Black Friday 2011 is approaching quickly, and we wanted to give you an idea of what to expect:  the year’s hottest items, top holiday trends, and where you’ll find the biggest discounts. Our Black Friday 2011 predictions are based on reports from retail analysts, blogs and articles, and our own in-depth research.  Here are seven of our Black Friday 2011 predictions:

1. Increased Mobile Use  Google Inc. projects that 15% of all searches made on November 25th will come from mobile devices, and that 44% of all December searches for gifts and store locations will be mobile. Because retailers offer limited-time offers and sales around Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas, analysts are expecting consumers to use mobile devices heavily this year to locate the best deals.
2. Bargains on Tablets  Laptops and computers have been on the top of many Black Frida’y shopping lists for years. Desktop computers are still discounted on Black Friday, but have been largely eclipsed by laptops, tablets, and up to 2011, netbooks. Due to the decline in netbook popularity – Microsoft reported they’ve seen sales drop by 40% - we may not see the same crazy deals on netbooks this Black Friday.Some tech bloggers are predicting the best discounts will be on tablets like the Zoom. In 2010, Apple discounted the iPad by $41, and we may see a great Black Friday iPad 2 deal from Apple retail partners like Walmart , Amazon and Best Buy .
3. Rock-Bottom Deals on Plasma 720p HDTVs  Black Friday deals on HDTVs are nothing new. However, manufacturers now deal almost exclusively in 1080p TVs, which means there are a lot of 720p sets sitting on the shelves. You can expect awesome deals on 42-inch 720p Plasma sets (under $300) with larger screen sets discounted up to 50% this year.Another prediction: The prices on 3D TVs will be slashed (up to 35%) on Black Friday, with many retailers throwing in bundled items like an extra pair of 3D goggles.
4. Early Black Friday Sales  Amazon.com has already announced that they will be starting their Black Friday sale on Monday, November 21st. Sears commonly has sales every weekend leading up to Black Friday, and Walmart offers their Amazing Online Sales during the entire month of November. This year, we’re predicting more retailers will try and start Black Friday sales early to maximize profit in a still sluggish economy.
5. Solid Sales on Consoles & Video Games  We consistently see gaming systems on sale on Black Friday, and 2011 is bound to bring discounts on all gaming systems:  Nintendo Wii, XBox 360, Play Station 3, and handheld varieties like the Nintendo DS. Microsoft Kinect will be a hot item again, bundled with games at stores like Walmart and GameStop.com .Video game deals are everywhere on Black Friday, and this year will be no different. Several new games will likely be on sale, including Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3, Assassin’s Creed Revelation, Batman: Arkham City and NHL 12. 
6. Camcorder Craze  Digital cameras are popular on Black Friday year after year, and although there will be the usual sales on point-and-shoots from brands like Canon, Kodak and Nikon, many people already have them, so the demand will be a lot lower. The new must-have item: camcorders. HD-capable camcorders will be on sale, with models by Flip Video and Sony for under $100, and compact versions starting at around $49.
7. Hot Deals on Top Toys  Black Friday is the best time to stock up on holiday gifts, and every year we see a staggering array of toys in ad scans and catalogs like the Kmart Toy Book and Walmart’s Toyland Catalog. In 2011, the hottest toys include the LeapFrog Leapster Explorer (regularly $69.99), Monster High dolls and accessories (starting at $10), Barbie Doggie Water Park (regularly $25), My Pillow Pets (starting at $15.99) and Justin Bieber dolls (regularly $24.99). You’ll find the best discounts on these and other most-wanted holiday toys at Toys R Us, Walmart, Target , and Sears.

Experts are claiming that we are climbing out of the recession and this Black Friday may be the most profitable one retailers have seen in several years. We’re excited to see what’s in store for shoppers and retailers during Black Friday 2011!