Black Friday stands as one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year, marking the unofficial beginning of the holiday shopping season and offering some of the most significant discounts retailers provide annually. This comprehensive guide explores the history, evolution, and contemporary significance of Black Friday, providing insights into when it occurs, how to make the most of it, and how the event continues to transform in the digital age.
When is Black Friday 2025?
Black Friday 2025 will fall on November 28, 2025.
Black Friday traditionally occurs on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. This places Black Friday on the fourth Friday of November, though the specific date changes each year based on the calendar.
Upcoming Black Friday dates:
- 2024: November 29
- 2025: November 28
- 2026: November 27
- 2027: November 26
- 2028: November 24
Historical Origins of Black Friday
The term “Black Friday” and the shopping phenomenon have evolved significantly over decades:
Early Usage
- The term “Black Friday” was first widely used in Philadelphia in the 1950s to describe the chaotic crowds of shoppers and tourists flooding the city the day after Thanksgiving
- Police officers, retail workers, and bus drivers in Philadelphia used the term to refer to the overwhelming crowds and traffic challenges they faced
- Initially, the term had negative connotations related to the difficulties created by the crowds
Evolution into a Positive Term
- By the 1980s, retailers began reshaping the narrative, suggesting that the term referred to stores moving from “in the red” (operating at a loss) to “in the black” (turning a profit)
- This financial interpretation helped transform Black Friday into a positive marker of retail success
- The connection to profitability helped cement the day’s importance in retail calendars
Growth into a National Shopping Event
- During the 1990s, Black Friday solidified its status as the busiest shopping day of the year
- Retailers began promoting special “doorbuster” deals to attract early-morning shoppers
- Opening times gradually moved earlier, eventually creeping into Thanksgiving Day itself in the 2010s
International Expansion
- In the 2010s, Black Friday expanded beyond U.S. borders, becoming a global shopping phenomenon
- Countries without Thanksgiving holidays still adopted Black Friday sales events
- Online commerce facilitated this international growth, allowing consumers worldwide to participate
The Modern Black Friday Experience
Today’s Black Friday looks quite different from its origins, with several notable characteristics:
Extended Timeframe
The singular “day” has expanded into a much longer period:
- Black Friday Week: Many retailers start deals the Monday before Thanksgiving
- Black November: Some stores promote Black Friday prices throughout the entire month
- Early Access Events: Loyalty program members often get access to deals days before the general public
Doorbuster Evolution
The traditional early morning rush has transformed:
- Staggered Releases: Retailers now often release different deals throughout the day
- Online Doorbusters: Many previously in-store-only specials are now available online
- Reservation Systems: Some retailers implement ticket or reservation systems for high-demand items
Store Hours Transformation
Opening times have seen significant shifts:
- Thanksgiving Openings: Many major retailers began opening on Thanksgiving evening (though this trend reversed somewhat after 2020)
- Midnight Openings: Became common in the 2000s and early 2010s
- Return to Normal Hours: Some retailers have moved away from extreme hours, focusing instead on online sales
Online Integration
E-commerce has fundamentally changed Black Friday:
- Pre-Black Friday Online Events: Many deals go live online before in-store offerings
- Mobile Shopping: Significant portion of purchases now made via smartphones
- Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store (BOPIS): Blending of online convenience with immediate availability
Black Friday’s Relationship to Other Shopping Events
Black Friday exists within a network of related shopping events:
Thanksgiving Day Shopping
- Began gaining popularity in the 2010s when major retailers started opening Thursday evening
- Created controversy regarding retail employees working on the holiday
- Has seen some retreat since 2020, with more retailers choosing to remain closed on Thanksgiving
Small Business Saturday
- Established in 2010 by American Express
- Occurs the day after Black Friday
- Encourages consumers to shop at small, local businesses
- Has grown into a significant event with its own distinctive identity
Cyber Monday
- The Monday following Thanksgiving weekend
- Focused on online shopping deals
- Originated in the mid-2000s when consumers would return to work and use high-speed office internet to shop online
- Has merged somewhat with Black Friday as online shopping has become ubiquitous
Travel Tuesday
- A newer addition to the post-Thanksgiving shopping calendar
- Focuses on travel deals and vacation packages
- Typically occurs the Tuesday after Cyber Monday
Green Monday
- Takes place on the second Monday of December
- Represents one of the last major online shopping days that ensures delivery before Christmas
- Term coined by eBay in 2007
Preparing for a Successful Black Friday
To maximize the Black Friday shopping experience, consider these strategic approaches:
Pre-Shopping Research
- Create a prioritized wish list: Determine what you actually need versus impulse purchases
- Set a budget: Decide spending limits before being tempted by deals
- Research normal prices: Know the regular price of items to accurately gauge discounts
- Review previous years’ deals: Many retailers offer similar discounts year to year
- Sign up for newsletters: Retailers often send early announcements to subscribers
Technological Preparation
- Download retailer apps: Many stores offer app-exclusive deals
- Set up accounts in advance: Pre-enter payment and shipping information
- Use price comparison tools: Apps and browser extensions can verify if deals are genuine
- Enable notifications: Get alerts when specific items go on sale
- Bookmark key pages: Prepare direct links to products of interest
In-Store Strategy
For those braving physical stores:
- Check store policies: Understand rain checks, price matching, and return policies
- Map your route: Plan which stores to visit and in what order
- Bring advertisements: Physical proof of advertised prices can help resolve discrepancies
- Shop with a partner: Divide and conquer different sections or stores
- Consider transportation and parking: Prepare for crowded conditions
Online Approach
For digital shoppers:
- Create wish lists on retailer sites: Streamline the checkout process
- Use multiple devices: Have backup options if websites crash
- Understand shipping costs: Factor these into the total price comparison
- Check website reliability: Some retail sites struggle with Black Friday traffic
- Consider using virtual private networks (VPNs): Some deals vary by location
Product Categories and Timing Strategies
Different product categories typically see their best deals at different times:
Best Black Friday Categories
These items typically see their deepest discounts on Black Friday:
- Electronics: Especially TVs, smart home devices, and gaming consoles
- Small appliances: Kitchen gadgets, vacuum cleaners, and personal care devices
- Smart home technology: Speakers, displays, security systems, and smart lighting
- Video games and entertainment: Games, movies, and streaming service subscriptions
- Toys and games: Particularly mid-range items (not necessarily the season’s hottest toys)
Better Before or After Black Friday
Some items strategically see better deals at other times:
- Winter clothing: Often cheaper in January
- Jewelry: Better deals closer to Christmas or after Valentine’s Day
- Exercise equipment: January (New Year’s resolutions) typically offers better prices
- Gift cards: Often discounted mid-December as retailers make final holiday pushes
- Travel: Travel Tuesday or January may offer better values
Door-Buster Timing
Understanding when to pursue specific high-demand items:
- Limited quantity items: Require early arrival or immediate online shopping when sales begin
- Big-ticket electronics: Major TVs and computers often have strict quantity limits
- Gaming consoles: New or popular models may need morning-of strategy
- Popular toys: Hot seasonal items may sell out quickly
- Flash sales: Brief, time-limited deals require vigilant monitoring
Online vs. In-Store Black Friday Shopping
The debate between digital and physical shopping continues to evolve:
In-Store Advantages
- Immediate gratification: Take purchases home immediately
- No shipping concerns: Avoid delivery delays or damaged packages
- Easier returns: Some returns are simpler in person
- Personal experience: Some shoppers enjoy the festive atmosphere
- Some exclusive in-store deals: Certain retailers still offer in-store-only specials
Online Advantages
- Convenience: Shop from anywhere, avoid crowds and lines
- Easier comparison shopping: Quick checking of multiple retailers
- Reviews access: Read product reviews while shopping
- Inventory visibility: Check stock levels across multiple locations
- Earlier access: Many Black Friday deals go live online before stores open
Hybrid Approaches
Many shoppers now employ combined strategies:
- Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store (BOPIS): Secure deals online but get items same-day
- Showrooming: Examine products in-store but purchase online
- Different categories in different channels: Electronics online, clothing in-store
- Deal monitoring online while shopping in-store: Using mobile apps while in physical locations
Black Friday Consumer Psychology and Marketing Tactics
Understanding the psychological aspects of Black Friday can help shoppers make better decisions:
Common Retail Tactics
- Artificial scarcity: Limited-quantity messaging creates urgency
- Loss aversion: “One-time only” deals trigger fear of missing out
- Anchoring: High “regular prices” make sale prices seem more attractive
- Bundling: Combining items to obscure individual values
- Doorbusters: Extremely low-priced items to get shoppers in stores, where they’ll likely buy other things
Smart Consumer Responses
- Question urgency: Most deals will return in some form
- Calculate cost per use: Consider how often you’ll use an item
- Focus on value, not discount percentage: A high percentage off an inflated price isn’t necessarily a good deal
- Maintain wish lists year-round: Know what you actually want before sales begin
- Set spending limits in advance: Decide on budgets before being influenced by sale excitement
Recent Trends and Future Developments
Black Friday continues to evolve rapidly:
Post-Pandemic Shifts
- Health and safety emphasis: More spacious in-store experiences
- Appointment shopping: Some retailers implementing reserved shopping times
- Curbside expansion: Growth in contactless pickup options
- Extended sales periods: Spreading deals across more days to reduce crowds
- Digital integration: QR codes and mobile apps enhancing in-store experiences
Sustainability Concerns
- Anti-Black Friday movements: Growing consumer segments rejecting consumption-focused events
- Green Friday alternatives: Focus on sustainable, ethical, or secondhand purchases
- Buy Nothing Day: Counter-movement encouraging no purchases on Black Friday
- Corporate responsibility: More retailers highlighting sustainable or charitable initiatives
Technological Innovations
- Augmented reality shopping: Virtual try-before-you-buy experiences
- AI-powered deal hunting: Smart assistants finding and suggesting personalized deals
- Blockchain verification: Authentication of limited-edition or exclusive products
- Social shopping: Purchasing directly through social media platforms
- Voice commerce: Shopping via smart speakers and voice assistants
Black Friday Around the World
While originating in the United States, Black Friday has become a global phenomenon with regional variations:
United Kingdom
- Introduced around 2010, primarily by American-owned retailers
- Caused unexpected chaos in some locations in earlier years
- Now well-established, with many retailers participating
- Significant online focus with less emphasis on in-store events
Canada
- Developed as a response to Canadian shoppers crossing the border for U.S. deals
- Coincides with American Black Friday despite Canadian Thanksgiving being in October
- Retailers offer competitive deals to keep shopping dollars in Canada
- Boxing Day (December 26) remains another major shopping holiday
Australia
- Gaining popularity since around 2015
- Takes place during Australia’s spring season, not tied to any local holiday
- Primarily online-focused due to timing differences with the U.S.
- Growing in significance as international retailers expand their presence
Brazil
- Known as “Black Friday Brasil”
- Has grown significantly since 2010
- Faced early challenges with fraudulent deals (“Black Fraude”)
- Now closely monitored by consumer protection agencies
- One of the largest Black Friday events outside North America
Germany
- Relatively recent adoption around 2006
- Initially faced some resistance due to traditional shopping patterns
- Legal restrictions in some regions on using the exact term “Black Friday”
- Growing rapidly, particularly in e-commerce
France
- Gained significant traction after 2016
- Some political and cultural resistance, particularly from small businesses
- Environmental concerns have led to “Green Friday” alternatives
- Legislation proposed to limit or ban Black Friday due to overconsumption concerns
Black Friday Safety Considerations
As with any major shopping event, safety should be a priority:
Digital Security
- Use secure networks: Avoid making purchases on public Wi-Fi
- Monitor accounts: Check credit card and bank statements during and after the shopping period
- Verify websites: Ensure you’re shopping on legitimate sites (look for https)
- Use credit cards over debit cards: Better fraud protection
- Beware of phishing: Suspicious emails claiming amazing deals may be scams
In-Store Safety
- Remain aware of surroundings: Particularly in crowded environments
- Secure purchases: Keep shopping bags close and out of sight when possible
- Parking considerations: Remember where you parked; shop with others when possible
- Plan transactions: Minimize handling of cash and payment cards in public
- COVID considerations: Follow current public health guidance for in-person shopping
Purchase Protection
- Understand return policies: Many retailers have special holiday return terms
- Keep receipts: Digital and physical copies are essential for returns
- Check warranty information: Especially important for electronics and appliances
- Know price protection policies: Some credit cards offer reimbursement if prices drop
- Consider extended protection: Evaluate whether extended warranties are worthwhile
Ethical Considerations Around Black Friday
As consumer awareness grows, ethical dimensions of Black Friday have gained attention:
Labor Practices
- Employee treatment: Concerns about retail workers’ hours, compensation, and working conditions
- Supply chain ethics: Questions about manufacturing conditions for heavily discounted items
- Movement for workers: Some companies close on Black Friday to give employees time off
- Growing transparency: More retailers highlighting fair labor practices
Environmental Impact
- Consumption concerns: Questions about the sustainability of mass consumption events
- Carbon footprint: Environmental costs of manufacturing, shipping, and packaging
- Product lifecycle: Issues of planned obsolescence and electronic waste
- Sustainable alternatives: Growth in “conscious consumption” alternatives
Community Effects
- Local business impact: How Black Friday affects small and local businesses
- Economic distribution: Questions about wealth concentration among major retailers
- Community initiatives: “Shop Small” and other programs supporting local economies
- Donation alternatives: Growth in Giving Tuesday and charitable giving tied to holiday shopping
Maximizing Value Beyond Discounts
Smart Black Friday shopping goes beyond finding the lowest prices:
Reward Programs and Cash Back
- Credit card rewards: Many cards offer extra points or cash back during Black Friday
- Store loyalty programs: Special promotions for members
- Cashback portals: Additional savings through services like Rakuten, TopCashback, etc.
- Retailer credit cards: Often provide extra discounts on the day of application
Price Protection and Matching
- Price adjustment policies: Many retailers will refund the difference if prices drop shortly after purchase
- Competitor price matching: Some stores match competitors’ advertised prices
- Credit card price protection: Some cards automatically refund price differences (though this benefit has become less common)
- Post-purchase price tracking: Apps that monitor prices after you buy and alert you to potential refunds
Gift Card Strategies
- Discounted gift cards: Purchase gift cards below face value before shopping
- Gift card bonuses: Many restaurants and retailers offer bonus cards with gift card purchases
- Strategic redemption: Save gift cards received throughout the year for Black Friday purchases
- Exchange platforms: Trade unwanted gift cards for ones you’ll use for holiday shopping
Conclusion: The Evolving Tradition of Black Friday
Black Friday, occurring on November 28 in 2025, remains a significant cultural and commercial phenomenon while continuously evolving with changing technology, consumer preferences, and global circumstances. From its origins as a local Philadelphia term to its current status as an international shopping event, Black Friday reflects broader trends in retail, technology, and consumer behavior.
Today’s Black Friday bears little resemblance to the single-day, early-morning door-busting event of decades past. Instead, it has transformed into an extended shopping season that blends online and offline experiences, begins earlier each year, and increasingly competes with other shopping events like Cyber Monday and Singles’ Day.
For consumers, navigating modern Black Friday requires digital savvy, strategic planning, and a clear understanding of personal needs versus wants. The most successful Black Friday shoppers approach the event with research, budgeting, and intentionality rather than being swept up in the excitement of limited-time deals.
As we look toward future Black Fridays, we can expect continued evolution: more personalization through artificial intelligence, increased emphasis on sustainability, further integration of augmented reality shopping experiences, and perhaps a continued rebalancing of online versus in-store emphasis. What remains constant is Black Friday’s role as the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season and its reflection of current consumer priorities, technological capabilities, and retail trends.
Whether you participate enthusiastically, shop selectively, or choose to opt out entirely, Black Friday has secured its place as a significant cultural and economic event that extends far beyond its origins as a single day of post-Thanksgiving shopping.
