Don't Waste Your Money on Black Friday: Here Are the Best Dates for Shopping!

As Black Friday, one of the biggest shopping periods of the year in the United States, approaches, millions of consumers have begun to anticipate discount campaigns. However, a new shopping study has revealed that Black Friday is not the most advantageous period for every product. When price movements from previous years were examined, it was found that some items were offered at more favorable prices in December rather than during the large November discount campaigns.

This year's Black Friday, scheduled for Friday, November 27 in the United States, will feature discounts across many categories, from electronics to apparel, cosmetics to household goods. Yet high discount rates do not always translate into the lowest prices of the year. Choosing the right shopping time for items such as bags, suitcases, perfume, and electronic toys can make a significant difference in consumers' budgets.

Black Friday Is Not the Cheapest Period for Every Product

Black Friday, one of the busiest days of the shopping season in the United States, drives millions of consumers to stores and online sites every year. However, historical price data shows that the biggest discounts for some products can occur after November.

Consumers preparing for holiday shopping should pay attention not only to discount tags but also to previous sale prices. After all, the same item can be sold at a lower price a few weeks after appearing discounted in a Black Friday campaign.

Those Buying Bags Can Wait Until December

One of the categories that stood out in the study was bags. Although many brands run discount campaigns during the Black Friday period, it was found that more advantageous prices can be seen in December.

Especially mid‑December stands out as a suitable period for consumers who want to take advantage of discounts and choose among different models and color options.

For those targeting only the lowest price, end‑of‑season campaigns at the end of December can be more advantageous. However, there is a risk that popular models will run out and product variety will shrink during this period.

The Right Time Matters in Perfume Shopping

In contrast, perfumes, which are among the most popular gifts during the Christmas season, present a different picture.

According to price trends from previous years, discounts in the perfume and cologne categories do not necessarily increase as Christmas approaches. On the contrary, the selection of discounted products may shrink in the final weeks of the year.

Thus, for consumers planning to purchase perfume, the first two weeks after the Black Friday weekend can be a more advantageous period. This enables them to benefit from lower prices and to access a broader selection of products.

The Biggest Discounts on Suitcases Come at the End of December

Another key finding that concerns those planning to travel is the appearance of discounts on suitcases and travel accessories.

For luggage organizers and various travel accessories, November—especially the Black Friday period—can offer advantageous deals.

However, it is noted that the highest discounts on large suitcases are usually seen in end‑of‑December clearance campaigns.

Therefore, consumers who do not have imminent travel plans and are not in a hurry to buy a suitcase can encounter more favorable prices by following the campaigns in the final weeks of the year.

Important Warning for Families Buying Electronic Toys

There are also striking findings for families planning to buy New Year's gifts for their children.

According to past shopping data, the biggest discounts in categories such as motorized and tech toys can be seen in the last weeks of December.

Therefore, families considering buying electronic toys are advised to go beyond Black Friday deals and also monitor December prices.

However, leaving the purchase for the last days carries some risks. In particular, it is necessary to check the stores' final shipping dates to ensure online orders are delivered before Christmas.

Black Friday Deals on Televisions and Game Consoles

There is no need to wait until December for every product. In certain technology items, the Black Friday period can offer significant discount opportunities.

Especially in video games and game consoles, the Black Friday weekend can feature eye‑catching campaigns. Televisions, sound systems, and some home‑electronics items also belong to categories worth monitoring during this period.

Nonetheless, it is important for consumers to compare prices across different stores, check the pre‑discount sale prices, and investigate whether the product is truly being sold at a lower price.

Saving More by Tracking Prices Is Possible

Price‑tracking tools are increasingly gaining importance for consumers shopping in the United States. While shopping online, reviewing previous prices of products, enabling price‑drop notifications, and comparing different sellers can prevent unnecessary spending.

In particular, the fact that large retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy can offer different prices for the same product during their promotional periods makes pre‑shopping comparison even more important.

It is recommended that consumers, instead of focusing solely on the discount percentage, examine the product's price changes over the past weeks, take shipping costs into account, and check the return conditions.

Don't be fooled by discount tags.

Past shopping data does not guarantee that discounts in 2026 will occur on the same dates. Store inventory levels, demand for products, and campaign policies can cause price changes.

Therefore, consumers should examine price history before shopping, compare different stores, and avoid making purchase decisions based solely on high discount rates.

As the New Year's shopping season approaches in the United States, these emerging data send an important message to consumers: the biggest discount may not always be on Black Friday. Buying the right product at the right time can yield significant savings in the shopping budget.