Black Friday in New York City is a shopping marathon and an urban spectacle. From flagship department stores to massive malls to neighborhood boutiques, there are many places to shop for Black Friday deals. Major retailers, like Macy’s Herald Square on 34th Street, are typically open at midnight on Thanksgiving Day.
Many other stores, like those on Fifth Avenue and those in lower Manhattan, typically open later in the day, on the morning of Black Friday, but will likely have massive crowds. Therefore, knowing when each store opens and where to go to purchase items is very important for shoppers who want to get the best deals, but don’t want to get overwhelmed by the crowds.
Where to Go: Key Black Friday Spots in New York
- Macy’s Herald Square: Located in the center of Midtown, this flagship store is the most recognized store in NYC since it has wait times that begin when the doors open and extend indefinitely down 34th Street. There are many product discounts from numerous brands related to Macy’s Thanksgiving celebrations.
- Fifth Avenue Flagship & Midtown Locations: Fifth Avenue contains the top brand name retailers and Department Stores from 49th through 59th Streets, including Saks Fifth Avenue [located near Rockefeller Plaza], The Apple Store with a glass cube structure on 59th Street (for hardware and accessories) and various high-end department stores. Luxury retailers sell at a deeper discount than most other types of retail, and spending money here is as much about looking at beautifully decorated display windows and elaborate decorations, as it is about the prices.
- Lower Broadway/SOHO: The many store locations of SOHO are one of many reasons to consider Black Friday sales to be among your best options for shopping in New York. For those who appreciate both chic retail and unique boutiques, SOHO has something for everyone, whether it be large international retailers like Uniqlo, Zara, lulu lemon or high-end technology companies and sneaker retailers promoting Black Friday specials from both tourists and residents alike.
- Shopping Locations Within NYC Include Malls and Outlet Centers: Malls and outlet centers near New York City, including American Dream in New Jersey, Queens Center Mall in Brooklyn, and Staten Island Mall, will be open longer than usual for the Black Friday shopping holiday, with large sales occurring at multiple retailers’ locations. American Dream has been especially successful at attracting shoppers who are looking for good deals through a combination of retail and entertainment options.
- Department Stores and National Chains Located Throughout the City: Black Friday is also supported by most department and national chain stores that are located in New York City: Bloomingdale’s at 59th Street, Nordstrom at Columbus Circle and Midtown, and major chain stores located in all boroughs of NYC (including: Target, Walmart, and Best Buy).
Store Opening Times: Major Retailers on Black Friday 2025
While hours may vary depending on the store’s location, the trends for many national retailers are going to be similar throughout NY for this event:
- Macy’s: Most Macy’s stores, including the Herald Square store, are open from 6 am to 10 pm on Black Friday according to the company.
- Target: Most stores will open at 6 am (most stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day).
- Walmart: Most stores will be open at approximately 6 am on Black Friday, following the start of online sales earlier in the week.
- Kohl’s: Most stores will be open by 5 am and many will stay open until midnight, making them among the first to open during that time of year.
- Best Buy: Most Best Buy stores will be open from 6 am until 10 pm on Black Friday.
- JCPenney: Stores will be open at 5 am, although times of closing will vary by store.
- Marshalls, Michaels, and Ross: Most Marshalls, Michaels, and Ross stores will be open at 7 am and close from about 10-11:30 pm.
According to guidance in the state of NY and from local sources, most retail stores will have longer hours (including midnight) on Black Friday, but it is important to check with individual stores, particularly the smaller retailers and luxury boutiques, who may follow more traditional open to close times.