Black Friday

Black Friday takes place on the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States and is widely recognized as the start of the Christmas shopping season. On this day, stores offer steep discounts and open early, drawing large crowds and sparking similar events in countries around the world.

• Held the day after US Thanksgiving
• Marks the start of the Christmas shopping season
• Stores offer major discounts and open early
• Now observed in many countries worldwide
• Online sales have grown alongside in-store events

What it is

Black Friday is a major shopping event that signals the beginning of the holiday retail season in the United States. Retailers offer deep discounts and special promotions, often opening their doors at dawn or even earlier to eager shoppers. The day is known for bustling crowds and a sense of urgency, as people seek out the best deals on gifts and goods. Over time, Black Friday has become a cultural phenomenon, influencing shopping habits and marking an unofficial start to festive preparations. Its impact now stretches beyond the US, with many other countries adopting their own versions of the event.

Where it comes from

The term 'Black Friday' was first used in the 1950s by police in Philadelphia to describe the heavy traffic and crowded streets that followed Thanksgiving, as shoppers and tourists flocked to the city. Earlier, the phrase had referred to financial crises, most notably the gold market crash of 1869. By the 1980s, the retail industry embraced the name, promoting the idea that this was the day stores moved from operating at a loss ('in the red') to making a profit ('in the black'). The event has since evolved, with the rise of online shopping and global participation further shaping its character.

How it is celebrated

On Black Friday, shoppers line up outside stores, sometimes hours before opening, hoping to secure limited-time deals and doorbuster offers. Retailers advertise significant discounts on electronics, clothing, toys, and more, creating a sense of excitement and competition. Some stores open as early as midnight or even on Thanksgiving evening, though this practice has faced criticism for encroaching on the holiday. In recent years, online sales have become increasingly important, with many deals extending through the weekend and into 'Cyber Monday.' The atmosphere is often energetic, with crowds, long lines, and a palpable buzz as people hunt for bargains.

Joining in

If you want to experience Black Friday as a visitor, the largest and most energetic celebrations take place in major US cities, especially in large shopping malls and retail centers. Expect early morning crowds and a fast-paced environment, with shoppers eager to snag the best deals. Many stores also offer online discounts, so you can participate from anywhere. In other countries, check local retailers for their own Black Friday events, as the tradition has spread and adapted to different cultures.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Black Friday (shopping), whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Black Friday (shopping) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.