Why Is It Called Black Friday? The History Behind the Shopping Phenomenon

Every year, millions of shoppers flock to stores and websites the day after Thanksgiving, hunting for the season’s best deals. But where did the term Black Friday come from, and how did it become synonymous with retail mania?

The Origins of Black Friday

The term "Black Friday" originated in Philadelphia during the 1950s and 1960s, when local police used it to describe the chaos that followed Thanksgiving. Tourists flocked to the city for holiday shopping and the annual Army-Navy football game, creating heavy traffic, overcrowded streets, and a spike in shoplifting incidents. For law enforcement, it was a day of frustration and overwork, earning it the grim nickname Black Friday.

Efforts to rebrand the day as "Big Friday" by local retailers failed to gain traction. By the 1980s, however, the term had evolved. Retailers reframed it in a positive light, using Black Friday to signify the point at which their finances moved “into the black,” or profitability, thanks to booming sales.

When Is Black Friday 2024?

Black Friday falls the day after Thanksgiving each year. In 2024, it will take place on Friday, Nov. 29, marking the start of the holiday shopping season.

Don’t miss the chance to shop early Black Friday deals at top retailers like Walmart and Best Buy to kick off your holiday preparations......Read More