US Live Guide

Black Friday has become an iconic American shopping tradition — a day when millions of people rush to stores or shop online to take advantage of record-breaking deals. But its history goes far beyond crowded malls and midnight doorbusters. Black Friday’s evolution reflects major shifts in retail, consumer culture, and the U.S. economy.

How Black Friday Started

The origins of Black Friday date back to the early 1960s in Philadelphia, where police officers used the term to describe the overwhelming traffic and chaos caused by shoppers the day after Thanksgiving.
Retailers disliked the negative meaning and attempted to rename it “Big Friday,” but the original term stuck — and eventually transformed into something positive.

By the 1980s, retailers across the U.S. began promoting major sales on the Friday after Thanksgiving. They also redefined “Black Friday” to symbolize the point in the year when stores went from “in the red” (loss) to “in the black” (profit).
This marked the beginning of the shopping holiday we recognize today.

When Black Friday Became a National Phenomenon

Black Friday exploded in popularity during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Key reasons include:

• Major retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target began offering doorbuster deals at 5 a.m. or earlier.

• Media coverage of long lines and massive crowds created even more hype.

• Online shopping transformed Black Friday from a single-day event to a week-long sales period.

Today, Black Friday is no longer just an in-store shopping day — it’s a global event recognized in over 20 countries.

Black Friday Spending Trends in the USA

Black Friday continues to break records every year. Here are the most notable spending trends from the past decade:

Total U.S. Black Friday Spending (2015–2024)

2025 data will likely show another increase due to rising e-commerce adoption.

Key Insights:

• Online shopping accounts for more than 55% of all Black Friday transactions.

• Google searches for “Black Friday deals” increase by 300% every November.

• Electronics, small appliances, clothing, and gaming consoles remain the top-selling categories.

Why Americans Love Black Friday

Black Friday has become a cultural event that blends tradition, excitement, and savings.
Here’s what keeps it popular year after year:

• Deep Discounts: Many products reach their lowest prices of the year.

• Holiday Kickoff: It marks the beginning of Christmas shopping season.

• Limited-Time Exclusives: Retailers release special items only available during Black Friday week.

• Online Convenience: Shoppers can now access deals without standing in line.

Even younger generations — Gen Z and Millennials — continue to see Black Friday as an opportunity to save money on electronics, fashion, and gifts.

Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday

Cyber Monday, introduced in 2005, focuses on online-only deals, especially tech and digital products.
However, the lines between the two events have blurred:

• Black Friday deals now last up to 7–10 days.

• Cyber Monday often extends into a full “Cyber Week.”

• Many shoppers wait for both days before making major purchases.

Economic Impact of Black Friday

Black Friday contributes billions to the U.S. economy by:

• Boosting retail revenue

• Increasing seasonal employment

• Driving record-breaking sales for small businesses

• Encouraging early holiday shopping, which stabilizes year-end financial cycles

In 2024 alone, the holiday season generated over $964 billion nationwide.

The Future of Black Friday

Experts predict that Black Friday will continue shifting toward digital-first shopping.
Trends expected through 2026 include:

• AI-powered personalized deals

• Same-day delivery becoming standard

• VR/AR “virtual shopping” experiences

• More buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) usage

• Extended sales throughout November

Even as shopping habits evolve, Black Friday remains one of the most influential commercial events in American culture.