Black Friday date set for 2026

Black Friday in 2026 is scheduled for November 27, which falls the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. This date marks the traditional start of the holiday shopping season, though many retailers are beginning their promotions earlier in the year.

Extended promotional period

The promotional period has been extended, with some merchants launching offers as early as the beginning of November. This extended calendar includes a week of promotions from November 23 to 29, followed by the weekend of sales and Cyber Monday on November 30. Some retailers may continue their promotions into December.

Early promotions complicate price comparisons

Retailers such as Boulanger and Darty have announced promotions before the official Black Friday date, though specific launch dates vary by store. This staggered approach makes it harder for consumers to determine if a better deal might be available later in the month, complicating price comparisons.

Best prices often appear early

The best prices are often applied directly, without the gradual price decreases seen during traditional sales. Retailers are cautious about stock availability, meaning that once a product is on sale, it may be quickly sold out. Therefore, if a consumer finds a product at a desirable price before November 27, they may not need to wait for the official Black Friday date.

Rising prices for technology products

Technology products, such as the PS5, have seen price increases due to the rising cost of components like RAM and storage. The PS5's price has risen to 650 € with a disc since April 4, 2026, compared to its 2020 launch price of 500 €. The digital version has also increased from 400 to 600 €, while the PS5 Pro is approaching 900 €.

Consumer tips for Black Friday shopping

Consumers are advised to prepare a list of needed products to avoid impulse purchases and to research the price history of items before Black Friday. Amazon offers a price history feature through its assistant Rufus, which can be accessed via the "Price History" option under the product price. This feature helps users determine if a Black Friday offer is a genuine discount or a regular price.

Tech news site offers shopping guidance

Numerama, a tech news website, participates in affiliate marketing and provides buying guides and product comparisons. They emphasize transparency in their business model and offer quality journalism without bias. They also recommend using internal tools and public extensions to compare prices and offers before and during the promotional period.