Home Depot is facing criticism after a viral TikTok video during Black Friday revealed what many shoppers suspect—Black Friday deals may not be deals at all. TikTok user @moeburqa shared a clip that exposed identical pricing on a screwdriver set, listed as $19.97 both before and during the supposed sale.
Highlights:
- Viral TikTok Revelation: A video by @moeburqa exposed Home Depot’s alleged misleading holiday pricing, showing identical regular and sale prices.
- Customer Backlash: The clip, viewed over 1.2 million times, sparked debates about the legitimacy of Black Friday deals, with many calling the event a "scam."
- Broader Retail Practices: Similar accusations have been leveled at other retailers like Target, highlighting an industry-wide issue.
- Historical Scams: Price inflation before sales has been a tactic for decades, with examples dating back to the 1980s.
- Online Shopping Dominates: Despite controversies, online Black Friday sales surged, with American shoppers spending $11 billion this year.
Home Depot is facing criticism after a viral TikTok video during Black Friday revealed what many shoppers suspect—Black Friday deals may not be deals at all. TikTok user @moeburqa shared a clip that exposed identical pricing on a screwdriver set, listed as $19.97 both before and during the supposed sale. The video, amassing over 1.2 million views, has ignited heated discussions about whether Black Friday is losing its value.
Many viewers expressed skepticism. “How is this not false advertising?” one commenter asked, while others labeled the event a “scam,” asserting they found better deals before October. Black Friday has traditionally been the year’s biggest shopping day, but rising consumer awareness suggests that retailers may inflate prices beforehand to create the illusion of discounts.
Online Shopping Takes Over
Despite the backlash, Black Friday spending hit new heights, with American consumers shelling out $11 billion—10% more than in 2024, according to Adobe Inc. Most purchases were made online, as shoppers leveraged price comparisons and better deals. Michelle Meyer, Chief Economist at Mastercard Economics Institute, emphasized, “Online spending empowers consumers with more options.”
Retailers Under Scrutiny
Home Depot isn’t alone in this controversy. Last year, Target faced similar accusations when videos showed unchanged prices disguised as Black Friday deals. In one instance, a $649.99 television advertised as a sale item had the same price under its promotional tag. Target later explained the discounts were part of extended early sales, but many customers remained unconvinced.
A Longstanding Issue
False Black Friday discounts aren’t new. Former retail employees have shared stories of marking up prices just before applying sale tags to mislead shoppers. Some anecdotes trace the practice back to the 1980s, illustrating how retailers have historically manipulated pricing to drive sales.
Buyer Awareness is Key
While flashy Black Friday banners may entice shoppers, consumer vigilance is crucial. Comparing prices, checking reviews, and planning purchases ahead can help shoppers avoid falling victim to deceptive marketing tactics.