What is spring Black Friday?

Spring Black Friday refers to a sales event that takes place every year in the spring. It is similar to the more well-known Black Friday that happens the day after Thanksgiving, but focuses on spring and summer products and deals instead of holiday shopping.

When is spring Black Friday?

Spring Black Friday doesn’t have an official, consistent date like traditional Black Friday. However, it usually takes place sometime in late March or April. Some key dates for spring Black Friday include:

  • Late March – Many retailers will run spring Black Friday sales in late March, around the 20th to 25th.
  • Early April – Several retailers host spring Black Friday events in early April, around the 1st to the 7th.
  • Mid-April – A number of major retailers hold spring Black Friday sales in mid-April, around the 10th to 15th.

So in summary, spring Black Friday usually falls between late March and mid-April each year. The exact date can vary by retailer.

What retailers participate in spring Black Friday?

Many major retailers participate in spring Black Friday each year. Some of the most notable ones include:

  • Walmart
  • Target
  • Best Buy
  • Amazon
  • Home Depot
  • Lowe’s
  • Macy’s
  • Kohl’s
  • JCPenney
  • Nordstrom
  • Wayfair
  • Overstock
  • Best Buy

In addition to major national retailers, many local small businesses and online specialty stores will also run sales for spring Black Friday. It has become a major annual shopping event across the retail industry.

What products are on sale for spring Black Friday?

The products that go on sale for spring Black Friday tend to revolve around spring and summer related items. Some of the most common categories include:

  • Patio furniture
  • Grills and outdoor cooking
  • Gardening tools and lawn care
  • Spring fashion and clothing
  • Warm weather sporting goods
  • Camping and hiking gear
  • TVs and electronics
  • Outdoor playsets and toys
  • Small kitchen appliances
  • Mattresses
  • Spring home decor

Essentially, retailers use spring Black Friday to clear out their inventory of winter products and usher in new spring merchandise. It’s a great time to score deals on the types of items you’ll need for the new season.

What are the benefits of shopping spring Black Friday?

There are several key benefits to shopping the spring Black Friday sales:

  • Deep discounts – Retailers offer Black Friday-level prices, often up to 60-80% off certain items.
  • New seasonal product releases – You can shop new spring product lines as they hit the sales floor.
  • Low stock and pricing on out of season items – Retailers deeply discount winter products still in stock.
  • Easier shopping experience – Crowds tend to be lower than the holidays.
  • Opportunity to upgrade for a new season – Buy new gadgets, appliances, furniture, etc. for spring.
  • Jump start on spring cleaning and projects – Great time to stock up on organization tools, home goods, lawn care items.

Overall, spring Black Friday gives shoppers a chance to refresh their home and wardrobe for the new season at unbeatable prices.

What tips help maximize spring Black Friday savings?

Use these helpful tips to save the most during spring Black Friday:

  • Make a shopping list ahead of time for items you need.
  • Preview retailer spring Black Friday ads online as early as possible.
  • Sign up for retailer loyalty programs and email lists to get exclusive coupons.
  • Follow your favorite retailers on social media for flash sales and last minute deals.
  • Shop online early in the morning when sales kick off.
  • Use apps to get extra perks and fast ordering.
  • Compare prices across stores to find the best deals.
  • Look out for special financing offers on big purchases.
  • Use a rewards credit card to earn bonus points and maximize value.
  • Remember spring Black Friday prices tend to get lower closer to the event.

What are the most popular spring Black Friday deals?

Some of the most popular and commonly discounted categories on spring Black Friday include:

  • Patio furniture – Look for up to 60% off outdoor sets and cushions.
  • Gardening and lawn tools – Snag discounts up to 50% off mowers, trimmers, tillers.
  • Grills – Major brands like Weber, KitchenAid, Char-Broil often up to 40% off.
  • Mattresses – Leading brands usually offer at least 20% off plus free bedding.
  • Fashion and clothing – Pretty much every retailer offers up to 50-60% off spring styles.
  • Camping gear – Easy to find tents, packs, coolers at 30-50% off.
  • Small kitchen appliances – Great time to buy air fryers, stand mixers, Instant Pots, etc. at 35% off or more.
  • Electronics – TVs, laptops, tablets see steep discounts – up to $500 off in some cases.

It’s easy to fulfill all your spring needs – for your home, wardrobe, and hobbies – thanks to the deep discounts in these popular categories.

How long do spring Black Friday sales last?

Another major difference between spring Black Friday and the more well-known holiday sales event is the duration. While “traditional” Black Friday is generally just a 1-2 day affair, spring Black Friday tends to last an entire week or longer.

Here is a look at the typical duration of spring Black Friday sales:

  • Teaser sales – Early access deals may start 1-2 weeks before the major sales begin.
  • Full week of deals – Most retailers run the bulk of their promotions for a full week.
  • Extended savings – Extra sales often last through the weekend after the main sales end.
  • Ongoing clearance – Prices slashed on remaining winter inventory.

While store hours may be longer on the main spring Black Friday day, online sales and special offers typically last for a full week or more. This makes it easier for customers to shop deals around their schedule.

What are some examples of past spring Black Friday deals?

Here are some examples of the level of savings shoppers could find during spring Black Friday last year:

  • Walmart – Apple AirPods Pro earbuds for $159 (regularly $249)
  • Amazon – 45% off select patio furniture and outdoor rugs
  • Target – Buy 2, Get 1 Free bathing suits and swimwear
  • Home Depot – Up to 40% off appliances and kitchen remodels
  • Lowe’s – Craftsman gas leaf blower for $79 (regularly $149)
  • Best Buy – 70″ Samsung 4K TVs for $529 (regularly $849)
  • Kohl’s – $10 off $50 with code SPRING10
  • JCPenney – Extra 25% off fine jewelry
  • Macy’s – 15% off $100 purchase with SPRING code

As you can see, the discounts run deep and include both percentage-off deals as well as dollar-off discounts and bonus freebies. It’s a bargain hunter’s paradise!

Are spring Black Friday deals only available in stores?

While many customers associate Black Friday with long lines and packed store locations, the sales event has evolved a lot in recent years. Now, some of the very best spring Black Friday deals are actually available online.

Key advantages of shopping spring Black Friday promotions online include:

  • Deals launch earlier – Online sales often start first.
  • Broader selection – More inventory and colors vs. in-store.
  • Fast shipping options – Many retailers provide free expedited delivery.
  • Easier price comparisons – Quickly check deals across different retailers.
  • Ability to shop 24/7 – Store hours don’t limit shopping time.

That being said, there are still some doorbuster deals reserved for in-store only. So a combination of online and in-store shopping is suggested. But online discounts are just as strong during spring Black Friday.

Should you wait until spring Black Friday to make purchases?

If there are certain items you know you need to get for the spring and summer season, it is usually worth waiting for spring Black Friday to make your purchase. The amount of money you can save versus buying at full price is significant.

However, keep the following factors in mind as well:

  • Popular items may sell out quickly during the event.
  • You may need certain things right away rather than waiting.
  • Other seasonal sales like Memorial Day may also offer strong deals.
  • Some retailers issue price match guarantees if an item goes on sale later.

So shoppers should balance planning ahead for spring Black Friday with more urgent needs. Make a list of what you hope to get during the sale so you’re prepared.

How does spring Black Friday compare to other seasonal sales events?

There are several major seasonal sales that happen throughout the year. Here is how spring Black Friday stacks up against some other big retail events:

Sale Event Timing Key Deals
Spring Black Friday Late March – Mid April Spring clothing, patio furniture, lawn & garden supplies
Memorial Day Sales Late May Mattresses, appliances, electronics
4th of July Sales Early July (around July 4th) Summer clothing, sporting goods, toys
Labor Day Sales Early September End of summer clothing, back to school supplies, laptops
Black Friday/Cyber Monday Late November Holiday gifts, electronics, toys, apparel

As you can see, each major sales event has a slightly different focus in terms of product categories. Spring Black Friday kicks off the season with a focus on spring and summer essentials for the home and wardrobe.

Does spring Black Friday only happen in the U.S.?

For the most part, spring Black Friday is a shopping event unique to the United States. However, retailers in other countries have started to import the idea.

Here are some examples of spring Black Friday expanding globally:

  • In Canada, retail chains like Best Buy, The Bay, and Home Depot have adopted spring Black Friday.
  • Some department stores in Europe like MediaMarkt and Lidl run “Frühlings Black Friday” sales in Germany and other countries.
  • Amazon in the U.K. and other European nations also promote spring offers and discounts.
  • In Australia, retail chains like Myer and David Jones offer spring fashion and clearance sales similar to spring Black Friday.

So while not as ubiquitous globally as the U.S. version, spring Black Friday is growing in popularity worldwide as retailers look to import American retail trends. Brands adapt the deals to fit local market needs and expectations.

Is spring Black Friday just a marketing gimmick?

Some shoppers are skeptical of spring Black Friday since it doesn’t have a fixed date or a long history like traditional post-Thanksgiving Black Friday. However, the sales event has evolved into much more than just a marketing play:

  • The deals offered are highly legitimate and provide real value and savings to shoppers.
  • Consumers have come to earnestly await and rely on spring Black Friday just like other major retail holidays throughout the year.
  • For retailers, it helps provide an economic boost at a slower time of year between the winter holidays and summer.
  • It enables retailers to transition between winter and summer product lines in a seamless and profitable manner.
  • Spring Black Friday has grown steadily over the past decade as retailers have watched consumer response and enthusiasm.

So while the timing and origin of spring Black Friday is largely retailer-driven, it has evolved into a win-win event for both consumers looking for deals and brands eager for the revenue and exposure.

The Bottom Line

Spring Black Friday gives shoppers an excellent opportunity to enjoy deep discounts traditionally reserved for the holiday season. With savings across categories like fashion, home improvement, electronics, and more, consumers can refresh their wardrobe and residence for the warmer months on a budget. While newer than other sales holidays, spring Black Friday has quickly become a major retail event thanks to enthusiastic participation from customers and brands alike.