The Black Friday sale has taken over every platform—TV commercials, OTT ads, and social media feeds are buzzing with announcements of massive discounts. Almost every e-commerce platform is promoting its irresistible deals, making today, November 29, a shopping extravaganza. Known as the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season, Black Friday offers jaw-dropping discounts that encourage shoppers to splurge on everything from electronics to fashion.
Here's all you need to know about this big discount day:
What Is Black Friday?
Black Friday refers to the Friday following Thanksgiving in the United States and is widely recognised as the start of the Christmas shopping season. This year, it falls on November 29.
Originally a primarily American event, Black Friday has grown into a global shopping phenomenon, with retailers across the world—both online and offline—capitalizing on the hype by offering steep discounts and special deals. The day has become synonymous with frantic shopping sprees and massive savings.
How Did Black Friday Start?
The term 'Black Friday' originated in Philadelphia during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Local police used it to describe the chaos that unfolded the day after Thanksgiving, when throngs of shoppers crowded the streets, causing traffic jams and disruption.
Over time, the day evolved into a shopping tradition, with retailers marking the start of the holiday season by offering incredible deals. Today, Black Friday is celebrated worldwide, with e-commerce platforms playing a pivotal role in extending its reach.
Why Is It Called 'Black Friday'?
Interestingly, the term 'Black Friday' initially had negative connotations. Philadelphia police coined it to describe the challenges they faced managing traffic and crowds during the post-Thanksgiving rush, which often meant sacrificing their own holiday time.
Attempts were made to rebrand the day as 'Big Friday' to avoid the negativity, but the original term endured. It eventually gained a positive association, symbolising the day when retailers' profits moved from "in the red" (losses) to "in the black" (profits). Now, 'Black Friday' is universally recognised as a day of discounts and deals, embraced with enthusiasm by shoppers worldwide.