how to shop like a pro during As the holiday shopping season approaches, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are set to remain the pinnacle of retail sales, even amidst a landscape filled with year-round discounts.
how to shop like a pro during
The Importance of Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Despite the prevalence of sales throughout the year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday continue to stand out as the biggest shopping days of the year. Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target prepare extensively for these events, offering significant discounts on a wide range of products. This year, shoppers can expect to find deals on electronics, home goods, clothing, and much more. With the right preparation, consumers can maximize their savings and ensure they don’t miss out on the best offers.
Preparing for the Shopping Frenzy
To make the most out of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s crucial to have a game plan in place. This involves scouting early sales, setting up price-tracking tools, and configuring alerts to catch rare discounts. Here are several strategies to help you navigate the shopping landscape effectively.
Leverage a Price-Tracking Tool or Deal Aggregator
One of the most effective ways to find great deals is to utilize a price-tracking tool. These tools help you monitor prices across various retailers, ensuring you are notified when your desired products drop in price. Below are some popular options:
- CamelCamelCamel: This tool tracks prices for every product sold on Amazon. Users can set alerts for specific price thresholds and receive notifications via email when prices drop. The Camelizer browser extension enhances the experience by allowing users to view pricing trends directly on Amazon’s product pages.
- Keepa: Similar to CamelCamelCamel, Keepa provides price tracking for Amazon products. Users can install a browser extension that automatically adds a price history graph to product listings. Keepa also allows users to set price alerts through various channels, including email and push notifications.
- Slickdeals: This platform aggregates deals from across the internet, relying on both its team and community users to identify the best offers. Users can set deal alerts based on specific keywords, ensuring they are notified when relevant discounts become available.
- Browser Extensions: Both Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome have built-in features that notify users when they are looking at the best price for a product. These tools can track price fluctuations and alert users when a product goes on sale.
Set Up Deal Alerts for Alexa or the Amazon App
If you own an Alexa-compatible device, you can take advantage of its capabilities to receive deal alerts. By configuring the Alexa app, you can set notifications for specific products, ensuring you are informed of price drops. Similarly, the Amazon Shopping app allows users to receive notifications about deals and recommendations directly on their smartphones.
Understanding Retailer Schedules and Early Shopping Events
Many retailers are already announcing their plans for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, often offering early shopping events. Here’s a look at what some major retailers have planned:
- Walmart: The retailer is hosting online shopping events on November 14th and November 25th, with early access for Walmart Plus customers. In-store events are also scheduled for November 14th through 16th and on Black Friday itself, November 28th.
- Target: Target is ramping up its early shopping efforts with a three-day event from November 6th to 8th, alongside week-long promotions starting from November 2nd through December 24th. The retailer will also offer price matching through Christmas.
- Best Buy: Best Buy will kick off its early Black Friday event on October 31st, with doorbusters available every Friday until November 20th. The extended Black Friday sale will run through November 29th, followed by a two-day Cyber Monday sale on November 30th and December 1st.
As more retailers announce their plans, it’s advisable to keep an eye on their websites and fill your calendar with important dates. Early preparation can lead to significant savings.
Maximizing Opportunities: Lightning Deals and Doorbusters
During Black Friday and Cyber Monday, doorbusters and lightning deals are common. These limited-time offers often feature steep discounts, drawing in consumers eager to snag a bargain. It’s essential to pay attention to these deals and understand the fine print, as some may require early sign-ups or have limited availability.
Have a Price-Matching Backup Plan
When shopping during these sales, it’s wise to know the price-matching policies of your preferred retailers. While many stores will match competitors’ prices, some may temporarily suspend these policies during Black Friday events. Familiarizing yourself with each retailer’s price-matching guidelines can save you time and money if your preferred store runs out of stock.
Trusting the Experts
If you find yourself overwhelmed by the myriad of deals available, rest assured that expert resources are available to guide you. Websites like The Verge will curate the best deals on technology and other products, keeping their coverage up to date with new sales while removing outdated offers. This ensures that you have access to the most relevant information as you navigate the shopping landscape.
Bookmark and Follow for Updates
To catch every opportunity to save, consider bookmarking expert coverage, following them on social media platforms, and subscribing to newsletters. This proactive approach will keep you informed about the latest deals and help you plan your shopping strategy effectively.
Conclusion: A Strategic Approach to Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday present unique opportunities for consumers to save on a wide array of products. By preparing in advance, utilizing price-tracking tools, and staying informed about retailer schedules, shoppers can maximize their savings during this bustling shopping season. Whether you prefer to shop in-store or online, having a clear strategy will enhance your shopping experience and ensure you don’t miss out on the best deals.
Source: Original report
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Last Modified: October 31, 2025 at 4:37 am
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