Shoppers are facing a unique Black Friday in 2025, with major retailers like Amazon and Walmart offering discounts amid rising tariffs and increased costs.
Long Thanksgiving weekends evoke cherished memories filled with family traditions, from watching favorite TV shows to enjoying a festive turkey dinner. However, one tradition that many may not look forward to is the early morning rush to snag Black Friday deals.
This year, Black Friday falls on November 28, 2025, the day after Thanksgiving, which is celebrated on November 27. However, the shopping frenzy may be less intense as retailers grapple with the impact of tariffs and rising operational costs, leading to fewer significant discounts.
Across the United States, retailers are facing a challenging dilemma: should they slash prices to attract bargain-hunters or maintain profit margins and risk losing customers? Many are finding their ability to offer substantial holiday discounts severely limited due to sharply higher import tariffs that have increased both inventory and operational costs.
Lisa Cheng Smith, owner of Yun Hai Taiwanese Pantry in New York City, shared her experience with CBS News, noting that her supply costs have surged between 20% and 50% this year, largely due to higher U.S. tariffs on imports from Taiwan and other Asian countries. In previous years, her business offered a 15% discount on Black Friday, a tradition that she considers vital. However, this year, rising costs have made her uncertain about how much she can afford to discount. “It’s complicated because of tariffs and how the retail math works,” she explained. “What we do from October through December is equal to the whole rest of the year in terms of sales, so every day is more high stakes.”
Dan Peskorse, owner of Upstream Brands, which sells products on Amazon and other online platforms, echoed similar sentiments. He indicated that rising tariffs have forced him to rethink his Black Friday strategy. In the past, his company offered discounts of up to 30% on items like ThinkFit meal-prep bags and Ash Harbor home goods. However, this year marks the first time they will not provide across-the-board discounts, a decision he attributes entirely to tariffs.
Despite the challenges posed by rising costs and smaller discounts at some retailers, major players like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target have begun to roll out significant price cuts, particularly on electronics. Amazon is featuring a wide array of Black Friday deals, with sitewide discounts reaching up to 70% on select items, including popular products like Bose headphones and DeWalt tool kits. Walmart has also introduced early Black Friday Rollbacks across various categories, with notable deals on televisions.
As shoppers prepare for this year’s Black Friday, they may find that while some discounts are still available, the landscape of holiday shopping has shifted due to economic factors. Retailers are navigating a complex environment where the balance between attracting customers and maintaining profitability is more crucial than ever.
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, consumers will need to stay informed about the best deals available while understanding the broader economic context that is shaping this year’s Black Friday experience.
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