AAFES Archives - Blacker Friday

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s (AAFES) Black Friday sales are always a highlight for eligible military shoppers, offering a chance to snag significant discounts on a variety of items. If you’re planning to shop their 2025 Black Friday event, here’s what you can expect, including the likely sale dates, what items to look out for, and how to take full advantage of the deals.

When Does AAFES’s Black Friday Sale Start?

The AAFES Black Friday sale is a little different from most other retailers in terms of timing and structure. Based on previous years, the 2025 sale is expected to kick off online at 12:00 AM CST on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 27, 2025). However, for in-store shoppers, the doors are expected to open at 8:00 AM on Black Friday itself (Friday, November 28, 2025).

It’s worth noting that all AAFES stores are typically closed on Thanksgiving Day, so the in-store shopping experience will begin exclusively on Black Friday morning. However, online shoppers will have an earlier opportunity to grab deals as soon as the sale begins at midnight.

The majority of AAFES Black Friday deals are usually valid throughout the weekend, ending on Sunday, November 30, 2025, or while supplies last. There are often limited-time Friday-only in-store specials as well, so if you’re after those deals, you’ll want to plan to visit the store on Black Friday itself.

When Will the AAFES Black Friday Ad Be Released?

The AAFES Black Friday ad is expected to be released on or around Monday, November 17, 2025. Based on past trends, the ad should be about 40 pages long, packed with discounts on a wide range of products, from electronics to apparel, home goods, and more.

Keep an eye out for the ad’s release so you can review the deals ahead of time and create a shopping list. Since no rain-checks are offered on sold-out items, planning in advance is key to securing the best deals.

What Kind of Deals Can You Expect?

AAFES Black Friday sales typically cover a wide range of categories, making it an excellent opportunity to shop for almost anything you need. Here are some of the highlights based on past sales:

1. Electronics

Electronics are always a major focus during the AAFES Black Friday event. Expect significant discounts on big-ticket items like televisions, gaming consoles, and laptops. In previous years, shoppers have been able to find deals on brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony, so this year’s sale will likely be no different.

2. Home Appliances and Cookware

Small kitchen appliances like air fryers, coffee makers, and blenders are also common items featured in the sale. If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen or purchase gifts for the home chefs in your life, this is the time to shop.

3. Clothing and Accessories

From casualwear to activewear, AAFES typically offers discounts on clothing for the whole family during their Black Friday sale. Jewelry and accessories are also part of the lineup, with watches, necklaces, and other pieces often included at discounted prices.

4. Toys and Games

If you’re shopping for children, keep an eye out for deals on popular toys, board games, and video games. AAFES frequently includes these items in their Black Friday ad, making it easy to pick up holiday gifts while saving money.

5. Tax-Free Shopping

One major benefit of shopping at AAFES is the tax-free pricing. Unlike regular retailers, AAFES doesn’t charge sales tax, so the price you see is the price you pay. This can lead to additional savings on top of the Black Friday discounts.

Who Can Shop at AAFES?

Before diving into the details of the sale, it’s important to note that not everyone can shop at AAFES. Access to the store and its deals is limited to:

Active-duty military personnel
Retired military personnel
100% disabled veterans
Certain other qualifying groups, including their dependents, who can provide a valid military ID card

If you’re not part of one of these groups, unfortunately, you won’t be able to take advantage of the deals.

How to Prepare for the Sale

With AAFES offering such a wide variety of deals during Black Friday, it’s a good idea to prepare ahead of time. Here are some tips to make the most of the event:

1. Review the Ad Early

Once the AAFES Black Friday ad is released (likely on November 17, 2025), take some time to go through it carefully. Highlight the items you’re most interested in and note whether they’re part of a Friday-only in-store special or available throughout the weekend.

2. Plan Your Shopping Strategy

If you’re shopping online, set your alarm for midnight CST on Thanksgiving Day so you can snag the best deals as soon as they go live. For in-store shoppers, plan to arrive early on Black Friday morning, especially if you’re targeting doorbuster deals that may sell out quickly.

3. Create an Account Online

If you plan to shop online, make sure you have an active AAFES account set up in advance. This will save you time during checkout and ensure a smoother shopping experience.

4. Understand the Return Policy

While most items purchased at AAFES can be returned, Black Friday deals often come with specific terms and conditions. Be sure to review the return policy for the items you purchase, especially for electronics and other high-value products.

In-Store vs. Online Shopping

One of the big questions for any Black Friday event is whether to shop in-store or online. Both options have their advantages, but here’s a quick comparison for AAFES shoppers:

Online Shopping

Pros: Early access to deals (starting at 12:00 AM CST on Thanksgiving), convenient, and no need to deal with crowds.
Cons: High-demand items may sell out quickly online, and shipping times could vary depending on the volume of orders.

In-Store Shopping

Pros: Opportunity to see and test products in person, immediate availability for certain items, and access to Friday-only specials.
Cons: Stores don’t open until 8:00 AM on Black Friday, and you’ll need to deal with the usual Black Friday crowds.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your personal shopping preferences and which deals you’re targeting.