Article: Why Is It Called Black Friday? The Surprising Story Behind the Biggest Shopping Day of the Year

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Every November, retailers big and small roll out their best offers for Black Friday. It’s a day of excitement, bargains, and sometimes chaos, but where did it all begin? And why is it called Black Friday anyway?

Let’s dive into the surprising history of the world’s biggest shopping event, from its quirky origins in the US to its place as a global retail tradition - and how you can make the most of it this year.

What Is Black Friday?

Black Friday is the shopping event that takes place the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. Traditionally, it marks the start of the Christmas shopping season, with retailers offering major discounts to attract crowds.

In 2025, Black Friday falls on Friday, 28 November. But in today’s world, the sales don’t just last a day, many brands launch promotions a week or even a month in advance.

What started as a single day of discounts is now a global shopping season.

Why Is It Called Black Friday?

The name has two origins — one a little messy, and one much more polished.

1. The Philadelphia Story
In the 1960s, police officers in Philadelphia started using the phrase Black Friday to describe the traffic jams, packed pavements, and general mayhem in the city after Thanksgiving. Shoppers poured in for early deals, and the chaos became infamous.

2. The Retail Spin
By the 1980s, retailers weren’t so keen on the negative image. So they popularised a new meaning: Black Friday was the point in the year when shops went from running at a loss (in the red) to turning a profit (in the black).

Both stories are true — but it’s the “in the black” version that helped the day become an accepted part of shopping culture.

The History of Black Friday

Early 20th century: Department stores in the US promoted post-Thanksgiving shopping as a seasonal kickoff.
1960s: The term “Black Friday” caught on in Philadelphia.
1980s & 90s: Retailers nationwide embraced the day, turning it into a nationwide tradition.
2005: “Cyber Monday” was launched to boost online shopping, extending the frenzy beyond the stores.
Today: Black Friday is the largest retail event in the world, with billions spent both in-store and online.

Black Friday in the UK

Black Friday arrived in the UK in the early 2010s, spearheaded by Amazon. At first, it was mostly online, but supermarkets and high-street retailers quickly jumped on board.

Today, Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days in the UK, with millions of us logging on — or queuing up — to bag the best deals.

And unlike the early days of chaotic crowds, UK shoppers now prefer to browse from the sofa, snapping up discounts online with just a click.

Fun Facts About Black Friday

It’s huge: In the US alone, shoppers spend tens of billions of dollars every Black Friday weekend.
Camping culture: Some American shoppers still camp outside stores for days to be first in line.
UK shift: Online sales now dominate in the UK, with fewer people braving the high street.
Worldwide spread: Countries from Canada to Australia, Germany to Japan now run Black Friday deals.

Black Friday Today: From Chaos to Clicks

The midnight queues and shopping scrums might still make headlines, but the reality today is very different. Black Friday has moved online, making it easier — and calmer — than ever to shop.

Instead of battling crowds, you can enjoy:

Exclusive online deals.
Early access offers.
The comfort of shopping from home.

And if you’re shopping for your home? Black Friday is the perfect moment to treat yourself to something timeless — whether it’s a statement wall clock for your living room or a gift that lasts long after the sales are over.

Frequently Asked Questions About Black Friday

When is Black Friday 2025?
Black Friday 2025 is on Friday, 28 November.

Why is it called Black Friday?
The name originally came from Philadelphia police describing post-Thanksgiving shopping chaos. Later, retailers spun it to mean moving from losses “in the red” to profits “in the black.”

Is Black Friday worth it?
Yes — many retailers reserve their best offers of the year for Black Friday. But the smartest shoppers plan ahead and buy items they genuinely want or need.

What’s the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Black Friday started in physical shops, while Cyber Monday (the following Monday) was created to boost online sales. Today, the lines are blurred — with deals running across the whole weekend.

Do all retailers do Black Friday?
Not all — but most do. From high street names to specialist brands (like us!), it’s the best chance of the year to grab a great deal.

The Bottom Line

From traffic jams in 1960s Philadelphia to billions of pounds spent online today, Black Friday has transformed into a shopping phenomenon that shows no sign of slowing down.

And while the day has a messy history, it’s now a time of excitement — the chance to save big, plan for Christmas, and invest in pieces you’ll love for years to come.

Skip the chaos. Shop timeless deals today.
Explore Our Black Friday Sale →