The term “Black Friday” originated in 1960s Philadelphia, when police used it to describe the traffic chaos that followed Thanksgiving. By the 1980s, retailers reframed the phrase positively, saying their businesses moved from losses “in the red” to profits “in the black” thanks to the post-holiday shopping rush.
This year, the rush has started early. Amazon has announced that its Black Friday Week will begin on November 20 at 12:01 am PST, offering deals through December 1. Shoppers can expect deep discounts across tech, beauty, apparel, home goods and toys, including major price cuts on seasonal essentials. Early offers include up to 50 percent off on artificial Christmas trees, home décor and popular electronics. Amazon’s AI shopping assistant tools, including Rufus, will also be active to help customers navigate deals faster.
Globally, retailers like Walmart have also begun rolling out early offers on electronics, fashion, home products and holiday gifting essentials, with experts advising shoppers to buy early before best-selling items run out. The shift toward early promotions has turned the entire month into what many now call “Black November.”
Indian buyers can expect equally aggressive deals as local retailers join the global sale. Several platforms have already announced expected starting dates and discount bands across categories:
Flipkart will begin its sale on November 23 with up to 80 percent off across major categories along with bank offers. Myntra is expected to open its sale on November 26 with 40–80 percent off on top fashion and lifestyle brands. Croma’s discounts begin on November 26 with up to 80 percent off on electronics, while Tata CLiQ is expected to offer up to 70 percent off on menswear starting November 25. Amazon India will begin its Black Friday Week on November 20, offering up to 75 percent off on electronics and home goods. Nykaa will also start early on November 20 with Buy-1-Get-1 and up to 80 percent off across beauty and personal care.
Shoppers in India can expect strong offers across electronics—such as smartphones including iPhone and Samsung S-series, laptops, cameras like the Canon EOS 1500D, audio devices like boAt Rockerz ANC headsets, and home appliances. Fashion discounts will extend across winter wear, footwear, sportswear and wedding collections from brands like Nike, Puma, Adidas, H&M and Marks & Spencer. Beauty deals from platforms like Nykaa and Boddess will feature bundled offers and high-value percentage cuts. Home furniture, kitchen items and décor products will also see significant markdowns.
With major retailers launching early promotions and deep category-wide deals, November is set to deliver some of the most competitive holiday shopping offers of the year.
