What Is Black Friday and When Is Black Friday 2024?

Introduction to Black Friday : Black Friday, often regarded as the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season, is a day when retailers offer deep discounts and special deals to entice consumers. This retail extravaganza takes place annually, the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, and marks one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Black Friday is known for its massive sales, limited-time offers, and the frenzy it creates in both physical and online stores. It has grown beyond just a U.S. event, expanding globally in recent years.

This chapter will explore the history and significance of Black Friday, its evolution into a worldwide shopping phenomenon, and why it holds such an important place in the retail calendar.

Table of Contents

The Origins of Black Friday

The term “Black Friday” is believed to have originated in the 1960s in Philadelphia, where police officers used it to describe the chaotic crowds and traffic congestion that occurred the day after Thanksgiving. Retailers, however, later turned the term into a more positive association. Traditionally, businesses recorded their profits in black ink, while losses were written in red ink. Black Friday came to symbolize the day when many retailers would move from being in the red (losing money) to being in the black (profitable) due to the surge in consumer spending.

Understanding the historical context of Black Friday helps to appreciate why the event has grown so significant in today’s economy.

Black Friday’s Transition to Online Shopping

Over the past two decades, the rise of online shopping has significantly transformed Black Friday. Initially a phenomenon centered around in-store shopping, retailers soon began extending their sales online. In 2005, the term “Cyber Monday” was coined to refer to the Monday after Thanksgiving, a day when online shopping sales skyrocketed as people returned to work and shopped from their computers.

By 2024, Black Friday will no longer be just a one-day event. Sales will extend throughout the week, both in physical stores and on e-commerce platforms, offering consumers more time to take advantage of discounts.

Black Friday 2024: When Is It?

In 2024, Black Friday will fall on November 29. It will be the day after Thanksgiving, which is always observed on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States. While the traditional in-store rush occurs on Friday, many retailers begin offering deals earlier in the week, including on Thanksgiving Day itself. The growth of “Pre-Black Friday” sales and online promotions ensures that deals are available throughout the entire week.

What Is Black Friday and When Is Black Friday 2024

Key Deals and Discounts to Expect in 2024

Black Friday deals cover virtually every category of consumer goods, from electronics and home appliances to clothing, toys, and beauty products. Popular items that consumers often find discounted include smartphones, televisions, laptops, and gaming consoles. Major retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, and Best Buy, as well as niche brands, participate in the sales event with attractive promotions.

Understanding what types of deals are expected in 2024 can help shoppers plan effectively and find the best bargains. Keep an eye on advertisements, emails, and online deal trackers to get the first look at discounts.

The Rise of “Black Friday Week”

In recent years, Black Friday has expanded into a weeklong event. Many retailers begin offering discounts days, if not weeks, before the official Black Friday date. With the increasing competition among retailers, brands are eager to capture the attention of consumers as early as possible.

This chapter will look at the trend of Black Friday Week, where deals run throughout the Thanksgiving period and even spill into December. “Cyber Monday” now extends well beyond Monday, and stores often keep their online promotions alive through the week.

Popular Retailers Participating in Black Friday 2024

Some of the major retailers that participate in Black Friday each year include:

Amazon: The e-commerce giant is a key player in the Black Friday scene, offering huge discounts on everything from electronics to books.
Walmart: Known for its doorbuster deals, Walmart offers steep discounts on a variety of products, including home goods and electronics.
Best Buy: A go-to store for tech lovers, Best Buy will likely offer significant savings on items like laptops, televisions, and appliances.
Target: Target often provides both in-store and online discounts on products like kitchen appliances, furniture, and clothing.
Macy’s: A department store offering discounts on fashion, home goods, and beauty products.

Additionally, smaller niche retailers, as well as online marketplaces, often join the Black Friday sales frenzy.

The Impact of Black Friday on the Economy

Black Friday has become a significant driver of consumer spending, and its impact on the economy is substantial. The National Retail Federation (NRF) regularly reports on the economic effects of Black Friday, showing that millions of Americans spend billions of dollars during the event. In fact, Black Friday sales contribute to the overall holiday shopping season, which accounts for a large portion of annual retail revenue.

Beyond the immediate sales, Black Friday also helps drive the momentum for small businesses and e-commerce platforms, creating a ripple effect across various sectors.

How to Prepare for Black Friday 2024

To take full advantage of Black Friday, preparation is key. Here are some tips to ensure you’re ready for the biggest shopping day of the year:

Make a List: Decide in advance which products you’re looking to purchase. Focus on key items that you know will be heavily discounted.
Set a Budget: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, so setting a spending limit can help you avoid overspending.
Research Deals: Compare prices online before Black Friday to know if a deal is truly a bargain. Many retailers will release preview deals ahead of time.
Sign Up for Alerts: Follow your favorite stores on social media or sign up for newsletters to receive early notifications of deals.

Black Friday for International Shoppers

While Black Friday originated in the United States, it has expanded to international markets in recent years. Consumers in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and parts of Europe also participate in Black Friday shopping, taking advantage of discounts on global e-commerce platforms. International retailers are increasingly adopting Black Friday promotions as the event gains worldwide popularity.

For international shoppers, understanding time zone differences and shipping policies is essential to making the most of Black Friday deals.

The Dark Side of Black Friday

While Black Friday is widely celebrated, it’s not without its downsides. The massive crowds and long lines at physical stores can lead to stressful and sometimes dangerous situations. There have been reports of accidents, injuries, and even altercations as shoppers rush to grab doorbusters.

Furthermore, some critics argue that Black Friday’s consumerism encourages over-spending and environmental harm. Retailers often use aggressive marketing tactics that drive impulsive buying, leading to higher levels of waste, returns, and debt.

Conclusion: The Future of Black Friday

The future of Black Friday seems secure, with the event continuing to grow both in terms of sales and global reach. As the retail landscape evolves, more stores are transitioning to omnichannel models, offering deals both in stores and online. Shopping habits are changing, and while Black Friday still holds immense significance, other shopping days like Cyber Monday and Small Business Saturday are becoming increasingly important.

Whether in 2024 or beyond, Black Friday remains a key event for both shoppers and retailers alike.