Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, has become synonymous with massive sales and discounts. It marks the official beginning of the holiday shopping season, with retailers offering deep discounts on a wide range of products. The sales typically extend through the following Monday, known as Cyber Monday, or even the entire week, often referred to as Cyber Week.
Black Friday always falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, it will take place on November 29, 2024. It officially kicks off the holiday shopping season, with stores offering significant price cuts on various goods and services.
The term “Black Friday” originated in Philadelphia in the 1950s. Initially, it described the chaos caused by heavy traffic and large crowds on the Friday after Thanksgiving, largely due to the Army-Navy football game held the following Saturday. At first, the term had negative connotations, associated with congestion and public disorder.
However, in the 1980s, retailers shifted the meaning of “Black Friday” to reflect a more positive image. They began using the term to symbolize a change from financial losses, or “red ink,” to profits, or “black ink,” in their accounting records. By doing so, they rebranded Black Friday as a turning point in their financial year, helping it gain widespread recognition as a major shopping event.
