Your Complete Guide to Walmart's Black Friday Deals

Black Friday at Walmart is one of the biggest shopping events of the year, and being prepared is the key to snagging the best deals. If you’re wondering when the sales start, what to expect, and how to get ahead of the crowds, you’ve come to the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know.

The Modern Walmart Black Friday: It's a Month-Long Event

Forget the single-day chaos of the past. For the last several years, Walmart has transformed its Black Friday into a multi-event celebration called “Walmart Deals for Days.” Instead of one frantic day, the deals are spread across several events throughout November, both online and in stores.

This approach makes shopping less stressful and gives you multiple opportunities to save. Typically, Walmart announces the specific dates for each event in late October. Based on previous years, the pattern usually looks something like this:

  • Event 1 (Early November): The first wave of deals kicks off online, often on a Monday, with deals becoming available in stores a few days later, on a Wednesday or Friday.
  • Event 2 (Mid-November): A second, distinct set of deals is released, following a similar online-first schedule.
  • Event 3 (Black Friday Week): This is the main event. The biggest and most anticipated deals go live online early in the week (often the Monday before Thanksgiving) and then in stores on Black Friday itself.
  • Cyber Monday: The savings continue with a final online-only event focused heavily on electronics, home goods, and other top gifts.

The most important takeaway is that most deals go live on Walmart.com first. If you wait to shop in the physical store, you might miss out on the most popular items.

The Secret Weapon: Early Access with Walmart+

If you are serious about getting the best deals, a Walmart+ membership is your most powerful tool. For every online “Deals for Days” event, Walmart+ members get exclusive early access.

This isn’t just a small head start. In the past, this early access window has been anywhere from three to seven hours before the deals are available to the general public. For high-demand items like the latest gaming consoles (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X), popular Apple products like AirPods, or deeply discounted TVs, this early window is often when they sell out. If a specific hot-ticket item is on your list, a Walmart+ membership can be the difference between getting it and missing it.

What Kinds of Deals Can You Expect?

While the exact ad scan isn’t released until closer to November, we can predict the top categories based on years of Black Friday trends.

Top Tier Electronics

This is always the star of the show. Expect major price drops on:

  • Televisions: Look for incredible deals on 4K Smart TVs, especially from Walmart’s house brand onn. and other budget-friendly brands like Hisense and TCL. You can often find 50-inch or larger TVs for just a few hundred dollars.
  • Laptops: Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops from brands like HP, Acer, and Lenovo are frequently available for under $200, making them perfect for students or basic home use.
  • Headphones and Earbuds: Apple AirPods are always a massive seller and usually see one of their best discounts of the year. You’ll also find great deals on headphones from brands like Beats and Sony.
  • Tablets: Both Apple iPads and Samsung Galaxy Tabs see significant price reductions.

Must-Have Toys

Walmart is a toy powerhouse, and Black Friday is the best time to shop for the holidays.

  • LEGO Sets: Expect discounts of 20-40% on a wide range of popular LEGO sets, from Star Wars to Harry Potter.
  • Dolls and Action Figures: Look for deals on Barbie, Rainbow High, and popular action figures from Marvel and DC.
  • Outdoor Toys: Bicycles, scooters, and ride-on electric cars for kids are classic doorbuster items.

Home and Kitchen Essentials

This is the perfect time to upgrade your home appliances.

  • Kitchen Gadgets: Air fryers from Ninja and Gourmia, coffee makers from Keurig, and stand mixers are always hot items. You can often find popular gadgets for 50% off or more.
  • Vacuums: Look for deep discounts on cordless and robotic vacuums from top brands like Shark, Hoover, and iRobot Roomba.
  • Home Goods: Bedding sets, towels, and home organization products also see significant markdowns.

Your Step-by-Step Action Plan for Success

Preparation is everything. Follow these steps to get ready for the big event.

  1. Sign Up for a Walmart.com Account: Do this well in advance. Save your shipping address and payment information so you can check out in seconds. The fastest person to click “complete purchase” wins.
  2. Consider a Walmart+ Membership: If you have your heart set on a popular item, the early access alone can be worth the cost of a membership for a month.
  3. Download the Walmart App: The app is the easiest way to shop the sales. You can create wish lists, get notifications when items go on sale, and even use the store map feature if you plan to shop in person.
  4. Make Your Shopping List: Browse Walmart.com now and save items you’re interested in to a list. When the deals go live, you can quickly see what’s discounted and add it to your cart.
  5. Study the Ad Scan: As soon as Walmart releases its official Black Friday ad, study it carefully. Note the exact start times for the deals you want and set a calendar reminder.

By planning ahead, you can navigate Walmart’s Black Friday sales like a pro and finish your holiday shopping with incredible savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Walmart price match during Black Friday? Typically, no. Walmart suspends its price matching policy for items included in its Black Friday sales events. The price listed is the final price.

What is the return policy for Black Friday purchases? Walmart usually offers an extended holiday return window. For items purchased in late October, November, and December, you often have until late January of the following year to make a return. Always check the specific policy for that year.

Are all deals available both online and in stores? No. Many of the best deals are “online-only” exclusives. Furthermore, some doorbuster items may be designated as “in-store only.” The Black Friday ad will specify where each deal is available.

Can I use the “Scan & Go” feature in the Walmart app on Black Friday? Yes! Using Scan & Go on your phone can be a great way to skip the long checkout lines if you are shopping in a physical store. You simply scan items as you put them in your cart and pay directly through the app.