Is Black Friday Worth It or Is It a Marketing Mirage?​”Unveiling the Truth: Is Black Friday a Marketing Mirage or a Worthwhile Shopping Event? Discover the Pros and Cons of This Highly Anticipated Sales Day!” 

In years past, Black Friday deals were only good the day after Thanksgiving. However, that’s all changed, with the Black Friday sales period usually extending from Thanksgiving evening through Sunday night, followed by Cyber Monday — which is traditionally when lots of online shopping deals appear.Years ago, hordes of shoppers lined up outside stores to be the first to dive into the best Black Friday deals they could find. Deep discounts on highly sought-after toys and electronics drew the masses into brick-and-mortar stores. Online shopping has changed this tradition, especially with many retailers offering Black Friday offers way before the big sales day actually arrives. Added to that there can be suspicion about the extent to which the deals offered around this time represent… a good deal. There’s no denying that some of the early excitement has come out of Black Friday. But, coming just after Thanksgiving and in the run-up to the holiday gift-giving season, many people still (and may always) associate Black Friday with sales shopping.So, how do you work out when the best deals are on offer? Our holiday sales guide will help you figure out when and how to save money if you’re shopping the Black Friday sales.Is Black Friday Worth It? Pros and ConsAs far as the quality of Black Friday deals versus sale prices on the days leading up to Black Friday, it’s safe to say that usually shopping on Black Friday will bring the best prices. On the other hand, you’re more likely to have the choice of what you want to buy if you shop early, due to potential shortages of some products advertised on Black Friday. It all comes down to what’s most important to you.Subscribe to Kiplinger’s Personal FinanceBe a smarter, better informed investor.
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Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-NewslettersProfit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more – straight to your e-mail.Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice – straight to your e-mail.One thing to note is that heading to brick-and-mortar stores, on the day, may bring some interesting gift-with-purchase offers that you won’t get online or on other days. Find out which retailers are open early on Black Friday and get a step ahead of the crowd.Black Friday vs. Cyber MondayWhen looking at Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday, some themes emerge immediately. Generally, Cyber Monday is a continuation of the prices offered on Black Friday rather than a new raft of discounted items. So, you probably won’t see better prices if you wait for Cyber Monday, instead of buying on Black Friday weekend.When it comes to shopping on Black Friday, to maximize your savings it helps to have a strategy. The hottest items like electronics, toys and gadgets will be the first to sell out. Thus, it’s best to prioritize those over other items like apparel, which may still have the best prices of the year but also less competition from shoppers early in the day.Here