You know that feeling when you're standing in the cold at 4:45 in the morning, clutching a lukewarm coffee, wondering if a half-price air fryer is actually worth your dignity? If you live in the Pacific Northwest, that specific brand of madness usually happens in a Fred Meyer parking lot.
Black Friday at Fred Meyer is a weird, glorious tradition. It’s not just a sale. It’s a marathon where the finish line is a cart full of socks, electronics, and maybe a giant plushie you didn’t know you needed. Honestly, while everyone else is fighting over the same three items on Amazon, there’s something tactile and oddly satisfying about hitting "Freddy’s" in person.
The 5 AM Doorbuster Ritual
Let's talk timing. For Black Friday Fred Meyer usually sticks to the script: doors fly open at 5:00 AM.
It’s an early start. Brutal, really. But there’s a reason people show up. Historically, the first 100 people through the doors have been handed mystery gift cards. We're talking anywhere from $5 to $100. It’s a gamble, but hey, free money is free money. Plus, most locations have traditionally handed out free Starbucks coffee and donuts. If you're going to be awake before the sun, you might as well be caffeinated and covered in glaze.
One thing to keep in mind is that Fred Meyer is basically a "one-stop-shop." This isn't like Best Buy where you're just looking at TVs. You can grab a 75-inch Hisense QLED for under $400 and then pivot immediately to buying a 10-pound bag of potatoes and some fuzzy slippers. It's chaotic. It’s efficient. It’s very Northwest.
What’s Actually Worth Buying?
Don't get distracted by the shiny stuff at the front. You’ve gotta have a plan. Based on recent trends and ad leaks, the real gold is usually hidden in the "Home" and "Apparel" sections.
Electronics and Entertainment
Fred Meyer isn't always the first place you think of for tech, but their Black Friday electronics deals are sneaky good.
- TVs: Look for those Hisense or Samsung doorbusters. In 2025, we saw 75-inch models dipping into the $370 range.
- Gaming: They usually stock the big bundles. Think Nintendo Switch OLED with Mario Kart 8 or the PlayStation 5 Slim. The prices usually match the big box stores, but you earn Fuel Points here. That’s the secret sauce.
- Audio: AirPods often see massive cuts. It’s not rare to see AirPods 4 or older Pro models for significantly less than the Apple Store price.
The Clothing Goldmine
This is where Fred Meyer usually beats everyone else. They do a lot of "Buy One, Get One" (BOGO) or 50% to 60% off deals.
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- Boots: Bearpaw, Kensie, and SMNY boots are frequently 50% to 60% off.
- Outerwear: Free Country jackets and Columbia fleece often hit half-price.
- Socks and Undies: It sounds boring until you’re getting 50% off a year’s supply of Workman socks.
The Fuel Point Strategy
If you shop at Fred Meyer and you aren't gaming the Fuel Points, you're leaving money on the table. Period.
During the Black Friday Fred Meyer event, they almost always run a 4X Fuel Points promotion on gift cards and certain home/apparel categories. Think about it. If you’re going to spend $500 on a new TV or holiday gifts anyway, earning 4X points means you’re looking at $1.00 or more off per gallon at the pump later.
Sometimes they require a digital coupon you have to "clip" in the app before you check out. Don't be the person at the register holding up the line because you forgot to download the app. Do it the night before while you're eating leftovers.
Why Some People Skip the Store
Look, the 5 AM rush isn't for everyone. Some people find the crowds at the Interstate Fred Meyer in Portland or the stores in Bellevue a bit much.
The good news? Fred Meyer has leaned hard into their digital presence. Many of the "Black Friday" deals actually start early online—sometimes the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. However, certain "Doorbuster" items and the mystery gift cards are strictly in-store only.
If you're hunting for toys like LEGO sets (often BOGO 40% off) or board games (frequently BOGO free), you can usually snag those online. But for the "Limited Quantity" electronics, you typically have to show up and sweat it out with the rest of us.
Pro-Tips for Survival
- Check the Ad Scan: The full 40-page ad usually leaks about three weeks before Thanksgiving. Scour it. Don't just wing it.
- The "Backdoor" Starbucks: If your Fred Meyer has a Starbucks inside, that’s your first stop. Get the caffeine before you hit the toy aisle.
- Apparel First: Electronics get the headlines, but the clothing deals sell out of common sizes fast. If you need that 60% off Grinch sleepwear, head there early.
- Price Match: It’s rare, but some shoppers have successfully price-matched competitors in-store. It’s a "mileage may vary" situation, so don't bank on it, but it doesn't hurt to ask politely.
Actionable Steps for Your Shopping Trip
To make the most of the Black Friday Fred Meyer experience, you need to be intentional. Start by downloading the Fred Meyer app and linking your Rewards Card today. Check for the "4X Fuel Points" digital coupon and clip it immediately.
Next, make a list of "Must-Haves" vs. "Nice-to-Haves." If a TV is a must-have, you need to be in line by 4:30 AM. If you just want cheap towels and some new socks, you can probably show up at 8:00 AM and still find plenty of stock.
Finally, don't forget to check your fuel point balance after you shop. Those points expire at the end of the following month, so make sure you use that discount at a Fred Meyer or Shell station before it vanishes.