Black Friday represents one of the most significant shopping events in the United States, characterized by deep discounts and exclusive promotional offers. Beyond traditional price reductions, many retailers participate by distributing freebies, gift cards, and other no-cost incentives to attract customers and enhance the shopping experience. These promotions often require specific actions, such as arriving early, making purchases, or signing up for loyalty programs. The availability of these offers is typically limited to in-store events on Black Friday or Thanksgiving Day, with many being available only while supplies last.
The types of freebies offered vary widely across different retailers. They range from practical items like tools and household goods to luxury items such as jewelry and high-end appliances. Additionally, many retailers utilize gift cards and scratch-off coupons as a method to encourage store visits and increase customer engagement. Understanding the specific requirements and timing for these promotions is essential for consumers looking to maximize value during the holiday shopping season.
Retailer-Specific Freebie Promotions
Several major retailers have historically offered significant freebies during the Black Friday shopping event. These promotions are often structured to reward the earliest shoppers or those who take advantage of specific time-sensitive deals.
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have offered mystery promo cards valued between $10 and $50 to the first 250 customers at their store locations on Black Friday. In some years, the retailer has also offered free photos with Santa during the holiday season, including on Black Friday, which required customers to sign up and book a specific time slot.
Costco
Costco has provided an incentive for customers activating a new phone with a T-Mobile Go5G Plus or Go5G Next Plan. This promotion included an extra $50 Costco Shop Card on top of a $150 Costco Shop Card promotion.
Fleet Farm
Fleet Farm has consistently rewarded early shoppers by distributing free plush toys to the first 500 customers when stores open at 6 a.m. on Black Friday.
JCPenney
JCPenney is known for hosting scheduled giveaways throughout Black Friday. These events typically occur at specific times, offering different prizes at each interval: * 5:00 a.m.: A coupon giveaway offering potential savings of up to $500 off a $500 purchase. * 9:00 a.m.: A chance to win a free Cuisinart stand mixer. * 1:00 p.m.: A chance to win free lab-grown diamond stud earrings. * 5:00 p.m.: A "Golden Tote" giveaway, which includes a coupon for 10% off purchases through December.
Belk
Belk has offered scratch-off cards to early shoppers. The first 200 customers on Thanksgiving Day or the first 100 customers at 6 a.m. on Black Friday have received scratch-off cards with values ranging from $5 to $500.
Lowe’s
Lowe’s has provided the first 300 shoppers with a $10 off $50 coupon to use in-store on Black Friday. In some years, this has been accompanied by a chance to win a $500 gift card. Additionally, Lowe's has distributed free buckets filled with tools and supplies valued at approximately $80, which included coupons for 20% off a purchase and a free can of paint.
Half Price Books
Half Price Books has rewarded the first 100 shoppers (aged 16 and older) with a free tote bag and a $5 store gift card when stores open at 9 a.m. on Black Friday. One random winner at each location has also received a $100 gift card.
Bealls
Bealls has offered the first 75 customers a free scratch-off card containing at least $10 in Bealls Bucks. Some cards have contained gift cards valued at $50, $75, or $100.
Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club members have been treated to free breakfast on Black Friday morning, typically from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The breakfast menu has included orange juice, biscuits and gravy, fruit, and muffins.
Walmart
Walmart has hosted "Light Up Black Friday" parties from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, featuring free coffee and cookies for shoppers before their in-store Black Friday sale begins at 6:00 p.m.
Office Depot
Office Depot has provided members-only freebies, such as select Duracell batteries and K-Cup coffee pods, free after rewards. These offers are available while supplies last through Saturday.
Shoe Carnival
Shoe Carnival has given the first 100 shoppers in line when stores open at 6:00 a.m. on Black Friday a scratch-off card with a reward worth up to $100 off.
Food and Beverage Freebies
Several food and beverage retailers participate in Black Friday with free offers, ranging from full meals to specific menu items.
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ has celebrated National Espresso Day, which coincides with Black Friday, by offering discounted espresso shots in drinks for 50 cents. In some years, they have also offered free Lyft rides to Dunkin’ restaurants using a specific promo code, with a limit on the number of redemptions. Additionally, medium lattes or cappuccinos have been sold for $2 all day.
DoorDash
DoorDash has offered 15,000 orders of free fries through a "Black FRYday" promotion. Customers could use a specific promo code on orders of $5 or more from participating restaurants, including Wendy’s, Wingstop, Jack in the Box, Applebee's, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Five Guys.
BurgerIM
BurgerIM has offered a free Impossible Burger with the purchase of any Big Burger on Black Friday at all U.S. locations, with a limit of two free Impossible Burgers per transaction. This offer was not valid for delivery orders.
Cumberland Farms
Cumberland Farms has offered free cups of coffee, hot or iced, from midnight to 11:59 p.m. on Thanksgiving at its nearly 600 locations.
Caribou Coffee
Caribou Coffee reward members have received a free Flavor Shot, Whip, or Espresso Shot on Black Friday with their reward. This offer is typically valid one-time only at participating locations and is not valid on orders placed online or through delivery apps.
Fred Meyer
Fred Meyer has provided free coffee, juice, and doughnuts to early shoppers on Black Friday.
Checkers and Rally’s
Checkers and Rally’s has hosted a sweepstakes where customers can enter to win free fries for life. Entry typically requires commenting on a specific Instagram post.
Beauty and Health Freebies
Retailers in the beauty and health sectors often utilize freebies as a way to introduce customers to new products or reward loyalty.
CVS
CVS has offered 10 freebies after ExtraBucks Rewards during its three-day Black Friday sale. These free items have included store-brand gum, paper towels, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen. Notably, CVS has offered a free 23andMe genetic DNA starter kit; customers pay the retail price and receive an equivalent amount in ExtraBucks Rewards, effectively making the kit free.
Pet Product Freebies
Pet retailers have also joined the Black Friday tradition with offers for pet owners.
PetSmart
PetSmart has offered free movie rentals to the first 100 customers on Black Friday.
General Retail Freebies and Gift Cards
Many retailers offer general gift cards or coupons to early shoppers as a way to guarantee foot traffic.
Gander Mountain
Gander Mountain has offered the first 100 customers a chance to win a $500 gift card, plus the choice of either a giveaway item or 50% off their purchase.
Gordmans
Gordmans has offered scratch-off cards to the first 75 shoppers, with 74 shoppers receiving $5 off and one shopper per location receiving a $100 gift card. Early shoppers have also been able to enter a drawing for a chance to win a giant FAO Schwarz bear.
Kohl’s
Kohl’s has provided the first 100 customers starting at 6:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving with two free Fandango movie tickets.
Strategic Considerations for Shoppers
The nature of Black Friday freebies requires strategic planning. Most high-value freebies are limited to the first few hundred customers, necessitating early arrival and potentially waiting in line for extended periods. The specific times for store openings and giveaways vary by retailer and year, so checking current store announcements is crucial.
It is also important to note the distinction between "free after rewards" offers and truly no-cost items. Offers from retailers like CVS and Office Depot often require an initial purchase, with the cost being reimbursed through rewards points or certificates, which may require future use. Similarly, gift cards received as freebies are generally usable only at the issuing retailer.
The provided source material focuses on in-store promotions. While some retailers may offer online equivalents, the most significant freebies described here are tied to physical store visits. Consumers should be aware that offers are subject to change and are often available only while supplies last, creating a competitive environment for those seeking these deals.
Conclusion
Black Friday offers a diverse array of freebies across various retail sectors, including general merchandise, food and beverage, beauty, and pet products. These promotions, ranging from mystery gift cards and high-value coupons to free merchandise and food, are designed to reward early and loyal customers. Successful acquisition of these freebies depends heavily on understanding specific retailer schedules, arrival times, and eligibility requirements. While many offers provide genuine value at no cost, consumers should pay attention to the terms, particularly regarding rewards-based freebies that may require an initial purchase. By consulting official retailer announcements and planning accordingly, shoppers can effectively navigate the event to secure these promotional items.