Costco will have great Black Friday deals, so it's a perfect time to get a Gold Star membership at a low price.

Similarly, Black Friday tends to be a madhouse at popular retailers, so it's a day I usually try to stay out of stores. But crowds aren't my only issue with Black Friday. I also don't like the fact that many of the so-called deals you see advertised are nothing but a giant dupe.

The retailer's official holiday shopping event will run from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2. Here's what shoppers need to know for saving big now.