Notable Black Friday Shopping Deals

It may be a case of survival of the fittest when it comes to shopping on Black Friday in the United States, but if you’re a bargain hunter there’s no doubt the deals on this special shopping occasion will be worth it.

The History of Black Friday
Initially coined in the 1860s, the term Black Friday was used to describe the stock-market panic trigged by the suddenly plunging gold prices. It was then adapted and used to describe the terrible traffic congestion the day after American Thanksgiving. The term evolved some more, and finally landed in the retail sector. Stores would often say they were ‘in the black’ the Friday following American Thanksgiving, meaning they were turning a profit that day. Although Canadians don’t get Black Friday as a holiday, we certainly don’t let that hold us back from taking part in some of the biggest discounts of the year and contributing to one of the most significant shopping days in North America.

Black Friday traditionally marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season and most major retailers open extremely early, often at 4 a.m. or earlier, to kick off the shopping season.

In order to prepare you for the shopping extravaganza, we’ve decided to compile a list of outlets and online stores in the US that are famous for offering some of the best Black Friday bargains. 

Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets 
This outlet strip in upstate New York is known for having some of the most notable deals in the country for Black Friday.

This year, the centre will open its doors at midnight after Thanksgiving with some select stores even opening earlier. Luckily for shoppers, the sale will run right through the weekend so there’s no need to feel deflated if you can’t get the Friday off work.

Some of the to-die-for bargains advertised already include 30% off the entire store at Polo Ralph Lauren; buy one pair and get 50% off a second pair at Timberland; and 25% off suits and suit separates at Kasper. Bigger and Better bargains will undoubtedly be announced as Friday approaches.   

Macy’s 
Macy’s is of course synonymous with New York’s shopping scene and it too is set to have some notable steals for this year’s Black Friday.

You can expect great bargains on designer labels, as well considerable discounts on a range of perfume brands and jewellery.

Peace Bridge Duty Free
This is probably the first port of call for Torontonians hoping to indulge in some cross-border shopping on Black Friday.

Pandora, which is located in-store, has jumped the gun already and have revealed a piece of jewellery exclusive to Black Friday 2011. Midnight Heart, a sterling silver piece with black enamel and 14k gold, will retail at $105. A limited edition piece like this is enough to get Pandora fans on the road already.

Best Buy
Best Buy is famous for its Black Friday offers, from widescreen TVs to MacBooks. If you’re looking for electronics at incredibly low prices on Black Friday, this is the place to be. 

The store has already announced some Black Friday exclusives, including a 17.3-inch Toshiba laptop for $349.99; a Samsung 55-inch LED TV at $999.99; and an 8GB iPod Touch available for $194.99. Also included will be a $50 Best Buy gift card.

Amazon.com
If trekking south of the border is not an option for you, then jump online and get some great deals from the comfort of your own home at Amazom.com.

This year Amazon are expanding Black Friday into a week-long shopping affair called “Black Friday Deals Week,” so you’ll have no excuse not to engage in the shopping madness.

The Apple Store
Rumour has it that Apple will be offering some major Black Friday deals this year but once again nothing will be revealed until the big day.

If last year is anything to go by, we can expect something in the range of $50 off the new iPad and up to $100 off MacBooks.