Black Friday

Black Friday is observed in the United States and many other countries on the day after Thanksgiving. It marks the traditional beginning of the holiday shopping season, with retailers offering discounts in stores and online. Shoppers should compare prices carefully and avoid buying products they do not need.

History of Black Friday

The term “Black Friday” became associated with the day after Thanksgiving in Philadelphia during the 1950s and 1960s. Police officers used it to describe the heavy traffic, crowded sidewalks, and additional work caused by large numbers of shoppers and visitors arriving in the city.

Retailers initially disliked the negative meaning and briefly promoted alternatives such as “Big Friday.” The original name remained popular, however, and eventually spread throughout the United States.

The explanation that Black Friday marks the moment when retailers move from operating “in the red” to earning profits “in the black” appeared later as a more positive interpretation of the name. Black Friday sales were once concentrated on a single day, but many retailers now offer promotions throughout November and extend them through the weekend and Cyber Monday.

Interesting Facts About Black Friday

• Black Friday is not a federal holiday in the United States, although many schools, offices, and private businesses close or operate on reduced schedules.
• The term was used by Philadelphia police to describe the traffic and crowds that followed Thanksgiving.
• Retailers once tried to replace the name with “Big Friday,” but the alternative did not become popular.
• In 2008, a retail employee in New York was killed when a large crowd rushed into a store, drawing attention to the importance of crowd-control measures.
• Black Friday has expanded beyond the United States and is now promoted by retailers in many countries.
• Online sales have made it possible for shoppers to take part without visiting crowded stores.

How to Take Part in Black Friday

• Prepare a shopping list and budget before looking at advertisements.
• Compare current prices with earlier prices to confirm that a discount is genuine.
• Check return policies, warranty conditions, delivery charges, and product reviews before buying.
• Use price-tracking tools and retailer newsletters to research offers in advance.
• Avoid impulse purchases and focus on products you already planned to buy.
• Be cautious of fraudulent websites, misleading advertisements, and suspicious payment requests.

When Is Black Friday in 2026?

Black Friday is observed on the day after Thanksgiving each year.

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