National Black Friday: The Ultimate Shopping Extravaganza

National Black Friday is an annual shopping event celebrated the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. It marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, with retailers offering massive discounts both online and in-store. Over the years, it has evolved into a global phenomenon, with countries worldwide embracing the tradition.

Quick Facts

• When is it?: The day after Thanksgiving, typically the fourth Friday of November. In 2024, it falls on November 29.
• Tagged as: Shopping extravaganza, holiday sales kickoff.
• What’s the hashtag?: #BlackFriday
• When was it founded?: The term gained popularity in the 1960s.
• Who founded it?: Originated in Philadelphia, primarily used by local police to describe post-Thanksgiving chaos.

History of National Black Friday

The term “Black Friday” was first coined in Philadelphia during the 1950s or 1960s to describe the heavy traffic and crowds caused by shoppers and football fans after Thanksgiving. Retailers later rebranded its meaning in the 1980s, associating it with profitability—moving from “in the red” (losses) to “in the black” (profits). Since then, it has become a cornerstone of holiday shopping culture.

Timeline

• 1950s-60s: Philadelphia police use “Black Friday” to describe post-Thanksgiving chaos.
• 1980s: Retailers popularize the term as a symbol of profitability.
• 1990s: Black Friday spreads nationwide across the U.S.
• 2000s: Online sales emerge as a key component of Black Friday.
• 2010s-Present: Black Friday becomes a global shopping event.

Dates by Next Year

Year	Month & Date	Day
2024	November 29	Friday
2025	November 28	Friday
2026	November 27	Friday
2027	November 26	Friday
2028	November 24	Friday
2029	November 23	Friday

Observed

Black Friday is observed primarily in the United States but has gained traction globally in countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, and beyond. It is celebrated through in-store and online shopping sprees, with retailers offering limited-time deals and promotions.

Fun Facts About Black Friday

• The term “Black Friday” was initially used to describe a financial crash in 1869.
• In recent years, online sales on Black Friday have often surpassed in-store sales.
• Some shoppers camp out overnight to secure early access to deals.
• The average American spends over $300 during Thanksgiving weekend.

Quiz

1. What year did Black Friday become associated with post-Thanksgiving shopping?

• A) 1940
• B) 1950
• C) 1960
• D) 1970

1. Which U.S. city is credited with coining the term “Black Friday”?

• A) New York
• B) Philadelphia
• C) Chicago
• D) Los Angeles

1. What does “in the black” mean for retailers?

• A) Operating at a loss
• B) Turning a profit
• C) Closing stores early
• D) Offering discounts

Answers:

1. C) 1960
2. B) Philadelphia
3. B) Turning a profit

FAQs

1. Is Black Friday only celebrated in the U.S.?
   No, it has become popular worldwide, including Canada, Europe, and even parts of Asia.
2. Are Black Friday deals better than Cyber Monday?
   It depends on what you’re shopping for—electronics often see better deals on Cyber Monday.
3. Why is it called “Black Friday”?
   Originally due to traffic chaos in Philadelphia; later rebranded to signify profitability for retailers.

Related

• Cyber Monday
• Small Business Saturday
• Giving Tuesday
• Christmas Shopping Season
• Buy Nothing Day