Black Friday 2025 is coming fast, and New Jersey shoppers already know what that means: early alarms, crowded parking lots, and trying to grab a few real deals before everything sells out. WalletHub reviewed more than 3,100 advertised Black Friday offers from major retailers this year, and the numbers swing a lot from store to store. Since not every chain on the national list even operates in New Jersey, we narrowed it down to the places that actually matter here.
If you usually hit spots like Woodbridge Center, Cherry Hill Mall, or Quaker Bridge Mall right after sunrise, this breakdown should help you plan your route.
1. JCPenney
JCPenney tops WalletHub’s national list again with an average discount of 74.08 percent. The store tends to go big on jewelry, apparel, and home items, and its New Jersey locations almost always draw early crowds. You’ll find JCPenney in Woodbridge, Trenton, Cherry Hill, Jersey City, and a few other malls, and most years its doorbusters are some of the first things to disappear.
2. Kohl’s
Kohl’s comes in at 45.39 percent off on average. Apparel and accessories see the biggest cuts, but shoppers in New Jersey know the real appeal: Kohl’s Cash. Families who plan their purchases usually stack enough rewards to take more off later in the holiday season.
3. Macy’s
Macy’s posts an average discount of 44.46 percent and reliably marks down gift sets, bedding, kitchenware, and holiday items. Many stores in NJ start rolling out deals before Thanksgiving week, which gives shoppers more breathing room.
4. The Home Depot
The Home Depot averages 35.63 percent off and does best in appliances, tools, and home improvement basics. If you’ve ever tried picking up a discounted snow blower or power tool set at your local store, you know these sell through quickly. Online pickup also helps avoid the busiest aisles.
5. BJ’s
BJ’s offers an average discount of 31.26 percent. It’s not the place for dramatic markdowns, but it does well with TVs, small appliances, and bulk holiday buys. New Jersey members tend to use Black Friday to stock up on practical things, which makes these mid-range discounts worth a look.
One to Avoid: Costco
Costco might be one of the most popular shopping destinations in New Jersey year-round, but WalletHub found it has the weakest Black Friday discounts. The average markdown is only 15.1 percent, and electronics barely budge at 2.11 percent. A lot of Costco’s Black Friday promotions look similar to the prices you’ll see in October, so the savings don’t stand out the way they do at other stores.
Costco is still great for everyday items, gift card bundles, and holiday snacks, but if you’re chasing big percentages, this probably isn’t the place to spend your morning.
Expert Insight
Sorting real deals from marketing tricks gets harder every year. “Look up the item’s price history and compare today’s price to its usual average. If the discount is not clearly better than the typical going rate, it is not a real deal,” said Md. Rafiqul Islam Rana, Ph.D., of the University of South Carolina.
Bottom Line
For Black Friday 2025, the best value for New Jersey shoppers comes from JCPenney, Kohl’s, Macy’s, The Home Depot, and BJ’s. Costco remains a solid everyday stop, but its Black Friday markdowns fall short. Knowing where the real discounts are can help you avoid the worst crowds and stretch your budget a little further.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.