Shoppers at Claire's - AP File - 11-21-2022

Shoppers exit a Claire's accessories store advertising sales ahead of Black Friday and the Thanksgiving holiday, Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, in Miami. Retailers are ushering in the start of the holiday shopping season on the day after Thanksgiving, preparing for the biggest crowds since 2019. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Black Friday is almost here, and many major retailers have already rolled out early bargains. With the biggest shopping day of the year quickly approaching, experts say now is the time to plan your strategy to score the deepest discounts.

The traditional chaotic scenes of packed stores and long lines have become a thing of the past. Instead, retailers are spreading out their sales, with Walmart kicking off its first wave of Black Friday deals on Nov. 14.

Shoppers say they’re already keeping an eye on early promotions, and many prefer to avoid in-store crowds altogether by shopping online.

Studies from DealNews and WalletHub show that certain retailers specialize in offering the best discounts on specific types of products. Here’s where experts say you’ll find the strongest deals:

  • Macy’s: Best for clothing

  • JCPenney: Strongest in home goods

  • Kohl’s: Great for clothing, jewelry and earning Kohl’s Cash

  • Target: Electronics and toys

  • Walmart: Off-brand TVs, gaming gear and toys

  • Best Buy: Name-brand TVs and laptops

Best Buy representatives say large-screen TVs — 75 inches and above — were among last year’s most popular items, and that trend is expected to continue in 2025. Some retailers are even showcasing 100-inch models as part of this year’s promotions.

Target is also expected to feature strong deals on kitchen and home items, including popular picks like Keurig coffee makers. Walmart is offering discounts on small electronics such as the Apple Watch.

A new WalletHub report lists the retailers with the biggest expected Black Friday markdowns for 2025:

  1. JCPenney

  2. Belk

  3. Macy’s

  4. Kohl’s

  5. Walmart

If holiday schedules make Black Friday hard to navigate, shoppers will get another round of strong savings on Cyber Monday, Dec. 1.

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New roof for KFC Yum! Center nearly complete, but part of River Road to close Nov. 17

Allegiant Air offering nonstop flights to popular beach destination

Puppygram closes Louisville location, opening new shop in Clarksville's Green Tree Mall

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