Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year in New York. This American tradition offers exceptional discounts of up to 80% off the regular prices, making it a must for all bargain-seekers.
What is Black Friday?
The shopping event of the year
Black Friday takes place the day after Thanksgiving, officially marking the start of the Christmas shopping season. It’s a day for retailers to take their accounts “from red to black”, hence its emblematic name. In New York, this tradition takes on exceptional proportions, with millions of visitors flocking to Manhattan’s department stores.
Date of Black Friday 2025
In 2025, Black Friday will take place on November 28. As Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday in November in New York, Black Friday automatically follows on Friday. The sales now start on Thanksgiving evening (Thursday) in many stores, so that customers can take advantage of the best deals.
What can you expect on the big day?
Spectacular discounts
Get ready for MEGA sales on all kinds of products! Discounts are particularly available on :
- Apple products (iPhone, iPad, Mac) with unique promotions throughout the year
- HD TVs and electronic
- Clothing from leading international brands
- Trendy toys for the festive season
The frenetic atmosphere of Black Friday
Black Friday in New York means long queues, dense crowds and frantic shopping! It’s the busiest day of the year on the streets of Manhattan. Items sell out like hotcakes, so it’s crucial to get up early to grab the best deals and still have plenty of choice in every size.
The best shopping destinations
Must-see department stores
Macy’s Herald Square opens its doors at around 6am, with already impressive queues. This temple to shopping offers exceptional deals on every floor. Door buster deals are particularly attractive.
Best Buy is THE place to be for all electronics fans. You’ll find the best deals on televisions, computers and high-tech gadgets.
The Apple Stores offer their unique annual promotions, the only opportunity of the year to get discounts at Apple!
Designer outlets
New York’s Designer Outlets remains the ideal place to find designer clothes at rock-botton prices all year round. On Black Friday, the reductions are even more impressive than during the rest of the year, with discounts reaching record levels.
Strategies and tips for a successful Black Friday
Door buster deals
The best way to take advantage of the lowest prices is to hunt out door buster deals. These mega-sold items are available when the doors open or very early in the morning. It’s essential to get up early because :
- the number of items is strictly limited
- once sold, there are no more items in stock
- a maximum ofone item per person
- savings can be spectacular (up to 80% off)
Advance preparation
Check out the advertisements in the New York newspapers around Thanksgiving. Pick up a local newspaper to find all the discount coupons that will help you save even more.
Look for bargains online in the days leading up to Thanksgiving:
- visit department stores’ websites directly
- check special opening hours (shops stay open longer)
- find the addresses of the shops you really want to visit
Practical questions
Officially, Black Friday lasts just one day, the Friday after Thanksgiving. However, most shops in New York extend their offers into the weekend, and sometimes even into the following Monday, creating a truly exceptional week of sales.
The Black Friday sales start on Thanksgiving evening in many stores. This practice spreads out the crowds and offers more opportunities to the most motivated bargain hunters.
The day after Black Friday, don’t miss Small Business Saturday! This day encourages support for small local businesses in New York. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover authentic shops in different neighborhoods while still taking advantage of great bargains.
Yes, NYC.eu relays all the offers that allow you to save money on your trip to New York. The various Passes often offer substantial discounts, as do hotels. To keep up to date with Black Friday offers, sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of the page.
Practical tips for your day
What you need to know
- Arrive early: the best bargains are snapped up in the first few hours
- Make a targeted list: concentrate on no more than 2-3 stores
- Wear comfortable shoes: you’ll be walking a lot
- Be patient: lines are part of the experience
- Keep your receipts: some stores offer tax refunds for tourists
Black Friday in New York is much more than just a day of shopping, it’s an authentic cultural experience that immerses you in the heart of American tradition. With the right preparation and the right strategies, you’ll have an unforgettable shopping adventure in the Big Apple!
