Black Friday 2022 is just about here and just about all of the big name retailers are pushing their sales as hard as ever. One of the annual powerhouse hubs on Black Friday, of course, is Academy Sports + Outdoors — especially if you’re buying gifts for those who love outdoor fun. However, you may be wondering which of their deals for the big day truly are the best buys. That’s especially the case as millions of Americans are facing tighter budgets and may not be as quick to jump on a big sale as in previous years.
In fact, researchers at WalletHub have found that 28 percent of American consumers are planning to spend less during the 2022 holiday season, in comparison to last year. With that in mind, it’s no surprise holiday shoppers are looking for the biggest savings they can find.
Inflation is also keeping many people from spending as much as they normally would, even on the best Black Friday deals online and in-store. According to a recent survey, half of Americans believe Santa will be “less generous” this holiday season because of higher costs.
So, where should bargain hunters go on Black Friday to save the most money? WalletHub’s team examined several big-box stores and brand name retailers to see just how many items will come with a discount this holiday season. Academy Sports + Outdoors has long been a must-visit destination for Black Friday shoppers, and WalletHub experts say their deals this year are among the best in the business:
With nearly nine in 10 items on sale, there are some truly excellent bargains to be had at the iconic department store. Here are the five best Black Friday deals at Academy Sports + Outdoors that’ll get you the biggest bang for your buck in 2022, according to WalletHub:
Pit Boss Navigator 850 Wood Pellet Grill
Black Friday Price After Discount: $450
Pre-Black Friday Price*: $859
Additional Discount for Waiting Until Black Friday ($)**: -$409
Want a high-tech cooker? The Pit Boss Grill is compatible with the Legacy Wifi and Bluetooth Connected Control Board. It also has enough cooking surface to grill up 45 burgers.
Everlast Nevatear 70 lb Platinum Heavy Bag, Silver/Black
Black Friday Price After Discount: $64
Pre-Black Friday Price*: $200
Additional Discount for Waiting Until Black Friday ($)**: -$136
This hanging-style bag uses layers of synthetic leather and reinforced webbing for durability.
6-ft Pop Up Ping Pong Table
Black Friday Price After Discount: $75
Pre-Black Friday Price*: $193
Additional Discount for Waiting Until Black Friday ($)**: -$118
The 3-in-1 design allows the ping pong table to easily convert into a utility table, or a beer pong table — depending on your partying needs.
Women’s Puma Pacer Future
Black Friday Price After Discount: $50
Pre-Black Friday Price*: $95
Additional Discount for Waiting Until Black Friday ($)**: -$45
This running shoe has textile bootie uppers that wrap around the foot for a snug fit.
Heat Hog 9,000 BTU Portable Heater Unit, Gray/Orange
Black Friday Price After Discount: $80
Pre-Black Friday Price*: $120
Additional Discount for Waiting Until Black Friday ($)**: -$40
The Heat Hog is great for tailgating, ice fishing, hunting, camping, and other outdoor events. It produces 9,000 BTU of heat and features curved plaque technology which helps produce and disperse heat 33 percent better than other heaters.
*Depending on an item, the WalletHub research team collected one or more of its advertised prices between Oct. 18 and Nov. 15. The “Pre-Black Friday Price” is the lowest of those prices for each item.
**A negative value indicates that a shopper would spend less by waiting until Black Friday to purchase the item.
Looking for other items to cross off your holiday shopping list? Check out StudyFinds’ Best of the Best section, which showcases the most recommended products according to expert reviews. Here are some of the latest additions to our fast-growing list: