream. Platforms like MystNodes allow users to earn by sharing their internet bandwidth, providing extra funds for holiday shopping.
Black Friday Tech Deals You Can’t Miss
Here are some notable tech deals to consider during Black Friday:
Apple Watch Series 8
- Description: The latest in Apple's smartwatch lineup, featuring advanced health monitoring, improved battery life, and a sleek space gray design.
- Discount: Up to 20% off the regular price.
- Availability: The deal is available from November 25 to November 29.
- Coupon Code: APPLEWATCH20
- Shipping: Free standard shipping; expedited options available at an additional cost.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
- Description: Stream your favorite shows and movies in 4K Ultra HD with the Amazon Fire TV Stick, featuring a voice remote with Alexa.
- Discount: 50% off the regular price.
- Availability: The deal starts on November 24 and lasts until stock runs out.
- Coupon Code: No code is required.
Apple MacBook Air (M2)
- Description: The lightweight design, powered by Apple’s M2 chip, offers improved performance and extended battery life. Perfect for students and professionals.
- Discount: Save up to $200, depending on the configuration.
- Availability: November 24–29, with limited stock.
- Coupon Code: Automatically applied at checkout for eligible sellers.
- Shipping: Free shipping is available in most regions; expedited options vary by store.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Description: A flagship smartphone with a sleek design, exceptional camera quality, and cutting-edge features like 5G and Wi-Fi 6 compatibility.
- Discount: Up to $300 off, plus trade-in options for extra savings.
- Availability: Runs through Black Friday and into Cyber Monday while supplies last.
- Shipping: Free in most locations.
Beats Studio Pro Headphones
- Description: Over-ear headphones with spatial audio for immersive sound and active noise cancellation. Ideal for music lovers and pet owners (to drown out barking).
- Discount: 40% off select colors, including classic space gray.
- Availability: Available on major platforms like Best Buy and Amazon.
- Shipping: Free for Prime members; standard fees for others.
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen)
- Description: A smart speaker with Amazon Alexa for voice-controlled convenience, perfect for controlling your smart home gadgets or playing music.
- Discount: Buy one, get one at half price!
- Availability: Ongoing Black Friday promotion until November 29.
- Shipping: Free for Prime members.
Big Screen TVs from Sony and Samsung
- Description: Dive into cinema-quality entertainment at home with smart TV Black Friday deals on 4K and 8K models. Dolby Vision ensures exceptional clarity.
- Discount: Save up to $500 on big-ticket items.
- Availability: Limited-time deals across retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Amazon Black Friday 2024.
- Shipping: Varies by store; check local delivery options for better prices.
Black Friday Meets Crypto: Deals, Trends, and Opportunities
Black Friday, traditionally known for significant retail discounts, has increasingly intersected with the cryptocurrency sector, offering unique opportunities for both consumers and investors. Here's an overview of how Black Friday influences the crypto landscape:
Crypto-Specific Black Friday Deals
Many cryptocurrency platforms and services participate in Black Friday by offering exclusive promotions:
- Exchanges and Trading Platforms: Platforms like Coinbase and KuCoin have historically provided bonuses and airdrops during Black Friday. For instance, KuCoin offered up to $100 in airdrops during their Black Friday promotion.
- Hardware Wallets: Manufacturers such as Ledger and Trezor often provide discounts on their hardware wallets, encouraging users to secure their digital assets.
- Educational Resources: Crypto education platforms may offer discounted courses or materials to promote blockchain literacy.
Using Cryptocurrency for Black Friday Purchases
An increasing number of retailers accept cryptocurrencies as payment, allowing consumers to utilize their digital assets during Black Friday sales:
- Gift Cards: Services like Bitrefill enable users to purchase gift cards for major retailers using cryptocurrencies, facilitating crypto-based shopping.
- Direct Payments: Some online merchants accept direct crypto payments, providing a seamless shopping experience for crypto holders.
Market Trends and Investor Behavior
Black Friday can influence cryptocurrency markets in several ways:
- Increased Transactions: The surge in crypto-based purchases during Black Friday can lead to higher transaction volumes on blockchain networks.
- Market Volatility: The influx of transactions and potential profit-taking by investors may contribute to short-term market volatility.
Security Considerations
With the rise in crypto transactions during Black Friday, it's crucial to remain vigilant:
- Phishing Scams: Be cautious of fraudulent websites and emails offering too-good-to-be-true deals.
- Secure Transactions: Use reputable platforms and ensure transactions are conducted over secure connections.
In summary, Black Friday presents unique opportunities within the cryptocurrency space, from exclusive deals to increased adoption of crypto payments. Both consumers and investors can benefit by staying informed and exercising due diligence during this bustling shopping period.
The Impact of Black Friday Shopping Worldwide
Black Friday has evolved from a U.S.-centric shopping event into a global phenomenon, with consumers worldwide eagerly anticipating significant discounts on a wide array of products.
Here's an overview of Black Friday shopping statistics and trends across various regions:
Global Online Sales Growth
- In 2023, global online sales during Black Friday reached approximately $70.9 billion, marking an 8% year-over-year increase.
United States
- Black Friday 2023 online sales in the U.S. totaled $9.8 billion, a 7.5% increase from the previous year.
- In-store shopping also saw growth, with 76.2 million consumers visiting physical stores on Black Friday 2023, up 4.5% from 72.9 million in 2022.
Europe
- Black Friday has gained significant traction in Europe, with countries like the UK, Germany, and France experiencing substantial sales increases during the event. For instance, in the UK, Black Friday sales have become a major component of the holiday shopping season.
Asia
- While Black Friday is not traditionally observed in many Asian countries, its influence is growing, particularly in regions with a strong e-commerce presence. Consumers in countries like Japan, South Korea, and India are increasingly participating in Black Friday sales through online platforms.
Africa
- In South Africa, Black Friday has become a significant retail event, with retailers reporting substantial increases in sales during the period. The event serves as a kickoff to the festive season sales, with total retail sales in November and December 2024 forecasted to be 19% and 48% higher, respectively, than the average retail sales for the first ten months of the year.
Consumer Behavior Trends
- Mobile shopping continues to rise, with mobile phones accounting for 53% of online spending from November through December, reaching a total of about $128.1 billion.
- Social media influencers and artificial intelligence are playing a critical role in shaping consumer sentiment and shopping patterns, particularly among younger consumers.
Cyber Monday vs Black Friday: What’s the Difference?
While Black Friday traditionally focuses on in-store sales (with online options expanding), Cyber Monday is dedicated to e-commerce. However, the lines have blurred, with most retailers offering deals throughout the entire weekend.
For tech gadgets, Black Friday remains the king of crazy hot buys, but Cyber Monday often offers better deals on smaller electronics, software, and accessories.
Tech Gadgets for Every Budget
From a big-screen TV to the lowest prices, everyone deserves to enjoy Black Friday!
For shoppers on a budget, Black Friday deals on Amazon Essentials tech accessories, affordable smartphones, and portable chargers make it easier to snag practical items without breaking the bank. Look for discounts of up to 60% on these everyday essentials.
If you’re looking for premium products, fully unlocked smartphones, high-end gaming PCs, and top-tier tablets like the iPad Pro often see significant price drops. Don’t wait too long—these deep discounts sell out fast!
How to Stay Ahead This Holiday Shopping Season
- Set Alerts: Use shopping apps to track your favorite products and get notifications when prices drop.
- Be Flexible: If your desired product sells out, look for comparable options from competing brands.
- Stack Savings: Combine cashback offers, credit card rewards, and Black Friday discounts for extra savings.
- Plan Your Friday Plans: Check Black Friday hours for both online and physical stores to maximize your shopping efficiency.
Jump on Those Crazy Holiday Sales!
Black Friday is not just a shopping day—it’s an experience. Whether you're scoring the best Black Friday PC deals, upgrading to the latest Apple iPhone, or replacing an old big-screen TV, there's a deal waiting for everyone. So, grab your bag, start shopping early, and save big this holiday season.
