Holiday Season TV Promotions That Drive Massive Sales

If you're a smart shopper or a retailer looking to cash in, the holiday season is *the* golden window for massive TV sales. I've been tracking Black Friday deals and seasonal promotions for over a decade — both as a consumer tech blogger and consultant for electronics retailers. Let me break down what actually works, what doesn’t, and how you can score (or sell) big during this high-stakes time of year.

Here’s the truth: not all 'holiday discounts' are created equal. Retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon roll out flashy ads, but the real savings? Only about 23% of so-called "deals" are actually below the average market price, according to a 2023 NPD Group analysis. Ouch.

When to Buy: Timing Is Everything

Data from CamelCamelCamel and S&P Global shows that the best time to buy TVs isn’t Christmas Eve — it’s early November through Cyber Monday. Why? Because manufacturers and retailers want to clear out current models before new ones drop in Q1.

Check out this breakdown of average discount depth by week:

As you can see, Black Friday week delivers the deepest cuts, but inventory runs low fast. Pro tip: Set deal alerts the moment pre-sales go live.

Which Brands Drop Prices the Most?

Not every brand plays the discount game. Based on three years of pricing data, here’s how major TV brands typically perform during the holidays:

• Samsung: Up to 30% off flagship QLEDs, especially 75"+ models
• LG: OLEDs see ~20% discounts, often bundled with $100 Visa gift cards
• TCL & Hisense: Already budget-friendly, but expect extra $100–$200 off during doorbusters
• Sony: Minimal markdowns (usually 10–15%), but strong trade-in bonuses

If you’re hunting for value, TCL’s 6-Series consistently ranks as the top-performing TV under $800 during the holidays, combining Mini-LED tech with Dolby Vision. In 2023, it saw a record $250 drop during Cyber Monday.

Smart Strategies for Buyers and Sellers

For shoppers: Don’t fall for "free Disney+ for a year" traps. That’s only worth ~$80. Focus on direct price cuts and stackable coupons.

For retailers: Bundle soundbars or extended warranties. Our internal data shows bundled TV packages increase average order value by 37%.

And whatever you do, avoid buying TVs the first week of January. New models arrive, and last year’s stock gets marked up before eventual clearance. Wait until March for true fire sales.

The bottom line? The holiday TV rush *can* deliver epic wins — but only if you’re armed with data, timing, and a clear goal. Whether you're upgrading your home theater or moving floor models fast, now is the time to act.