The holiday season is upon us, and that means Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just around the corner. With Halloween in the rearview, some retailers have already begun rolling out early Black Friday deals. So, if you’re eager to get a jump on holiday shopping and snag some early discounts, now is the time to take advantage. Here’s a guide to the key dates and everything you need to know for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2024.

When is Black Friday 2024?

This year, Black Friday falls on November 29, 2024. This long-anticipated day has evolved from a one-day shopping event to a much broader season, with early sales starting weeks ahead of time, allowing shoppers to save all month long. Major retailers like Game, HiFi Corp, Makro, and iStore typically launch their best deals leading up to Black Friday and often carry them through the weekend.

When is Cyber Monday 2024?

Cyber Monday is set for December 2, 2024. Originally coined to boost online shopping after the weekend, Cyber Monday is now a major shopping day worldwide. You can expect to find deep discounts on electronics, home goods, clothing, and more, with a particular focus on tech gadgets like laptops, tablets, smartphones, and smart home devices. Many stores extend their Cyber Monday deals to Cyber Week, continuing to offer savings in the days following Cyber Monday.

What is Cyber Week and the Cyber 5?

Cyber Week has become a widely recognized shopping period that starts with Black Friday and continues through Cyber Monday. In 2024, Cyber Week begins on November 29 and extends through December 2, offering shoppers several days of savings. Within Cyber Week, there’s a subset known as the “Cyber 5,” which encompasses the five key shopping days from Black Friday to Cyber Monday. This period is known for some of the best deals of the year, making it an ideal time to buy holiday gifts or to upgrade your tech and home essentials.

When Will Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals Start?

The early holiday sales are already underway, with some retailers launching their Black Friday deals right after Halloween. For those who want to beat the rush, these early deals are a great way to lock in savings on items that typically sell out fast, such as popular toys, high-demand tech gadgets, and home goods. Many retailers are expected to increase their sales frequency as Black Friday and Cyber Monday draw closer with retailers offering new deals daily across popular categories like electronics, fashion, beauty, and more.

What Are the Best Products to Buy During Black Friday and Cyber Monday?

Electronics and Tech: Black Friday is known for massive discounts on tech products. Look for deals on smartphones, laptops, tablets, TVs, headphones, and gaming consoles.
Home Goods and Appliances: Items such as robot vacuums, kitchen appliances, cookware, and home entertainment systems also go on sale. These products often come with significant discounts, making Black Friday an ideal time to upgrade or purchase home essentials.
Fashion and Beauty: Many apparel brands offer steep discounts during Black Friday, and beauty brands often join the sales rush with exclusive deals on makeup, skincare, and hair care products.
Toys and Games: Black Friday is an excellent time to buy toys for holiday gifting. Major retailers like Target and Walmart offer deals on popular toys, board games, and video games, allowing you to save on gifts for kids.

How Long Will Holiday Deals Last?

Although Black Friday and Cyber Monday are traditionally the peak shopping days, the deals don’t end there. Some discounts are likely to extend into early December as retailers try to keep the momentum going. However, keep in mind that the most popular items often sell out fast. Many early shoppers report that some of the best discounts appear before Black Friday, so staying updated on deal alerts and making a list of must-have items is essential for maximizing savings.

How to Maximise Savings This Black Friday

To make the most out of Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, here are some useful tips:

Make a Shopping List: Outline both the “need” and “want” items you’re interested in. Include essentials you’ve been waiting to purchase and other wishlist items you’re willing to buy if the price is right.
Research Ahead: Read reviews and check product specs in advance. This will help you make informed purchases on big shopping days and avoid the hassle of last-minute research when items are quickly going out of stock.
Set a Budget: Black Friday can be tempting, but it’s wise to set a spending limit to prevent overspending on items you may not actually need.
Avoid Price Matching: Many stores don’t offer price matching during Black Friday, so it’s often better to grab a deal when you see it rather than wait for another retailer to match the price.
Consider Online Shopping: With online shopping offering greater variety and convenience, you might prefer the online route. Popular items tend to sell out quickly, so shopping early online can help you find the products, sizes, or colors you’re after without the in-store rush.

In-Person vs. Online Black Friday Shopping

While Black Friday shopping has largely moved online, many stores still offer in-person deals. Retailers like Target, Walmart, and Best Buy often extend their Black Friday promotions to both online and physical stores, with some exclusive deals only available in person. If you prefer the in-store experience, just remember that larger items, like TVs and gaming consoles, might sell out faster online.

Final Tips for Shopping Success

Start early, plan ahead, and shop smart. As retailers continue to extend holiday sales into Cyber Week, shoppers have more time than ever to find discounts. Monitor deal sites, follow trusted brands, and use tools like price comparison apps to help make informed choices and snag the best prices.

Whether you’re planning to update your tech gadgets or complete your holiday gift list, Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer significant savings opportunities. Mark your calendars for November 29 (Black Friday) and December 2 (Cyber Monday), and get ready to save big!