Black Friday has officially evolved from a single-day frenzy to a full-month shopping marathon, and this year, the deals span from big-screen TVs to your grocery cart. Whether you’re price-checking online or supporting small businesses in Bakersfield, the savings are deep, early, and everywhere.
By Cecil Egbele
Black Friday has officially evolved from a single-day frenzy to a full-month shopping marathon, and this year, the deals span from big-screen TVs to your grocery cart. Whether you’re price-checking online or supporting small businesses in Bakersfield, the savings are deep, early, and everywhere.
But this holiday season feels different for many Americans, with thousands of federal workers still waiting for paycheck after the federal shutdown. Budgets are tight. Households are cautious. So, smart, intentional shopping matters more than ever.
Here’s your guide to what’s hot, what’s local, and how to shop wisely during a financially difficult holiday season.
Big National Retail Deals
Major national chains began dropping deals weeks before Thanksgiving. Walmart topped the list with three major deal events, the first of which started with a bang on November 14th through the 16th, offering discounts of up to 60% off on various items. In a press release, the company’s president and CEO, John Furner, promised the most cost-effective shopping experience.
“We’re dropping up to 60% off top brands and offering thousands of deals under $20, making it clear: nobody does low prices like we do,” John Furner. “Just like our Thanksgiving Meal Basket we’re leading on convenience and rewriting what value looks like, helping customers have their best, brightest, and most budget-friendly holiday yet.”
With the first set of deals gone, Walmart’s second holiday deals event will run online from November 25 to 27, while both online and in-store deals will continue from November 28 to 30. Walmart+ members will get five hours of early access online beginning November 24 at 4 p.m. PT. Stores will close on Thanksgiving Day and reopen at 6 a.m. on Black Friday, November 28.
Walmart’s Cyber Monday deals will be available for a one-day-only online sale on Monday, December 1, 2025. Walmart+ members will get five hours of early access beginning November 30 at 4 p.m. PT. Details of Walmart’s deals can be found here:
Like Walmart, Amazon rolled out an early Black Friday and holiday discounts. The deals which started on November 20, will see shoppers enjoy up to 50% discounts on many items. This will continue through the end of November.
For tech lovers, the game is on, with tempting discounts on some favorites, including $250 off MacBook laptops, almost $299 for an iPad A16, and more on other computers, laptops, TV sets, and more.
Black Friday isn’t just about electronics; grocery retailers are competing hard with impressive deals, which they say will make your holiday meal planning easier and more affordable.
The big three are offering complete holiday meal deals: Amazon has Butterball turkey at 69 cents per pound with pre-made sides available through Amazon Fresh. Target is offering a holiday meal for four under $20 – their lowest price ever. Walmart offers a complete Thanksgiving basket that serves 10 people for under $40.
Grocery pricing has become a battleground for retailers amid growing consumer concerns about food costs. That competition works in your favor, with stores competing aggressively for your Thanksgiving and holiday shopping dollars.
Bakersfield
For our Bakersfield and Kern County residents, the Northwest Promenade on Rosedale Highway is your Black Friday headquarters. Best Buy, Walmart, Food 4 Less, Albertsons, Target, Kohl’s, Old Navy, all the major players are there, ready for action.
Based on last year’s shopping scene, Bakersfield Black Friday has evolved. Though dedicated shoppers still line up before sunrise, but the frenzy of past years has mellowed into something more manageable. This year is not expected to be different.
Shopping Smart In Uncertain Times
This Black Friday comes at a challenging moment for many American families. The federal government shutdown, which lasted 43 days and only ended on November 13th, left approximately 1.4 million federal workers without paychecks for weeks. While the government has reopened and back pay is being processed, many federal employees and their families are still recovering financially.
The holiday discounts can be really tempting, but remember to shop within your budget. Here are realistic strategies to shop smart and reduce stress:
Prioritize needs over wants. Start with groceries, kids’ items, cleaning supplies, and essential home goods.
Electronics and holiday décor can wait unless they’re truly needed.
Set a firm budget before clicking “add to cart.” Use the retailer apps (Target, Walmart, Vons, Albertsons) to estimate totals before going to checkout.
Compare prices, don’t assume the Black Friday tag is the lowest. Prices often drop again on Cyber Monday or December flash sales.
Use store loyalty programs from your favorite stores like, Target Circle, Walmart+, Vons For U, Albertsons For U. Stacking those digital coupons on top of Black Friday markdowns can save you a lot. .
Consider Buy-Now-Pay-Later with caution. It may sound like a good idea, but with paychecks delayed, debt piling up, avoid taking on new debt unless absolutely necessary.
Think practical, not pressure. Social media makes Black Friday feel like a competition, it isn’t.
If the budget is tight, the best sale is the one you don’t buy into.
Shop local when possible. Small businesses often negotiate or offer bundled discounts, and your dollars stay within the community.
This year is about strategy, not frenzy. Even with endless deals and overflowing inventory, Black Friday or holiday shopping is not a competition. Spend with clarity. Save where you can. And remember: getting through the moment is more important than getting through the mall.
If you have a story idea, a tip, a scoop, or simply something you feel isn’t being talked about enough, I want to hear from you. Reach me directly at cecil.egbele@ognsc.com. Together, we can make sure that Bakersfield’s Black community is not only seen but heard.
Your stories matter, and I’m here to tell them.
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Cecil Egbele
Cecil Egbele is a California Local News Fellow.
