Why is it Called Black Friday? And is it the Best Day for Deals? (2024)

Why is it Called Black Friday? And is it the Best Day for Deals? (1)

There are a lot of questions people have when it comes to Black Friday. Why is it called Black Friday? Is it the best day for specials? These are fair questions, and the answers, in some cases, are really interesting. We’re going to take a look at these questions and some more that you may have never considered before. So let’s get started by answering all your Black Friday-related questions.

Why Is It Called Black Friday?

The origins behind ‘black Friday’ and its name for the most significant day of specials in retail originated in the 1980s. Initially, the phrase we’re all so familiar with began being used to signify a boost in retail sales that created a red-to-black profit narrative. As a result, black Friday was the common term for retail stores achieving a profit for the year. As a result, it was eventually titled the United States' most important day in retail.

When Is Black Friday?

Black Friday takes place once a year, the day after Thanksgiving. This year it will take place on November 25th. Between 2002 and 2007, black Friday sales saw an average annual increase of 3.5%. 2008 and 2009 saw a decline and slight growth due to the 2008 financial crisis. However, now the average annual increase is at 4.8%.

What Specials Are Byproducts Of Black Friday?

While Black Friday has been around since the 80s, Cyber Monday is still relatively new. It began officially in 2005 when The National Retail Federation (NRF) needed to create a term to observe the online sales that happened the Monday after Thanksgiving. This was before online sales out-competed brick-and-mortar stores. Online retailers wanted a piece of the action, and this resulted in Cyber Monday. However, since then, the line between these two events has become increasingly blurred.

Pros & Cons of Black Friday

Black Friday comes with its own pros and cons. Here’s what you need to know!

Pro - Incredible Deals

Black Friday easily has some of the best deals available for consumers across all departments. Of course, other specials might gear towards certain departments more than others, but Black Friday encompasses everything, and it does so vigorously.

You can find some items, even big ticket items, at incredibly low prices. Some of these prices might even be the lowest they’ve ever been or will be for some time.

Con - Can Lead to Overspending Beyond Budgetary Means

The unfortunate reality is some people have little self-control when it comes to specials. This is especially true when they’re faced with a sensory overload of deals and shopper excitement. They end up getting things that they potentially don’t need or can’t afford. It’s important to have a plan and budget to avoid this kind of reality.

Why is it Called Black Friday? And is it the Best Day for Deals? (2)

Pro - You Usually Know What You’re Getting

Cyber Monday is relegated to online shopping. Black Friday is both in person and online. For the most part, you have a firm idea of what products you’re looking at and what you’re getting. Of course, you might be shopping online too, which negates this point. However, Black Friday specials are usually announced slightly in advance compared to Cyber Monday sales. This means you’ve got the chance to make certain what you’re purchasing is the correct item.

Con - Some Deals Are Deceptive

We can so easily be lured in by great-looking deals. The big signs, the dramatic slashes and new prices are written in. It’s intoxicating and alluring. Unfortunately, however, sometimes these ‘discounted’ prices are far from discounted. They seem like incredible deals, but they’re not great at all.

For starters, we’ve got issues with quality. Some items on special might not be items of the highest quality. You’re helping reduce the stock of items potentially not worth keeping around. Some manufacturers actually produce more items at reduced production costs to offer them for Black Friday at ridiculously low prices. So approach with a bit of scepticism. The final thing we’d note is making sure a ‘deal’ is actually a deal. Don’t be fooled by a tiny discount made out to be a much larger discount.

Pro - It Can Be a Group Effort

How to approach this pro is debatable. However, if you’ve ever wanted to spend more time with the family, then Black Friday is the way to go. This will get you some quality time with your family as you brave the battlefield that is brick-and-mortar stores on Black Friday. It can be a madhouse, so get ready!

Con - Crowded Environment

Building on the last point, Black Friday is pandemonium. It’s busy regardless of where you shop, and some of the people looking for specials aren’t afraid of doing whatever it takes to get the deals. So be prepared for aggressive shoppers, long lines, parking struggles, and much more.

Conclusion

Black Friday is by far the best day for deals. It’s not the easiest day by any means, but for specials, it wins hands down. If you’re not willing to brave a big box store or the mall, then stick to online shopping. In the last decade, online shopping has caught up with brick-and-mortar stores to provide a similar experience, albeit much calmer.

Catch is also gearing up for Black Friday, and we’re going to be bringing the heat this year! We’re going to have specials across the board to get you saving money like you never thought possible. So set up an account today, start building that wishlist, and prepare for the savings of a lifetime.

Why is it Called Black Friday? And is it the Best Day for Deals? (2024)

FAQs

Why is it Called Black Friday? And is it the Best Day for Deals? ›

in the late '80s. However, its origins trace back to long before that. To some, Black Friday symbolized the moment when retailers, traditionally operating “in the red” (indicating losses), finally moved “in the black” (signifying profits) thanks to all of the sales happening after Thanksgiving.

Why do we call it Black Friday? ›

A more accurate explanation of the term dates back to the early 1960s, when police officers in Philadelphia began using the phrase “Black Friday” to describe the chaos that resulted when large numbers of suburban tourists came into the city to begin their holiday shopping and, in some years, attend Saturday's annual ...

Are deals better before or after Black Friday? ›

Many of the top retailers will increase cash-back offerings during pre-Black Friday sales. The savings during these early sales combined with higher cash-back percentages could result in better prices than on Black Friday.

Does Black Friday really have the best deals? ›

According to WalletHub's holiday shopping survey, 35% of items at major retailers will offer no savings compared to their pre-Black Friday prices. A separate analysis of previous Black Friday sales found that 98% of the deals were the same price or cheaper at other points during the year.

What is the true story behind the origin of Black Friday? ›

The name Black Friday actually originates from Philadelphia. In the 1950s, Philadelphia hosted the annual Army-Navy football game on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Fans who arrived early on the day before would flock to the city to start their Holiday shopping.

What are the biggest sale days of the year? ›

Here are 16 of the biggest peak shopping events around the world we think every online retailer needs to know about.
  • 1) Black Friday. ...
  • 2) White Friday. ...
  • 3) Cyber Monday. ...
  • 4) Singles Day. ...
  • 5) Ramadan. ...
  • 6) El Buen Fin. ...
  • 7) Green Monday. ...
  • 8) Blue Monday.

What is the Monday after Thanksgiving called? ›

Cyber Monday is an e-commerce term referring to the Monday following the U.S. Thanksgiving weekend. Online retailers usually offer special promotions, discounts, and sales on this day as brick-and-mortar stores do on Black Friday.

Is it better to shop on Black Friday or Cyber Monday? ›

It all depends on what you're looking for. Black Friday generally offers better deals on big-ticket items like mattresses, laptops, and TVs. Cyber Monday, on the other hand, is a better day for saving on things like small appliances, clothes, accessories, and beauty must-haves.

Will prices go down more on Black Friday? ›

The answer-yes. On average, in-store discounts fall around the 20 percent off range the week of Thanksgiving, and rise to roughly a 37 percent savings on Thanksgiving and Black Friday. Online Black Friday deals follow suit with an average 34 percent discount.

What stores are having the biggest Black Friday deals? ›

You'll typically find the best Black Friday deals from big-name retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, with Amazon leading the pack. Amazon is a Black Friday favorite, not only because they typically offer the most competitive prices, but they also offer the biggest change of products.

What country does not participate in Black Friday? ›

The country listed that does not participate in Black Friday is Costa Rica. Black Friday is predominantly a phenomenon of the United States, although it has been adopted by many other countries, including France, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. Costa Rica, however, doesn't traditionally observe this event.

What is the Sunday after Thanksgiving called? ›

National Day Calendar announced the founding of National Secondhand Sunday to be celebrated the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

What is the modern day financial supposed reason for the term Black Friday? ›

The name Black Friday is also used to refer to September 24, 1869, the date of a financial panic in the US sparked by gold speculators.

Why is it called black in Black Friday? ›

While many people believe the term Black Friday finds its roots in the sense of black meaning “showing a profit; not showing any losses,” this isn't actually the case. Historically, black has been associated with days of economic stress as opposed to days of booming commercial success.

Why is it called Black Friday and not red Friday? ›

Attempts at rebranding to "Big Friday" failed, and the term "Black Friday" solidified by the 1980s, referring to the pivotal point where retailers purportedly shifted from loss ("in the red") to profit ("in the black").

What is the meaning of Black Friday sale? ›

Black Friday refers to the day after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. It has become a day of special shopping deals and discounts, and is said to mark the beginning of the holiday shopping season.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Moshe Kshlerin

Last Updated:

Views: 5704

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Moshe Kshlerin

Birthday: 1994-01-25

Address: Suite 609 315 Lupita Unions, Ronnieburgh, MI 62697

Phone: +2424755286529

Job: District Education Designer

Hobby: Yoga, Gunsmithing, Singing, 3D printing, Nordic skating, Soapmaking, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Moshe Kshlerin, I am a gleaming, attractive, outstanding, pleasant, delightful, outstanding, famous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.