Where to Shop on Black Friday in Boston, 2018

Score deals on Newbury Street, Assembly Row, the South Bay Center, and beyond.


Photo via Wikimedia/Creative Commons

Black Friday shopping is probably the only thing that can drag hundreds of millions of Americans out of their turkey comas on the day after Thanksgiving. We’ve all seen the footage: throngs of people pressed shoulder to shoulder against mall windows, local news reporters struggling to keep hold of their microphones as they’re buffeted back and forth by eager shoppers. It’s like The Purge, but if everyone just really wanted a half-priced TV.

And yet every year when Black Friday rolls around, we can’t help but join in on the fun. At the end of the day, we all savor those sweet savings. Here are a few Boston-area stores and shopping centers offering discounts that are worth braving the Black Friday gauntlet for.

The Prudential Center

With so many places to shop, it’s hard to go wrong at the Prudential Center for your Black Friday shopping needs. The Boston landmark will open its doors promptly at 9 a.m. on Friday, November 23 for discount-hungry city slickers. Some of the season’s best deals can be found here, including up to 75 percent off at Kate Spade and a whole slew of new items for $15 or less at Sephora.

Opens 9 a.m. November 23, 800 Boylston St., Boston, prudentialcenter.com.

Copley Place

If you somehow manage to strike out at the Prudential Center, meander down the street to Copley Place and you’ll probably find what you’re looking for. Doors open at 8 a.m. on Friday, though, so get there early to make sure you don’t miss out on any deals. This year’s barrage of sales includes up to 50 percent off luggage from Samsonite, 30 percent off select styles at J. Crew, and up to 50 percent off your purchase from Gap.

Opens 8 a.m. November 23, 10 Huntington Ave., Boston, simon.com.

South Bay Center 

The newly redeveloped South Bay Center in Dorchester is back up and running just in time for Black Friday. Hit the big-box stores like Best Buy and Bed, Bath & Beyond, then check out installations made by local artists as part of the development’s Made in Dorchester initiative.

Hours vary by store, 8 Allstate Rd., Boston, bostonsouthbay.com.

Newbury Street

As the city’s most recognizable shopping district, Newbury Street is a no-brainer to hit on Black Friday. It’s chock full of stores waiting to greet customers in the morning. Spend enough time on the retail boulevard, and you’re bound to leave with something you love, even if your wallet is a little worse for wear as a result. While the higher-end boutiques might not offer show-stopping deals on Black Friday, discounts abound at places like Urban Outfitters, Uniqlo, and Forever 21.

Hours vary by store, Newbury Street, Boston, newbury-st.com.

Legacy Place

Legacy Place is a one-stop destination for Black Friday festivities. It’s jam-packed with countless sales, along with live music and holiday-themed entertainment throughout the day. The Dedham shopping center officially opens at 8 a.m. on November 23, but certain stores like GAP, Bath & Body Works, and Victoria’s Secret are opening as early as 6 a.m.

Opens 8 a.m. November 23, 200 Elm St., Dedham, legacyplace.com.

Assembly Row 

This Somerville standby will not disappoint with door-buster deals at a wide range of retailers. Assembly Row’s Black Friday sales include 50 to 70 percent off the entire store at the Ann Taylor Factory, 50 percent off the entire store all Thanksgiving week at Express, and 20 percent off all purchases at Bed, Bath & Beyond from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday. More sales are being announced every day as Black Friday approaches, so check out Assembly Row’s website for the most up-to-date deals.

Hours vary by store, 355 Artisan Way, Somerville, assemblyrow.com.

Barnes & Noble

Of all the retailers that regularly offer Black Friday deals, Barnes & Noble is one of the most reliable, with sales up to half-off on young adult bestsellers, picture books, and toys, as well as serious discounts on Nook products. The bookstore’s online sale begins on Thanksgiving Day while the in-store deals begin on Friday. Both sales last until November 25, so you have plenty of time to get your shopping in.

Hours vary by location, barnesandnoble.com.

Target

Looking to make a dent in your holiday shopping for everyone on your list? As always, Target is ready for you, with shockingly low prices on TVs, video games, home appliances, and more. This year, Target is opening its doors at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and staying open until 1 a.m., with sales resuming at 7 a.m. on Black Friday.

5 p.m.-1 a.m. November 22, 7 a.m.-normal store closing on November 23, target.com.

Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack

Nordstrom is pulling out all the stops for Black Friday this year, with up to 60 percent off select sale items starting Tuesday, November 20 at 1 a.m. The sale lasts until Monday, November 26, and includes notable brands like Cole Haan, Steve Madden, and Kate Spade New York. Nordstrom Rack is also offering 30 percent off certain clearance items, so there’s something waiting for you at every Nordstrom location.

Hours vary by location, nordstrom.com.

IKEA

Everyone’s favorite furniture retailer is gearing up for the holidays with a number of Black Friday sales. IKEA Family members can get 20 percent off on furniture series like KIVIK and BESTÅ, and up to 25 percent off the POÄNG series of armchairs. These sales last four days between November 23 and November 26, so take advantage of the Scandanavian goodness while you can.

10 a.m.-9 p.m. November 23, 1 Ikea Way, Stoughton, ikea.com.