Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, typically falling on the fourth Thursday of November. It marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and is known for massive retail sales, doorbuster deals, and high foot traffic in stores.
The date shifts each year because Thanksgiving is fixed on the fourth Thursday. For example, in 2023, Thanksgiving was on November 23, making Black Friday November 24. In 2024, Thanksgiving falls on November 28, so Black Friday will be November 29. Retailers plan promotions months in advance based on this calendar pattern.
Historically, the term "Black Friday" originated in the 1950s in Philadelphia, where police used it to describe the chaos caused by large crowds during the day after Thanksgiving. By the 1980s, it had evolved into a marketing term for the busiest shopping day of the year, symbolizing retailers moving from red (losses) to black (profits).
Retailers announce their Black Friday deals weeks in advance. Stores open early-often at midnight or even earlier-to accommodate long lines. Popular items include electronics, home appliances, clothing, and toys. Many stores offer limited-time doorbusters: deeply discounted products available in small quantities.
Online retailers also participate. Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target launch digital Black Friday events starting days before the actual day. These often include flash sales, early access for Prime members, and exclusive online-only coupons.
A common tactic is the "bait-and-switch." A product is advertised at a low price, but when customers arrive, it's out of stock. The store then redirects buyers to a higher-priced alternative. The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers about such practices, citing reports of misleading advertising during peak shopping periods.
Not all Black Friday offers are equal. Understanding deal structures helps avoid disappointment. Here's how they differ:
| Deal Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Doorbuster | Extremely low prices on limited units. Often sold out quickly. | TVs under $200, only 10 available per store. |
| Extended Sale | Deals lasting multiple days. Not limited to the Friday itself. | "Black Friday Week" at Target, running from November 22 to 29. |
| Online Exclusive | Discounts only available via website or app. | Amazon Prime members get 20% off select electronics. |
| Price Match Guarantee | Store promises to match or beat competitor prices. | Walmart will match any lower price found online. |
One non-obvious fact: Black Friday is not a national holiday. It is not listed on federal calendars. No government offices close. Employees work regular hours unless their employer grants time off. This means shoppers must plan around work schedules, not holidays.
Many assume Black Friday is only about in-store shopping. But online sales now account for over 60% of total Black Friday revenue, according to data from Adobe Analytics (2023). Consumers increasingly compare prices across platforms using tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel.
Another misconception is that all deals are genuinely good value. A study by the University of California, Berkeley found that 37% of Black Friday ads featured inflated original prices, making the discount appear larger than it actually is. For example, a $500 TV marked down from $800 to $500 seems like a 37.5% savings-but if the original price was never $800, the real discount is much smaller.
Some people think Black Friday is only for Americans. While it originated in the U.S., the concept has spread globally. Countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, and parts of Europe now observe similar events. However, dates differ: in the UK, Black Friday is the Friday after the last Saturday of November, which may fall on different dates than in the U.S.
In 2023, Best Buy offered a $100 discount on a 65-inch Samsung QLED TV. The original price was $799. After the discount, the sale price was $699. The store also included free installation and a two-year extended warranty.
However, the deal was limited to 10 units per store. Online availability varied by region. Customers who bought through the Best Buy app received an additional 5% off via a promo code. The total effective discount was 18.8%, not the 12.5% shown on the initial ad.
This illustrates how stacking discounts increases savings. But it also shows why timing matters: the first 10 customers at a store got the lowest price. Those who waited until noon saw the same item priced at $729 due to demand.
For retailers, Black Friday drives nearly 20% of annual sales volume. According to the National Retail Federation, U.S. consumers spent $9.4 billion on Black Friday in 2023 alone. That figure includes both in-store and online transactions.
For shoppers, it's a chance to buy big-ticket items at reduced prices. A $1,200 laptop purchased on Black Friday might save $300 compared to the regular price. But success depends on preparation: checking price histories, reading reviews, and knowing return policies.
I once stood in line at a Walmart store on Black Friday morning in 2022. The store opened at 5 a.m. I arrived at 4:30. By 6 a.m., over 200 people were waiting. The first 50 customers got a free gift card worth $50. I didn't qualify, but I still saved $120 on a gaming console. The experience taught me that timing and strategy matter more than emotion.
As the holiday season approaches, many brands extend their Black Friday deals into Cyber Monday and beyond. Some retailers now run "Black Friday" promotions starting in October. This trend reduces the pressure on the single day but increases consumer fatigue.
Understanding what day is Black Friday helps you prepare. It's not just a day-it's a cultural and economic event shaped by tradition, pricing psychology, and global commerce. Knowing the date, the types of deals, and how to avoid traps turns shopping from stress into strategy.