Early Bird Black Friday Freebies What Stores Give Away To Shoppers In Line

Black Friday has evolved beyond just doorbuster deals and deep discounts into a tradition where retailers entice shoppers with free giveaways to those willing to line up early. For deal hunters and bargain enthusiasts, these freebies—ranging from high-value coupons and gift cards to promotional merchandise and food items—have become an integral part of the Black Friday shopping experience. This comprehensive guide examines the freebies offered by various retailers to early line standers, providing details on what shoppers can expect, when these giveaways occur, and how to maximize their chances of scoring these complimentary items.

The Phenomenon of Black Friday Freebies

Black Friday freebies have become a strategic marketing tool for retailers looking to generate excitement and draw crowds to their stores before opening. These giveaways serve multiple purposes: they reward loyal customers who brave early morning lines, create buzz around the shopping holiday, and encourage shoppers to arrive at specific times when promotional staff are present to distribute the items.

The practice has grown in scale and variety over the years, with some retailers allocating significant budgets for these promotional freebies. According to available information, retailers are increasingly using these giveaways as incentives to lure customers early, with some stores offering multiple freebie opportunities throughout Black Friday weekend.

Department Store Freebies

Department stores have traditionally been among the most generous with Black Friday freebies, often offering high-value coupons and gift cards to early shoppers.

Belk

Belk stands out for its substantial gift card giveaways. The retailer planned to give away $1 million in gift cards, with values ranging from $5 to $500. According to multiple sources, there was one $500 winner per store each day. Details about the timing vary slightly across sources:

• One source indicates gift cards were distributed starting at 4 p.m. on Thursday and 6 a.m. on Friday
• Another source mentions gift cards ranging from $5 to $1,000 for the first 250 customers in line when doors opened at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving, with one $1,000 winner per store

The discrepancy in timing and prize values suggests Belk may have adjusted its promotion between years or locations.

JCPenney

JCPenney has established a tradition of distributing high-value coupons to shoppers in line when doors open. The department store's freebie strategy includes:

• Thanksgiving day coupon giveaways when stores open at 2 p.m., with coupons valued at $10, $100, or $500 (valid November 28-30)
• In 2024, JCPenney offered a more elaborate schedule with four different giveaway times:
  • 5 a.m.: Free coupon worth up to $500 off a $500 purchase
  • 9 a.m.: Chance to win a free Cuisinart Stand Mixer
  • 1 p.m.: Chance to win free lab-grown diamond studs
  • 5 p.m.: Golden Tote Giveaway including a coupon for 10% off JCP purchases through December

At a specific location in Lynchburg, Virginia, JCPenney opened at 5 a.m. and distributed Elf-themed snow globes along with coupons ranging from $10 to $500 off purchases. One shopper at this location won the $500 coupon, describing it as "great for Christmas shopping."

Stage Stores

Stage Stores (which includes Beall's, Palais Royal, Goody's, and Peebles) offered scratch-off tickets to early shoppers:

• At 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving, the first 75 guests in line received mystery scratch-offs worth a $10 coupon, $100 gift card, or $250 gift card
• At 6 a.m. on Black Friday, the first 50 people in line received scratch-offs

Notably, this was reportedly the last Black Friday for Stage department stores, with all locations scheduled to close or convert to Gordmans by the following year.

Kohl's

Kohl's incentivized early shopping by offering two tickets to Star Wars: The Force Awakens for each of the first shoppers in line when stores opened at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving night. These Fandango tickets could be redeemed for any movie.

Kmart

Kmart distributed free goodie bags reading "I will conquer Black Friday" to the first 100 customers when stores opened at 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

New York & Company

Shoppers at New York & Company received a free stuffed bear with any $75 purchase made from store opening through Black Friday. This offer was limited to one per customer with supplies limited.

Home Improvement and Retail Chain Freebies

Home improvement stores and major retail chains often offer practical freebies that shoppers can use immediately or during future projects.

Lowe's

Lowe's has been particularly generous with its Black Friday freebies:

• In 2024, the store gave away free buckets filled with tools and supplies valued at $80, including items from Kobalt, Lennox, and Mr. Clean
• The buckets also included coupons for 20% off a Lowe's purchase and a free can of paint
• In previous years, Lowe's offered the first 300 customers in stores when they opened at 6 a.m. on Black Friday a coupon worth $10 off a $50 purchase, plus a chance to win a $500 gift card (one winner per store, no purchase necessary)

Walmart

Walmart provided comfort items to those waiting in line early, offering free coffee, hot cocoa, and snacks to shoppers in line at 4 p.m., though the stores didn't open until 6 p.m.

Gordmans

Gordmans offered the first 75 guests in line a free holiday tote bag along with a mystery scratch-off worth a $5 shopping card or $100 gift card. The store opened at 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving and 6 a.m. on Black Friday.

Specialty Store Freebies

Specialty stores in various categories have also embraced the Black Friday freebie trend, offering items relevant to their product mix.

PetSmart

PetSmart catered to pet owners by giving the first 100 people in line a free paw print ornament and a movie rental when doors opened at 7 a.m. on Black Friday morning.

Bass Pro Shops

The outdoor supply retailer (which owns Cabela's) offered several freebies throughout Black Friday weekend:

• Kids could get a free photo with Santa from Thanksgiving Day through Sunday
• The first 100 kids photographed with Santa received a free plush toy
• On Saturday and Sunday only, shoppers received a free photo package (valued at $20) when they donated a new toy

Fleet Farm

Fleet Farm offered a free plush toy to the first 500 customers in line on Friday morning when doors opened at 5 a.m.

Half Price Books

Following tradition, Half Price Books gave the first 100 customers through the door on Black Friday a tote bag and a $5 gift card. Additionally, one tote bag contained a $100 gift card.

Shoe Carnival

Shoe incentivized early arrivals by offering the first 100 people in line at 6 a.m. on Black Friday a free scratch-off worth up to $100 or a free pair of Puma shoes.

Gander Mountain

Gander Mountain planned giveaways or savings up to 50% off and a chance to win a $500 gift card for the first 100 people in line by 5 a.m. on Black Friday morning.

Fred Meyer

Fred Meyer provided refreshments to early shoppers, offering free coffee, juice, and donuts to those who showed up at opening time at 5 a.m. on Black Friday. The first 100 customers also received a free gift card.

Five Below

Five Below offered an attractive deal on Squishmallows during Black Friday, allowing shoppers to get 10 for the price of three. Each location had 50 bags available for $20, which shoppers could stuff with up to 10 individual Squishmallows. Since three Squishmallows normally cost $17.85, this promotion effectively allowed shoppers to get approximately seven Squishmallows for free.

Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble offered Buy One Get One Free Starbucks® coffee until 10 a.m. EST on November 23 at participating locations.

Types of Black Friday Freebies

The freebies offered by retailers on Black Friday fall into several categories:

Gift Cards and Coupons

High-value coupons and gift cards represent the most substantial freebies, with retailers like Belk, JCPenney, and Stage Stores offering scratch-off tickets or direct coupons worth up to $500 or $1,000. These incentives encourage immediate spending while providing significant savings opportunities.

Food and Beverages

Several retailers provided complimentary food and drinks to early shoppers: - Walmart offered free coffee, hot cocoa, and snacks - Fred Meyer provided free coffee, juice, and donuts - Barnes & Noble offered BOGO Starbucks coffee

These items help maintain energy and morale among shoppers waiting in cold weather for extended periods.

Merchandise and Promotional Items

Many retailers gave away branded merchandise or promotional products: - PetSmart distributed paw print ornaments and movie rentals - Fleet Farm and Bass Pro Shops offered plush toys - New York & Company gave away stuffed bears with purchase - Kmart provided "I will conquer Black Friday" goodie bags - Gordmans offered holiday tote bags

Prize Drawings and Sweepstakes

Some retailers incorporated elements of chance into their freebies: - Lowe's offered a chance to win a $500 gift card - JCPenney scheduled multiple prize drawings throughout the day - Bass Pro Shops provided free photo packages with toy donations

Important Considerations for Black Friday Freebie Hunters

Age Restrictions

Most stores offering gift cards and coupons limit these freebies to shoppers who are at least 18 years old. This restriction is particularly common for high-value items like gift cards and sweepstakes entries.

Limited Quantities

Nearly all Black Friday freebies come with limited quantities, with many restricted to the first 50-100 customers in line. Early arrival is crucial for securing these items.

Timing Variations

The timing of freebie distributions varies significantly: - Some giveaways occur at specific opening times (e.g., 5 a.m., 6 a.m., 7 a.m.) - Others happen at predetermined times during the day (e.g., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m.) - A few retailers distribute items to those in line before official opening times

Shoppers should research specific store schedules in advance to maximize their chances.

Purchase Requirements

While most freebies to early line standers don't require purchases, some offers like New York & Company's free stuffed bear require a minimum purchase amount.

Regional Variations

Freebie offerings may vary by location, as evidenced by JCPenney's different practices at its River Ridge location in Lynchburg, Virginia. Shoppers should check with their local stores for specific offers.

Conclusion

Black Friday freebies have become an established tradition that rewards early shoppers with tangible benefits beyond the advertised sales. From high-value coupons and gift cards to practical items like coffee and comfort products, retailers use these giveaways to generate excitement and draw crowds. For consumers willing to brave the early morning lines, these freebies can provide significant value and enhance the overall Black Friday shopping experience.

As the retail landscape continues to evolve, so too do Black Friday freebie strategies. Some retailers have expanded their offerings to include multiple giveaway opportunities throughout the day, while others have focused on experiential freebies like photos with Santa or product samples. Regardless of the specific offerings, the core principle remains the same: retailers reward early arrivals with complimentary items that enhance the shopping experience and build brand loyalty.

For shoppers looking to maximize their Black Friday freebie haul, thorough preparation is key. Researching store-specific offers, arriving early, and understanding eligibility requirements can significantly improve the chances of securing these valuable freebies.

Sources

1. These Stores Will Hand Out Free Stuff To People In Line On Black Friday
2. Black Friday Freebies and Giveaways
3. Retailers give freebies to lure Black Friday shoppers
4. Tradition meets savings: River Ridge shoppers snag early Black Friday deals and freebies
5. Best Black Friday Freebies in 2024