Black Friday is synonymous with eye-popping deals, door-busting discounts, and a shopping frenzy that’s both thrilling and chaotic. Over the years, some big businesses have taken Black Friday promotions to the next level, offering jaw-dropping deals and creating shopping experiences that stand out from the crowd. Here are three of the craziest Black Friday promotions ever offered by major brands.
Amazon’s “Treasure Truck” Surprises (2015-Present)
Amazon is known for its mind-blowing online deals, but in 2015, they brought the excitement of Black Friday to the streets with their innovative “Treasure Truck.” This promotion added an element of mystery and exclusivity to Black Friday shopping, as Amazon used trucks to deliver limited-quantity, high-demand products to select locations across various cities.
How It Worked: Shoppers could sign up to be alerted when the Treasure Truck was in their area, and the truck would carry a single, highly discounted item—anything from a top-notch gadget like an Xbox console to luxury items like kitchen appliances. The catch? You had to meet the truck in person to make the purchase.
Why It Was Crazy: The “Treasure Truck” created a sense of urgency, mystery, and exclusivity. Consumers never knew what the truck would have in stock, and because quantities were limited, it became a fun, scavenger-hunt-like experience for shoppers. Amazon blended the convenience of online shopping with the thrill of a physical Black Friday deal.
Walmart’s $99 Big-Screen TV Frenzy (2010)
When it comes to big-ticket items, no Black Friday deal created as much buzz as Walmart’s 2010 promotion on flat-screen TVs. Walmart offered a 32-inch Emerson HDTV for just $99—a deal so outrageous that it attracted thousands of shoppers eager to grab one.
How It Worked: At the crack of dawn, shoppers lined up outside Walmart stores across the country, hoping to get their hands on the ultra-low-priced TV. The promotion was strictly in-store, creating a frenzy as customers battled it out for limited stock.
Why It Was Crazy: $99 for a flat-screen TV was practically unheard of at the time, and the promotion led to chaotic scenes in stores. Many locations reported stampedes, fights, and even injuries as shoppers rushed to claim their prize. Despite the mayhem, the promotion is often cited as one of Walmart’s most successful Black Friday deals, showcasing the power of deep discounts on coveted products.
Apple’s “Black Friday Gift Card Bonus” (2017)
Apple, known for its high-end products and minimal discounts, has traditionally stayed away from extreme Black Friday markdowns. However, in 2017, they launched a creative Black Friday promotion by giving away free Apple gift cards with the purchase of certain products.
How It Worked: Instead of offering direct discounts, Apple gave customers who purchased certain items—like an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook—a gift card worth up to $150. These gift cards could be used toward future Apple purchases, essentially giving loyal Apple customers a discount on their next purchase without cutting the price on their premium products.
Why It Was Crazy: While most brands offer immediate discounts on Black Friday, Apple’s promotion was clever because it reinforced brand loyalty while still offering value. Customers didn’t get the “instant gratification” of a discounted product, but they left the store with a substantial gift card to spend later. It was a win-win for both the consumer and Apple, ensuring future purchases and continued customer engagement.
Final Thoughts
Black Friday promotions are designed to grab attention, drive sales, and, in some cases, create lasting memories. These three big businesses took their Black Friday strategies to the next level, offering deals and experiences that were creative, chaotic, and, most importantly, successful. Whether through exclusive treasure hunts, insanely low prices, or loyalty-building gift cards, these brands mastered the art of making Black Friday unforgettable.
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