Black Friday
Score amazing deals on the biggest shopping day of the year! Black Friday marks the official start of the holiday shopping season with incredible discounts, doorbuster sales, and limited-time offers. Whether you're shopping in-store or online, discover the best deals, learn shopping strategies, and find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Shop smart and save big!
About Black Friday
Score amazing deals on the biggest shopping day of the year! Black Friday marks the official start of the holiday shopping season with incredible discounts, doorbuster sales, and limited-time offers. Whether you're shopping in-store or online, discover the best deals, learn shopping strategies, and find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Shop smart and save big!
History & origins
Black Friday is a U.S. shopping observance tied to the Friday after Thanksgiving, and its modern retail meaning took shape in Philadelphia in the early 1960s. The earliest well-documented use of the term described heavy traffic and crowded streets, not bargains, and the phrase later spread nationwide as retailers reframed it around holiday sales. The popular “in the black” profit explanation became widespread later, but historians and reference sources note that it was not the original origin of the name.
Why it matters
Black Friday matters because it kicks off the holiday shopping season for many U.S. consumers and sets the pace for November and December retail spending. It also shapes how stores plan promotions, staffing, inventory, and online sales, while influencing shoppers to budget, compare prices, and time purchases strategically.
How to celebrate
Research deals and create a shopping list before heading out. Shop early for the best doorbuster deals, or stay home and shop online for convenience. Compare prices across different retailers to ensure you're getting the best deal. Set a budget and stick to it to avoid overspending. Consider shopping at small businesses on Small Business Saturday instead of just big retailers.
Facts
- Black Friday got its name because it's when retailers' books go from red (loss) to black (profit)
- Over 165 million Americans shop on Black Friday weekend
- The term 'Black Friday' was first used in 1961 in Philadelphia
- Online Black Friday sales have grown by 20% annually since 2010
- The average Black Friday shopper spends about $300
Upcoming dates
- Saturday, November 28, 2026
- Sunday, November 28, 2027
- Tuesday, November 28, 2028
- Wednesday, November 28, 2029
- Thursday, November 28, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is Black Friday in 2026?
Black Friday in 2026 is on Saturday, November 28, 2026.
What is Black Friday?
Black Friday is a major shopping day known for deep discounts, doorbuster deals, and early holiday sales. It is widely treated as the start of the holiday shopping season.
Who started Black Friday?
Black Friday was not started by one single person or company. The term was first popularized in Philadelphia in the early 1960s, where police and media used it to describe the heavy traffic and crowds after Thanksgiving.
Why is it called Black Friday?
The name first referred to the chaos and congestion of the day, especially in Philadelphia. The later explanation about retailers going from “red” to “black” became popular afterward, but it is not considered the original source of the term.
How do people celebrate Black Friday?
People celebrate Black Friday by shopping early, hunting for deals, and comparing prices before buying. Many also shop online, make wish lists in advance, and set a budget to avoid overspending.
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