Terri Adams
16/10/2024 • 4 min read
When it comes to shopping, one event stands out every year – Black Friday. But what is Black Friday, really? For those in the know, it’s more than just a date on the calendar—it’s the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season. Traditionally, Black Friday takes place on the Friday following Thanksgiving in the United States. Over the years, this day has become synonymous with huge discounts, limited-time deals, and the excitement of finding the best bargains
For many shoppers, it’s a golden opportunity to grab the year’s best deals. In recent years, this shopping craze has expanded far beyond the U.S., becoming a global retail phenomenon.
The term "Black Friday" has an interesting history. Philadelphia police first coined it in the 1950s to describe the chaos caused by massive post-Thanksgiving crowds and heavy traffic. It wasn’t the most flattering name at first, but retailers eventually embraced it.
By the 1980s, the term took on a more positive meaning in the business world. "Black" refers to businesses moving from the red (operating at a loss) to the black (making a profit). In this sense, Black Friday came to signify the day retailers' profits surged, thanks to the huge number of shoppers eager to start their holiday gift buying.
So, what makes Black Friday such a big deal? For retailers, it’s one of the most important days of the year, offering a massive boost in sales. It’s the perfect time to clear out inventory before the end of the year and attract early holiday shoppers with tempting discounts.
For consumers, the appeal lies in the deals themselves. Shoppers are motivated by the chance to save big on everything from electronics to clothing and more. Black Friday creates a sense of urgency, with limited-time offers and stock running out fast, making it an irresistible event for those who love a good bargain.
Although Black Friday began in the U.S., its popularity has exploded around the world. Today, you’ll find Black Friday sales in countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and beyond. Even though these countries don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, the excitement of snagging a deal has made Black Friday a global event.
In the UK, Black Friday has become one of the biggest shopping days of the year, with retailers offering both in-store and online deals. Whether you’re in London or New York, the thrill of getting a bargain on Black Friday is universal.
With the rise of online shopping, it was only a matter of time before Black Friday evolved. Enter Cyber Monday. This online shopping event, which takes place the Monday after Black Friday, was introduced to give consumers more time to grab discounts—this time focused on e-commerce.
However, the lines between Black Friday and Cyber Monday have blurred in recent years. Now, many retailers offer both in-store and online deals starting well before Black Friday, stretching the event into "Cyber Week." No matter how you shop — online or in-store — there’s no denying that the digital world has transformed Black Friday into a more extended, accessible event for everyone.
One of the most significant trends in recent years is the expansion of Black Friday from a single day to a week-long, or even month-long, event. Retailers are now starting their Black Friday promotions as early as October, offering early bird deals and extending the discount period well into the holiday season.
Another trend? Shoppers have become more strategic. Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to compare prices, find the best deals, and plan your purchases in advance. Many consumers even create a game plan to maximise savings, hitting in-store and online sales to get the best of both worlds.
Are you ready to score big this Black Friday? Here are some top tips to help you maximise your savings and make the most of the shopping extravaganza:
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