Black Friday has become one of the biggest shopping events of the year in the United States. For many Americans, it marks the unofficial beginning of the holiday shopping season—filled with doorbuster deals, long lines, and record-breaking online sales. But behind the excitement lies a rich history, evolving traditions, and a modern retail strategy that has reshaped the way Americans shop.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn what Black Friday really means, how it started, why it became so huge, and when the shopping actually begins in today’s retail world.
What Exactly Is Black Friday?
Black Friday is the Friday immediately after Thanksgiving in the United States. Traditionally, it’s known as the biggest shopping day of the year, famous for massive discounts, special promotions, limited-time deals, and early-morning store openings.
Today, Black Friday isn’t just a one-day event. It has transformed into a week-long (and sometimes month-long) celebration of sales both online and in stores. Almost every major retailer—from Walmart and Target to Amazon and Best Buy—participates.
The Origin: How Did Black Friday Start?
1. Early Usage of the Term
The phrase “Black Friday” was used in the 19th century but had nothing to do with shopping. It originally described financial crises, including the 1869 stock market crash.
2. Black Friday in Philadelphia (1950s–60s)
The shopping-related origin traces back to Philadelphia.
Police officers used the term “Black Friday” to describe the chaotic day after Thanksgiving when:
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Christmas shoppers flooded downtown
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Out-of-town visitors arrived for the Army–Navy game
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Traffic jams filled the streets
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Stores were packed beyond capacity
Retailers didn’t like the negative tone, but the name stuck.
3. Turning Negative Into Positive (1980s)
By the 1980s, retailers rebranded Black Friday as a positive event.
They promoted the idea that this was the day their accounts finally went from “red” (loss) to “black” (profit).
This narrative helped transform Black Friday into the major shopping holiday we know today.
When Does Black Friday Actually Start Today?
Traditionally, Black Friday begins on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
But modern retail trends have changed that timeline dramatically.
1. In-Store Start Time
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Most stores open early Friday morning, around 5 AM to 7 AM.
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Some major stores used to open on Thanksgiving night, but many have stopped this for employee-family balance.
2. Online Start Time
Online Black Friday usually starts much earlier:
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Many retailers launch deals on Thanksgiving evening.
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Some begin a full week before Black Friday.
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Amazon often starts “Black Friday Deals Week” in early November.
3. Black Friday Now Blends Into Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are no longer separate shopping experiences. Instead, the deals merge into one extended sales period called Cyber Weekend.
4. The Month-Long Trend
In recent years, brands introduced:
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Early Black Friday deals (start of November)
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Black Friday Preview Sales
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Black Friday Week
So the simple answer:
Black Friday starts earlier every year—online deals start long before the actual day.
Why Is Black Friday So Popular in the U.S.?
1. Massive Discounts
Black Friday often includes the biggest discounts of the year on:
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Electronics
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TVs and laptops
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Household appliances
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Clothing and accessories
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Toys and games
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Smart home devices
The savings are sometimes deeper than during Christmas sales.
2. The Holiday Shopping Kickoff
Most Americans begin their Christmas shopping on or around Black Friday. It sets the tone for the entire holiday retail season.
3. The Thrill of the Hunt
Black Friday’s appeal comes from:
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Limited-time offers
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Exclusive early-bird deals
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Flash sales
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Doorbusters available only for the first few customers
The urgency creates excitement.
The Evolution of Black Friday: How It Has Changed Over the Years
1. From Physical Crowds to Online Shopping
A decade ago, Black Friday was dominated by:
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Overnight camping outside stores
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Long lines
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Crowds rushing into malls
Today, online shopping has taken over.
Digital deals are now safer, easier, and just as competitive.
2. Black Friday Became a Global Event
Although it began in America, Black Friday is now celebrated worldwide, including in:
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Canada
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UK
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Europe
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Asia
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Middle East
Global retailers participate to attract international shoppers.
3. Trends Are Becoming More Consumer-Friendly
Modern Black Friday includes:
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Same-day delivery
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Free shipping
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Price-match guarantees
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Extended return policies
This shift removes stress from the shopping experience.
Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday: What’s the Difference?
Black Friday
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Focus: Both in-store and online
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Deals: Electronics, appliances, apparel, home products
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Vibe: “Holiday shopping kickoff”
Cyber Monday
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Focus: Online-only sales
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Deals: Tech, gadgets, digital accessories
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Vibe: “Tech-shopping day”
Today, the difference is softer, but both events still attract huge audiences.
Modern Trends That Shape Black Friday Today
1. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)
Services like Klarna and Affirm are now heavily used during Black Friday, helping shoppers spread payments.
2. Influencer Recommendations
TikTok and Instagram influencers play a major role in promoting deals and creating demand.
3. Mobile Shopping
A huge percentage of purchases now happen on:
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Smartphones
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Retail apps
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Mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
4. Early Access for Members
Retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy offer early access deals for:
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Loyalty members
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Credit card holders
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App users
Is Black Friday Worth It?
For many Americans, yes—but with smart planning.
Pros
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Deep discounts
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Perfect time for holiday shopping
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Great deals on electronics
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Huge variety of products
Cons
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Some deals are limited in quantity
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Not all discounts are genuine
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Crowds (for physical stores)
The key is comparing prices and buying only what’s truly discounted.
Final Thoughts
Black Friday has evolved from a chaotic shopping day in Philadelphia to a global retail phenomenon. For American consumers, it marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season and continues to grow each year with bigger online sales, earlier discounts, and more advanced shopping technology.
Whether you prefer waking up early to grab doorbusters or scrolling through deals from your couch, Black Friday remains one of the most exciting times to shop—and understanding how it works will help you take full advantage of the savings.