A sign promoting Black Friday deals stands in a Best Buy store in 2024 in south Denver, Colo.
AP Photo | David Zalubowski
By Elissa Maudlin | Daily Journal
emaudlin@dailyjournal.net
Customers and retailers are gearing up for one of the biggest shopping days of the year.
Black Friday is an opportunity for shoppers to take advantage of top deals for items on their gift list. Over the last decade, the yearly event has turned into a week-long shopping occasion and online shopping has extended to Cyber Monday and even Cyber Week. There are even more opportunities for shoppers to save money.
Participation in Black Friday and Cyber Monday is expected to increase slightly this year, according to a study from business management consultant Deloitte. The survey shows that 82% of respondents plan to shop during the week, according to a press release.
However, the amount of money shoppers intend to spend has decreased 4% since last year and is expected to average $622. Like last year, two-thirds of shoppers in the study, or 64% plan to use financing options, according to Deloitte.
While Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer both in-store and online options, two-thirds or 68% of respondents plan to shop at online-only retailers, but 72% of Gen Z shoppers plan to shop in-store, compared to 49% of all shoppers, the study says.
Top reasons to shop in stores on Black Friday include taking advantage of deals and enjoying shopping with friends and family, while top reasons to shop online on Cyber Monday include avoiding crowded retail stores, saving time and effort, and taking advantage of the best technology deals, respondents said.
As for items, 76% of shoppers want to buy clothes and accessories, 56% want to buy electronics and accessories, 52% want to buy toys and hobby items, and 51% want to buy gift cards, the study says.
Greenwood Park Mall at 1251 N. U.S. Highway 31 and Indiana Premium Outlets at 11622 NE Executive Dr. in Edinburgh will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Black Friday.
At Greenwood Park Mall, there will be deals at places like Windsor where shoppers can receive 20% off on Nov. 28 with an additional 10% off when they download the app, and Lovesac, where shoppers can get 40% off of everything for the week. Pacsun offers a buy one, get one 50% off of everything through Sunday, and Yankee Candle is offering buy two, get the third free through Sunday.
Shoppers at Indiana Premium Outlets could save up to 65% off or more at stores, said Leigh Reinert, area director of marketing and business development for stores including Indiana Premium Outlets.
Deals include Tommy Hilfiger, which has 50% off everything in store and 20% off a purchase of $100 or more, or 15% off an entire purchase. Kate Spade New York has 70% off of everything, plus an additional 25% off of certain gifts. Another store HEYDUDE, has buy one, get one 50% off during Black Friday and through the weekend, Reinert said.
Statement sweaters with playful and colorful patterns, fragrance sets, and fitness-related items tend to trend during Black Friday at Indiana Premium Outlets. Plush holiday pajamas are also a trend, Reinert said.
Walmart is offering up to 50% off technology, 40% off tools, and other deals. Shoppers can save on items like a portable outdoor basketball hoop, Real Relax recliner, restored Dyson Airwrap, Apple Airpods 4 and a digital Fortnite bundle.
Target provides a holiday price match guarantee where the store will match the price if it decreases on items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24.
Shoppers can also save on technology deals, like up to $200 on Apple devices and receive up to 50% off headphones and speakers, up to 50% off select video games and up to 30% off TVs, soundbars and streaming devices.
For toys, shoppers can buy one, get one 50% off select Marvel, Tonies and other toys, up to 50% off board games and puzzles, up to 60% off toddler toys and 50% off art and writing kits.
The store also offers 40% off sweatpants, sweatshirts and denim, alongside up to 50% off kitchen and dining items, up to 50% off floor care items, up to 50% off artificial Christmas trees and up to 40% off indoor furniture.
Amazon is offering up to 45% off for the week of Black Friday, with deals on categories like garden and DIY, sporting goods, tech and gaming, essentials, home and kitchen, beauty, fashion and holiday gifts.
