Black Friday: What You Need to Know

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Image: Markus Spiske

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, which falls on the fourth Thursday of November in the U.S. It’s one of the biggest shopping days of the year, marking the start of the holiday shopping season.

When and Where

Black Friday happens every year the day after Thanksgiving, making it a November tradition. While it’s a major event in the United States, it’s also grown internationally, with many countries now offering sales and discounts in line with the U.S. event. The best deals can be found both in physical stores and online.

What is Black Friday?

Originally, Black Friday referred to the day when retailers moved from being in the “red” (losses) to the “black” (profits) for the year, thanks to the holiday shopping rush. Over time, it became a shopping frenzy with massive discounts on everything from electronics to toys to clothing. Stores open early—some even at midnight—and shoppers line up to snag the best deals.

Who Participates?

Retailers across the country, from big-box stores like Walmart and Target to online giants like Amazon, participate in Black Friday. Shoppers of all kinds—students, families, bargain hunters—flock to stores or their computers to score savings. It’s an event that brings together people looking for big discounts on holiday gifts and personal splurges.

Why Do We Celebrate It?

Black Friday marks the unofficial beginning of the holiday shopping season, and over time, it’s become a cultural tradition. People enjoy the thrill of scoring great deals, and retailers rely on this event to boost their sales figures. The event has also expanded to include Cyber Monday, which focuses on online shopping deals, keeping the shopping momentum going into the next week.

While Black Friday originally started as a one-day event, its sales have now spread out over the entire weekend, with many stores offering deals starting as early as Thanksgiving Day. Whether you shop in stores or online, Black Friday remains a highlight for those looking to jump-start their holiday shopping at a bargain.