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Black Friday’s 10 best bargains

What should you be looking for at the day-after-Thanksgiving sales? Electronics top the list, especially HDTVs and laptops.

By MSN Money Partner Nov 15, 2011 7:35PM

This post comes from Melinda Fulmer at MSN Money.

 

With more than 60 Black Friday store ads leaked to the Web so far, shoppers have a pretty good idea of the holiday deals they'll find starting on Thanksgiving Day.

 

According to the folks at FatWallet.com, more than 12,000 deals are queued up for shoppers this year, most for less than $50.

 

Some of the biggest bargains will be in the electronics arena, with 87 laptop deals -- 31 of them less than $300 -- and more than 90 HDTVs -- 48 of them less than $300.

 

Which items do shoppers think are the best bargains?  Here are the items that have received the most clicks on Fat Wallet's site in the last week:

  1. Xbox 360 4GB Console w/Kinect at Wal-Mart for $199.96 
  3. Acer - Iconia Tablet with 8GB Memory at Best Buy for $189.99 
  4. Toshiba Satellite C655D-S5332 15.6-inch Laptop at Radio Shack for $299.99 
  5. Xbox 360 4GB Console at Target for $139.99 
  6. Samsung 46-inch 1080p LED Smart TV HDTV at Sam's Club for $798.00 
  7. Vizio 47-inch Full HD 1080p LCD HDTV (E470VLE) at BJ's Wholesale Club - $489.99
  8. Acer Iconia Tab Tablet at Staples for $299.00 

Overall, shoppers are most interested in items from Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Target, followed by Costco, Staples and Sears. Post continues below.

So if you're planning a trip to one of those stores, for one of the above items, just know you're going to have a lot of competition for it.

 

What's the must-have item on your list this year?

 

More on MSN Money:

Tags: bargainelectronicshot dealsretailsavings
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30Comments
Michelle Hurliman-Sebastian
Nov 18, 2011 11:12AM
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I would like to first say that I use to love going out on Black Friday.  It was the only time of the year where I, as a poor mother of two, could shop for my kids for Christmas and be able to afford it.  However, over the recent years, all of the truly good deals put out on Black Friday are limited to a select few items and most of them are the more expensive electronics.  There really isn't much left for those of us who don't have an extra $400 or $500 just sitting around.  I wish I did, but it seems like there really is no point what so ever in even going out on this day anymore.  The items I can afford aren't on sale anyway.  What ever happened to "EVERYTHING ON SALE" for Black Friday?  Why is it only a select few items now and none of them are "cheap" even on sale.  And as far as stores opening on Thanksgiving?  I have one word for those stores.......GREED.  Get over yourselves long enough to see what you are doing and remember the spirit of the holidays the way they are suppose to be.  And for heaven's sake, put some stuff on sale that us poor folks can afford!!!
Someone
Nov 17, 2011 10:38PM
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I'll bet the millions of people whose unemployment benefits are running out would work those hours.Suck it up and be grateful that you have a damn job!
disconnectedmom
Nov 18, 2011 2:34AM
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I agree, with this economy, those who are employed should be willing to go the extra yard.  However, I don't like the "whiners", who say employees don't give a darn.  A a recent Target visit, I couldn't find coasters.  I asked an employee, and she took me right to them.  Then I asked her if she knew where door hooks were, and she took me to them too.  While my husband was in Home Depot this week, an employee did such an outstanding job of helping him, he called the store manager to give him an At-a-boy.  Turns out, he just came back from two, count 'em, two tours in Iraq!!  If my husband had known at the time, "it would have been an honor to meet him".!! (Hossridir).  Even last year in Maine, visiting a relative, an employee, at The Christmas Tree Store, did such an outstanding job for me, I wrote to her Store Manager to praise her.  We are approaching the Christmas season, which is NOW what Black Friday, is all about.  We should remember, Jesus is the reason for the Season.  
where-do-I-fit-In
Nov 18, 2011 3:35AM
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Oh and by the way, That will be My Duaghters Prayer again this Thanksgiving, To please keep their Daddy and all the Other Soldiers, Saliors, Maries and Airman Safe, and pray they get to come home soon to Thier families. and please watch over thier families and bless them and keep the happy and safe

 

rotry
Nov 18, 2011 12:34PM
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How can anyone compare a firefighter,police officer,dr, or service man/woman to retail. those individuals are saving lives. you will not die cause you didnt get your laptop or tv until 8am. Big difference between a person having a heart attack who NEEDS a Dr and a consumer who "needs" that laptop or tv or $10 dvd. so when making comparisons make it realistic.

 

I am a retail manager but am off that day. i still feel its wrong  to start a sale on thanksgiving.

JEB BOWDEN
Nov 17, 2011 8:15PM
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Go try and find another job if your not happy
David (sgfsgs)
Nov 21, 2011 6:08PM
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Everything listed is made in China, no American jobs were created by these products (except for low paying retail jobs), Christmas was sold to the Chinese by corporate America and we follow like sheep to economic slaughter. Merry Christmas to China
LuAnn Becker
Nov 21, 2011 9:21PM
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I just read the 10 best gifts of Black Friday, and I must say, while I appreciate the fact that they probably are a good buy, SERIOUSLY....people spend this kind of money on one gift for one person?????  I guess I'm the only person on the planet that believes Jesus is the reason for the season, and keep the gift giving as an option and certainly not anywhere near the "Black Friday Sale Special Prices."  I guess my new nickname will be Scrooge. 

where-do-I-fit-In
Nov 18, 2011 3:22AM
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Be thankful you have a job that is at home at least you all can go home to your nice warm beds and left over Turkey and such, Think about the soldiers and contractors that support them in foreign countries that have a cot if they get to go to bed that night, worrying about their families at home that are missing them, and if their families are getting through yet another holiday with out them there. I can't tell you the amount of holidays that my husband has served in a different country, and how many times the blessing said around our table was to keep daddy and all of the soldiers, sailors, marines, and airman safe this holiday and to please look out for their families and keep them happy too. So please stop your whining and bellyaching and be Thankful you have a Job and are not being Shot AT.
sizzleaner
Nov 18, 2011 1:46PM
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When retail sales are more important than observing a NATIONAL HOLIDAY only shows the power of the 1%ers. The same money spent will be there a few hours later if they opened later. America is already the country with the least holidays of ALL the industrialized nations, and here we go letting Corporate America take another away by a few people who can't live without the 1080p tv for a couple hours. Our economy will not turn around on the sales of this black Friday, so why not let the workers enjoy one of the few Holidays that we have left? When will family and the observance of family values on THANKSGIVING of all holidays be recognized by Corporate Retail?
Retailok
Nov 18, 2011 6:54PM
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This is more about setting a standard in Retail than about Retail employees complaining about working on Holidays.  Not too many years ago, stores opened at Noon on Sunday and closed at 6:00pm, now we open at 9am and close at 9pm on Sundays and we work until 11pm and 12pm during the week when there are "special" sales or grand openings.  It is ridiculous , no one needs to shop those extended hours and now we are cutting away at all Holidays which are Family times, not Shopping times.
Someone (Freckles in Alabama)
Nov 18, 2011 11:27AM
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There are lots of jobs - not just in retail that require employees to work some holidays.  Be glad that you have a job.  If you just cant work holidays - QUIT.  There will be 50 people in line to take your place.  I am self employed and my work requires all hours of the day and night - including holidays.  Endofthemovie - please post a list of all those jobs available in Alabama.  My son recently graduated with a 2 yr Associate Degree and cant find a job - good or bad.  They all want education but they also want experience.  How do you get experience without someone hiring you and giving you the chance?
endofthemovie
Nov 18, 2011 10:42AM
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The difference is that retail workers making minimum wage aren't essential contributors to our nations well-being, like policemen, hospital workers, military, etc. are. When you take a job in one of those fields, you understand that you will work some holidays. You know that ahead of time. When you take a job in the retail industry, you're understanding is that you will have most significant holdiays off. These employees didn't take these jobs knowing that they would be sacrificing their Thanksgiving holiday. Additionally, a poor economy should not mean that you should be grateful that your employer is screwing you over. Most of the unemployed that say they should be grateful probably aren't moving too quickly to take one of many jobs available in Alabama.

 

For a holiday about being thankful, these major corproations don't seem too grateful for their bottom tier employees.

Rivets (rivets001)
Nov 21, 2011 8:47PM
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Holidays like Christmas are for family not for shopping at the last minute touy some stupid toy that will be trash in 3 months. Christmas is supposed to be a religious holiday for us Christians. Having stores open on Sunday was the worst law ever past. Retail is about the worst job one can have working 12 hours for min. wage. I don't call that being luckey to have a job while all the CEO's are gathering with family and friends. Just one more example at how this country has gone downhill so fast since the Regan admin. Cheers
Rivets (rivets001)
Nov 21, 2011 9:08PM
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Why do people have to wait till the last minute to shop when there are all those other months during the year when items are on sale doesn't make sense to me. Christmas is supposed to be a holy holiday but I guess with all these other religions that don't believe in Christ it doesn't matter.What will America turn into another country where the workers are chained to their jobs and be happy they aren't even making enough to pay the bills. I was in the service during the holidays and they made it feel just like home with the dinners with all the trimmings and you have all your buddies with you so I'd take the military anytime over working retail. Cheers
JESUS SAVES 562
Nov 22, 2011 12:22AM
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I THING WE ARE ALL TRULY FORGETTING WHAT THANKSGIVING IS ABOUT ITS ABOUT BEING GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL TO GOD FOR ALL THAT HE HAS BLESSED US WITH ALL THAT HE HAS GIVING US. AND I THINK WE ALL HAVE  A LOT MORE THEN WE NEED AND WE NEED TO BE HAPPY WITH WHAT WE HAVE THEN WORRYING WHAT WE THINK WE NEED. PLUS THANKSGIVING IS ABOUT BE HAPPY THAT ARE NEEDS ARE MET THAT WE GIVE TO OTHER THAT IN NEED AND DO HAVE NOT ABOUT ARE GREED AND WANTING MORE THEN WE NEED.
Rgarces
Nov 18, 2011 11:55AM
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PEOPLE SHOULD BE GREATFUL THEY HAVE A JOB THIS YEAR, RETAIL BUSSINESSES REQUIRES TO WORK HOLIDAYS. I'M IN THE HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY I WORKED LONG HR SHIFTS INCLUDING HOLIDAYS AND I'M NOT COMPLAINING. IF YOU DON'T LIKE RETAIL QUIT, THERE ARE PLENTY PEOPLE THAT WILL TAKE YOUR JOB. I'M REALLY TIRED OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING THAT THEY WANT A HOLIDAY OFF. IF  WE  LOVE THIS COUNTRY WE NEED TO ALL WORK TOGETHER AND STOP WHINNING.  

PEACE AND LOVE  TO ALL

 

 

Someone
Nov 18, 2011 10:36AM
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I definitely understand both sides of the issue. Personally, I've never shopped on 'Black Friday'. Our plan this year is to give thanks for all our blessings and enjoy the time we DO have together. It seems to me that if you take a job in retail you can expect to work when the business needs you. Perhaps it would be forthcoming for the hiring manager to explain the work hour expectations on holidays and in general. This would somewhat prepare a new employee for what may be. That being said, in this economy- in this world for that matter- there are plenty of examples EVERYWHERE  you look of folks who would just kill for an opportunity to work/eat/sleep in a warm bed when possible/ use a working toilet/ open a refrigerator to grap a cold drink etc etc. The list goes on and on. All the things we take for granted, really. So, in closing, be thankful for all you have and enjoy the moments (however and whenever you can get them) with your loved ones. It is really all that matters. Love to you all this holiday season!!
Staygle
Nov 18, 2011 2:25AM
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Thanksgiving is a National Holiday!!  For Family's to get to get together And give thanks, And share bread & wine..... If these Stores open on thanksgiving. Your going to have drunks that haven't sobered up yet  cause Trouble!! i had that first slap. It's hard to see the Workers there away from family's i know i wouldn't want to work on Thanksgiving. And i love to go out in the mourning a fight the crowd's;-) and save money but think of our Brothers and Sisters Take 
THANKSGIVING OFF IT'S A NATIONAL HOLIDAY LETS SAVE IT  
charlie63
Nov 18, 2011 8:58AM
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We are talking one day a year.  If you are truly thankful on Thanksgiving, be thankful for your job.  What if the Police, Hospital workers, Military, Airline employees, Transportation employees, and millions  of other workers whose job requires them to work 365 days a year sent out petitions demanding the day off?  You picked your job, your job didn't pick you.  Its a retail store and its Thanksgiving, so simple even a caveman could figure it out.
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