Walmart reveals 3 exciting Black Friday events for 2025

Thanksgiving remains two weeks away, but major retailers are already rolling out their Black Friday promotions in a competitive push to capture early holiday shoppers. Walmart has unveiled an ambitious three-phase approach to Black Friday 2025, with deals launching in mid-November and extending through Cyber Monday in early December. Meanwhile, Target is preparing its own extended sale period, creating multiple opportunities for consumers to secure discounts before the traditional shopping frenzy begins.

The early start reflects retailers’ ongoing strategy to spread out holiday shopping over several weeks rather than concentrating it into a single chaotic weekend. This approach benefits both stores, which can manage inventory and staffing more efficiently, and shoppers, who gain flexibility to hunt for deals without battling massive crowds on a single day.

Three waves of Walmart savings

Walmart’s 2025 Black Friday strategy divides promotions into three distinct events, each offering different advantages for shoppers. The retailer operates 111 locations throughout New York state, ensuring broad accessibility for customers who prefer in-store shopping alongside robust online options.

1. The first event runs Nov. 14-16, with Walmart+ members receiving exclusive early access beginning Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. EST. This five-hour head start allows premium members to claim popular items before general availability. Shoppers can find deals both online and in physical stores throughout the entire three-day window.

Notable discounts during this initial phase include a 98-inch TCL QLED 4K Google TV dropping from $1,798 to $998, representing a $800 savings on premium home entertainment. Families preparing for the holidays will find the Barbie Malibu Travel Playset reduced from $21.88 to just $12, while tech-savvy shoppers can grab the Cricut Explore 3 Bundle for $197.99, down from its regular $410 price point.

Home cleaning gets more affordable with the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum Cleaner slashed from $729 to $399.99. Parents shopping for bigger gifts will appreciate the Ford 24V Ride-On vehicle, cut in half from $599.99 to $299.99. Even practical purchases like the entire line of Goodyear Reliant All-Season Tires come with $30 off per tire.

2. The second event spans Nov. 25-30, though with an important distinction in availability. Online deals launch Nov. 25-27 exclusively through Walmart’s website, then expand to include in-store shopping Nov. 28-30. Walmart+ members again receive five-hour early online access starting Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. EST, positioning them ahead of the Thanksgiving rush.
3. The final event takes place entirely online on Cyber Monday, Dec. 1. This digital-only shopping day caters to those who prefer avoiding physical stores altogether during the busy holiday season. Premium members get their customary five-hour head start beginning Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. EST.

Membership advantages and costs

Walmart+ serves as the retailer’s answer to Amazon Prime, offering early deal access, free shipping and additional perks throughout the year. The service costs $98 annually, equivalent to approximately $8.17 monthly, though the company provides a 30-day free trial for new members to test the benefits before committing.

For shoppers planning significant Black Friday purchases, the early access window could justify the membership cost, particularly when competing for limited-quantity doorbusters on high-demand electronics and toys. The free trial strategy allows consumers to leverage premium benefits during the crucial shopping season without immediate financial commitment.

Target enters the competition

Target concluded its early Black Friday sale on Nov. 8 but continues offering discounts up to 50% throughout November on select items through its website. The company’s main holiday push launches online Thursday, Nov. 27, running through Tuesday, Dec. 2, though specific deal details remain under wraps.

Unlike Walmart’s paid membership model, Target Circle operates as a free rewards program accessible through Target.com or the mobile app. Members must enroll in Target Circle to unlock early access to Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions, though the company has not yet disclosed exactly what early access entails or when it begins.

Strategic shopping approach

With multiple retailers launching extended sale periods, consumers can adopt a more strategic approach to holiday shopping. Comparing prices across different promotional windows, tracking specific items through various sales phases, and leveraging free membership trials can maximize savings potential. The expanded timeline also reduces pressure to make rushed decisions on major purchases, allowing shoppers to research products thoroughly before committing their holiday budgets.