For decades, one of the most exciting parts of holiday shopping has been the anticipation of seeing store ads in the paper. Many shoppers still ask the same question each year: when do Black Friday ads come out in newspaper? While times have changed and digital ads dominate the landscape, the tradition of flipping through thick bundles of Thanksgiving week newspapers to find doorbuster deals has not disappeared entirely. Understanding the history, timing, and evolution of these ads can help you plan your shopping strategy and make sure you never miss the best bargains.
The History of Black Friday Newspaper Ads
Long before the internet made deals accessible with a click, retailers relied heavily on newspapers to spread the word about their Black Friday promotions. Thanksgiving Day editions of local papers became iconic because they were packed with flyers and inserts from major retailers. Families would gather around the kitchen table after dinner, sorting through stacks of ads, circling must-have items, and mapping out store visits for the early morning rush.
This tradition dates back to the mid-20th century, when Black Friday started gaining momentum as the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. For big-box stores like Sears, Kmart, and later Walmart, newspaper ads were the most effective way to showcase doorbusters and attract crowds. Some shoppers even bought multiple newspapers to ensure they had every insert from national and local retailers. For a broader planning perspective, you can also check out How Much Days Until Black Friday 2025?, which provides a helpful timeline to organize your shopping strategy.
Over the years, the arrival of those ads became part of the holiday ritual. People didn’t just ask when do Black Friday ads come out in newspaper; they eagerly awaited them as the signal that the shopping season had officially begun.
When Do Black Friday Ads Usually Come Out in Newspapers?
Traditionally, the biggest wave of Black Friday ads arrives in newspapers on Thanksgiving Day. Retailers choose this timing strategically, knowing shoppers are at home with family, planning their purchases for the next morning. That is why the Thursday paper, often the largest edition of the year, is stuffed with colorful inserts from dozens of retailers.
However, some ads appear earlier than Thanksgiving:
The Sunday before Thanksgiving: Many national chains release their first round of ads in Sunday papers, giving shoppers almost a full week to plan.
Mid-November sneak peeks: Certain retailers, especially electronics stores, sometimes run teaser ads a week or two in advance to build excitement.
Thanksgiving morning: This remains the most common and consistent release time for the largest batch of ads.
So, when asking when do Black Friday ads come out in newspaper, the most accurate answer is usually Thanksgiving Day, with some appearing slightly earlier depending on the retailer.
Typical Release Times by Retailer
Different retailers follow slightly different traditions when it comes to releasing their Black Friday newspaper ads, but shoppers can spot familiar patterns year after year. Walmart usually begins teasing digital ads in early November, creating buzz well before the big day. However, its full newspaper flyer, often filled with doorbusters and major electronics deals, is most commonly included in the Thanksgiving Day edition. Best Buy takes a similar approach by sharing some of its digital promotions earlier in the month, while the complete insert highlighting TVs, laptops, and gaming bundles typically appears in the Thanksgiving newspaper.
Macy’s, which is already in the spotlight with its famous Thanksgiving Day Parade, often releases an initial version of its ad in the Sunday paper before Thanksgiving. Shoppers can then expect a more detailed flyer on Thanksgiving morning, packed with fashion, beauty, and home essentials. Kohl’s is also an early player, frequently publishing its Black Friday ads about a week before the holiday. These appear both digitally and in Sunday newspapers, with additional inserts dropping on Thanksgiving itself. Home Depot, on the other hand, usually times its ads for tools, appliances, and home improvement products by mid-November, but its most extensive flyers are also saved for the Thanksgiving Day paper.
All together, these patterns show that while some retailers prefer to build excitement gradually through digital previews, the most important and comprehensive newspaper ads almost always arrive in time for Thanksgiving.
How Early Can Shoppers Expect Ads to Appear?
In today’s retail environment, ads rarely stay a surprise until the newspaper drops. Many stores now publish their Black Friday flyers weeks in advance on their websites or through third-party deal sites. Some retailers even leak their ads intentionally to generate buzz.
This means that by early to mid-November, you can often find digital versions of the same ads that will appear in Thanksgiving newspapers. Still, shoppers who prefer the tangible experience of holding the newspaper and flipping through inserts can expect the most complete collection to appear only on Thanksgiving Day itself.
So, while the short answer to when do Black Friday ads come out in newspaper is “Thanksgiving,” the longer answer is that digital ads often show up earlier, with printed ads peaking on the holiday itself.
The Shift from Newspaper Ads to Digital Flyers
The rise of online shopping has changed everything about how retailers promote Black Friday deals. Where once the newspaper was the central hub for ads, today most shoppers discover sales online.
Digital flyers offer several advantages:
They can be released earlier and updated in real time.
Shoppers can search for specific products quickly instead of scanning page by page.
They reach a wider audience instantly, without relying on print distribution.
Retailers like Amazon never relied on newspaper ads in the first place. Instead, they dominate Black Friday through digital promotions, email newsletters, and app notifications. For example, if you’re curious about tech deals, you can check out How Low Will iPad Prices Drop on Amazon This Black Friday? to see what kinds of discounts to expect. Even traditional brick-and-mortar stores now prioritize online releases, with newspapers playing more of a secondary, nostalgic role.
Still, newspapers remain important in certain markets. Older shoppers and those in smaller towns may still depend on the local paper for finding deals. For many families, flipping through Thanksgiving ads remains a beloved tradition, even if they later shop online instead of lining up at stores.
Tips for Staying Updated on Black Friday Ads
If you are serious about Black Friday shopping, it helps to combine old and new methods to stay ahead of the game. Here are a few strategies:
Check digital ad leaks: Many websites and deal forums collect early scans of newspaper ads as soon as they appear.
Subscribe to retailer newsletters: Stores like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy often send ads directly to your inbox before they hit print.
Download store apps: Many retailers release exclusive mobile app deals, sometimes even before the ads appear online or in print.
Buy the Thanksgiving paper: Even in the digital age, the Thanksgiving Day newspaper remains the single best collection of physical ads.
Use coupons and promo codes: Beyond newspaper ads, you can stack additional savings by applying a Zubile promo code at checkout.
By blending these methods, you can maximize your chances of scoring the best bargains whether you shop in-store or online.
Why Newspaper Ads Still Matter
Even though digital advertising dominates, newspaper ads hold a special place in Black Friday culture. They provide a tactile, visual experience that digital screens cannot fully replace. For many, spreading out dozens of glossy flyers across the table feels like the real start of the shopping season.
They also serve as a reminder of how Black Friday has evolved. The excitement once centered around physical stores opening at dawn, with lines of people holding ads in hand. Today, the same deals may be available online, but the ritual of checking the paper remains a way to connect with the tradition.
Conclusion
So, when do Black Friday ads come out in newspaper? The answer is most often Thanksgiving Day, though some ads may appear in Sunday papers the week before or as teasers earlier in November. Digital versions often leak weeks ahead, but the Thanksgiving edition of your local newspaper is still the most complete and iconic source for Black Friday deals.
Even in an age of online shopping and instant deal alerts, newspapers continue to play a role in building the excitement of the holiday season. Whether you prefer scrolling through your phone or circling bargains with a pen, the countdown to Black Friday always feels real once those ads are in hand.
By keeping an eye on both digital releases and printed inserts, and by using Zubile promo codes, you can make the most of every discount. Black Friday may have changed, but the thrill of waiting for those ads, whether in your mailbox, your inbox, or your local newspaper, remains just as exciting as ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When do Black Friday ads come out in the newspaper most often?
The majority of Black Friday ads are released in the Thanksgiving Day newspaper, which is traditionally the largest edition of the year. However, some retailers begin publishing their ads in the Sunday paper before Thanksgiving or as mid-November teasers.
Q. Do all major retailers still put Black Friday ads in newspapers?
While many retailers now prioritize digital flyers, stores like Walmart, Best Buy, Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Home Depot continue to include their Black Friday ads in newspapers, especially on Thanksgiving morning.
Q. Can I get extra savings beyond what’s in the Black Friday newspaper ads?
Absolutely. Beyond the discounts listed in newspaper ads, you can often stack additional savings by using Zubile promo codes at checkout. This allows you to maximize your budget and get even better deals on top of the advertised promotions.
Q. How early can I expect to see Black Friday ads before Thanksgiving?
Digital leaks and online releases often appear in early to mid-November, giving shoppers an early look. But if you’re specifically asking when do Black Friday ads come out in newspaper, the most reliable and complete edition is still the Thanksgiving Day paper.
Q. Are newspaper ads still useful if most deals are online now?
Yes. Newspaper ads remain valuable because they collect multiple retailers’ flyers in one place. Many families still enjoy flipping through them on Thanksgiving, even if they end up shopping online instead of in stores.
