When Does The Target Black Friday Start

So, you're wondering when Target's Black Friday starts, huh? I get it. It feels like we need a spreadsheet just to figure out when to snag a deal on a toaster. Let's cut through the noise, coffee in hand, and map this thing out.

The Old Days vs. Now

Remember when Black Friday was just one chaotic day? You'd camp out in a parking lot at 4 AM, shivering, just for a discounted TV. Yeah, those days are dead.

Now, Target basically stretches the whole thing into a month-long marathon. It’s like that friend who says they’ll be ready in five minutes, but takes two hours. Exhausting, but we still love them.

When Does the Madness Actually Kick Off?

Here’s the real scoop: Target’s Black Friday officially starts on Thursday, November 21st in 2024. Wait, what? That’s a whole week before actual Thanksgiving.

I know, I know. It feels wrong. But Target drops their “Black Friday Deals” in waves, starting about ten days before Turkey Day. You’ll see giant signs screaming “Black Friday Prices!” while you’re still buying cranberry sauce.

So, if you’re asking when to start planning, mark your calendar for that third week of November. That’s the real start line, not the day after Thanksgiving.

But Wait—There’s a Sneaky Early Start

Target loves a good app drop. If you download their app or sign up for Target Circle (their free rewards program), you might score deals as early as October. Yes, October. For Halloween candy and Black Friday TVs.

They call it “Early Access,” but I call it “we want your money before Amazon gets it.” And honestly? It works. You’ll see doorbusters for things like AirPods and Keurigs pop up weeks in advance.

What About the Doorbusters?

Okay, here’s where it gets tricky. The really good stuff—like the $199 TV or the Lego sets that are half off—usually drop on Black Friday itself. That means November 29th, 2024.

But Target is sly. They often release those deals online at 12:01 AM PT on Thanksgiving Day. That’s right. You can be scrolling while your aunt argues about the mashed potatoes. No judgment here.

Pro tip: That “doorbuster” TV? It’s usually available online first. So if you hate crowds, skip the store and fight the website instead. It’s a different kind of battle, but still a battle.

Should You Even Go to the Store?

Look, I’m not your mom. But if you hate people, don’t go to a Target on Black Friday. The store will look like a tornado hit a clearance aisle. You’ll see someone fighting for the last instant pot.

If you go on Thanksgiving evening (yes, Target opens at 5 PM or so), expect lineups that wrap around the electronics section. You’ll need a snack and a lot of patience.

But here’s the thing: Target’s online deals often match the in-store ones. So you can sit on your couch, in your pajamas, and click “add to cart.” It’s way more civilized.

What If You Miss the First Wave?

Don’t panic. Target runs these deals in cycles. If you miss November 21st, they’ll drop another batch on November 25th. And then another on Cyber Monday (December 2nd).

It’s like a never-ending buffet of discounts. You might not get the absolute best price on that specific air fryer, but you’ll find something close. Target is smart—they want you to keep coming back.

The Honest Truth

So, when does Target Black Friday start? Now. Seriously. If you’re reading this in October, check their app. If it’s November, you’re in the thick of it.

But the main event? Mark your calendar for Thursday, November 21st for the first big wave, and Friday, November 29th for the doorbusters. After that, keep an eye on Cyber Monday for clearance leftovers.

And remember: you’re not buying a new TV. You’re buying a story about how you outsmarted the system. Or at least how you got a good deal on socks. Either way, I’m proud of you.