New Year
The warehouse giant is pulling out all the stops this year, and knowing which deals to jump on—and which to skip—can mean the difference between good savings and exceptional ones.
What Makes Costco Black Friday Deals Different
Unlike traditional retailers that spread thin discounts across thousands of items, Costco focuses on substantial price drops within specific categories. Their model works because they're offering genuine wholesale savings, not inflated "retail prices" marked down for show.
This year's Costco Black Friday discounts follow a tiered structure that rewards bigger purchases:
$200 off when you spend $1,499+ on select appliances
$300 off orders of $1,999+ on appliances
$500 off purchases of $2,499 or more
Bundle discounts: Buy 2 items save $100, buy 3 save $200, buy 4 save $300, buy 5+ save $400
I used the bundle strategy last year to furnish my home office. By combining a desk, chair, and monitor arm, I saved $200 that I immediately put toward a printer. It's like Costco rewards you for consolidating your shopping.
Top Categories Worth Your Attention
Based on leaked ads and historical patterns, these popular categories are expected to deliver the strongest Costco deals this Black Friday:
Electronics and Gaming
Gaming consoles consistently sell out within hours during Costco's Black Friday event. We're expecting bundle deals on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X that include extra controllers or game credits. Smart TVs from Samsung and LG typically see 30-40% markdowns, with 65-inch models dropping below $500.
Laptops and tablets also get serious attention. Last year, I grabbed a MacBook Air for $250 less than Apple's retail price, and Costco threw in an extended warranty at no charge.
Major Appliances
This is where those tiered discounts really shine. Refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers qualify for the $200-$500 instant savings. If you're remodeling or moving, buying multiple appliances together can save you nearly as much as one appliance costs.
Pro tip: Costco includes delivery and haul-away service on most major appliances, something competitors charge $100+ for separately.
Smart Home Devices
Expect aggressive pricing on Ring doorbells, Nest thermostats, and Arlo security systems. Costco often bundles these with additional cameras or extended storage plans. I picked up a complete home security system last Black Friday for less than a single doorbell camera would have cost me elsewhere.
Seasonal and Holiday Items
Artificial Christmas trees, outdoor lighting, and decorations get marked down significantly. These aren't doorbusters—they're steady deals that last through the weekend, giving you time to measure your space and make smart choices.
When to Shop for Maximum Savings
Timing your Costco Black Friday shopping matters more than you'd think. Here's the breakdown:
| Shopping Window | What to Expect | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Online (Nov 20-22) | Early access, full inventory | Electronics, high-demand items |
| Thanksgiving Day | Warehouses closed, online only | Home shopping convenience |
| Black Friday (Nov 29) | Doorbusters, crowds, limited stock | In-person hunters, appliances |
| Cyber Monday (Dec 1) | Extended deals, restocks | Tech accessories, home goods |
I've learned that shopping online before Thanksgiving gives you first pick without the chaos. Electronics sell out fast, so if you spot something you want, grab it. Costco's generous return policy means you can always bring it back if you find a better deal elsewhere (though you probably won't).
How to Stack Savings Like a Pro
Here's where things get interesting. While Costco doesn't accept traditional manufacturer coupons on top of Black Friday pricing, there are legitimate ways to compound your savings.
Executive Membership 2% Cash Back: This adds up quickly on big purchases. Spend $2,000 during Black Friday, and you're earning $40 back automatically. The membership pays for itself with one major appliance purchase.
Costco Credit Card: Members with the Costco Anywhere Visa get an additional 2% back on Costco purchases. Combined with Executive membership, that's 4% cash back on everything. On a $3,000 appliance order, that's $120 returned to you.
Check for Costco discount codes: While rare during Black Friday, occasionally you'll find promotional offers for new members or specific categories. Browse available Costco deals before finalizing large purchases.
Insider Strategies That Actually Work
After years of Costco Black Friday shopping, these tactics have consistently delivered better results:
Download the Costco app now. The app shows real-time warehouse inventory and lets you create shopping lists. During Black Friday, this means you can check stock before driving to the warehouse. It's saved me multiple wasted trips.
Know your price history. Costco's regular prices are already competitive, so not every "Black Friday deal" is actually special. Use the app to check if that $799 TV was $750 two weeks ago. True doorbusters show clear markdown indicators.
Shop the aisles, not just the ads. Some of the best finds aren't advertised. Last year, I stumbled on Bose headphones at 40% off—they weren't in any flyer, just sitting on an endcap with an instant savings tag.
Arrive with a plan. Map your route through the warehouse before you go. Grab doorbusters first (usually near the entrance), then work systematically through your list. Aimless wandering costs you limited-stock items.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced shoppers make these errors during the Black Friday rush:
Assuming everything is discounted – Regular items stay regular priced; look for the instant savings tags
Skipping warranty comparisons – Costco's included warranties often beat competitor extended plans
Forgetting to check dimensions – That 75-inch TV won't fit in your sedan; know your vehicle capacity
Ignoring bundle opportunities – You're leaving money on the table if you don't hit those 3-item, 4-item thresholds
Not verifying membership status – Expired memberships mean no entry on the busiest shopping day of the year
What's New for Costco Black Friday 2025
This year brings some notable changes based on early announcements and industry trends:
Extended online hours: Costco is keeping their website deals active for longer windows, reducing the panic-buying that plagued previous years. This is great news for anyone who wants to shop thoughtfully rather than frantically.
More sustainable products: Expect increased focus on energy-efficient appliances and eco-friendly home goods. These qualify for the same discounts but cost you less long-term on utility bills.
Enhanced delivery options: Same-day delivery is expanding to more areas for in-stock items. If you're buying gifts that need wrapping, this beats hauling oversized boxes home.
Items That Aren't Worth the Hype
Not everything deserves your Black Friday budget. Based on my experience, skip these:
Clothing and apparel – Costco's clothing deals are decent year-round; Black Friday doesn't add much value here.
Non-perishable groceries – Pantry staples rarely go on extra sale during Black Friday. Stock up during regular shopping trips instead.
Books and media – Better deals exist on Amazon or directly from publishers during Cyber Week.
Tires and auto services – Costco's tire deals run consistently throughout the year; no need to buy during the Black Friday chaos.
Your Black Friday Game Plan
Here's how to approach Costco Black Friday 2025 for maximum success:
Pre-shop the week before – Walk the warehouse, note item locations, check prices
Set alerts on the app – Enable notifications for doorbusters and inventory updates
Review current offers – Check available Costco discount codes that might stack with Black Friday pricing
Calculate bundle savings – If you're close to a threshold, find a third or fourth item that makes sense
Shop online first – Secure electronics and high-demand items before warehouse opening
Hit the warehouse strategically – Arrive 30 minutes before opening for best parking and shortest lines
Keep receipts organized – Costco's return policy is generous, but you need proof of purchase
Final Thoughts on This Year's Event
Costco Black Friday 2025 offers genuine value if you're strategic about it. The tiered discount structure rewards thoughtful purchasing, and the bundle savings can add up to hundreds of dollars when you're furnishing a home or upgrading multiple appliances.
Focus on the big-ticket items where Costco's Black Friday discounts truly shine—major appliances, electronics, and smart home devices. Skip the categories where year-round pricing is already competitive. And remember, the best deal is only a good deal if you actually need the item.
The sales typically run from the week before Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, so you have time to make smart decisions rather than impulse buys. Use that window wisely.
Ready to maximize your savings? Visit the Costco deals page to see all current promotions and plan your Black Friday shopping strategy. With the right approach, you'll walk away with hundreds in savings on the items you've been waiting for all year.
