NEW YORK, NY — Black Friday remains a pivotal day in holiday shopping, with major retailers opening early and offering a mix of in-store exclusives and online deals, despite weeks of early promotions in the e-commerce era.
The four-day shopping period, known as BFCM (Black Friday through Cyber Monday), is a key time for discounts on big-ticket items and trendy products. Many stores are extending their hours Friday to attract shoppers. Below is a list of prominent retailers and their Black Friday hours:
- Best Buy: Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Dick’s Sporting Goods: Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Home Depot: Open 6 a.m.; closing times vary by store.
- JCPenney: Open 5 a.m.
- Kohl’s: Open 5 a.m.
- Lowe’s: Open 6 a.m.
- Macy’s: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. (hours vary by location).
- Sam’s Club: Open during regular hours.
- Sephora: Hours vary by location, with some opening early or staying open late.
- Target: Open 6 a.m.
- Walmart: Open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Consumer advocates urge shoppers to research prices, compare deals, and read fine print to ensure they’re getting genuine discounts on items they need.
For many, Black Friday shopping is also a chance to experience the festive atmosphere of malls and shopping districts, making it as much a tradition as a transaction.
Black Friday, long considered the unofficial launch of the holiday shopping season, remains a major event for shoppers and retailers alike, despite the growing dominance of e-commerce and weeks of early online promotions.
The four-day shopping period from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, often referred to as BFCM, is still a prime time for deals on big-ticket items, seasonal merchandise, and trendy products. Retailers are counting on a mix of online sales and in-store experiences to lure holiday shoppers.
Major chains are opening early Friday morning, with many promising exclusive in-store offers to entice customers. Best Buy, Target, and Walmart are among the retailers opening their doors at 6 a.m., while others like JCPenney and Kohl’s are kicking off even earlier at 5 a.m. Most stores will operate extended hours to accommodate shoppers throughout the day.
Consumer advocates continue to urge shoppers to exercise caution when hunting for deals. Experts recommend comparing prices, researching product histories, and reading the fine print to ensure they secure legitimate discounts on items they genuinely want.
For some, Black Friday is more than just a shopping spree. Local malls and shopping centers offer a festive holiday atmosphere, complete with seasonal music and decor, making the day a social event as much as an economic one.