What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is an annual shopping event that takes place the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. Known for massive discounts in stores and online, Black Friday marks the start of the holiday shopping season and attracts millions of deal-seeking shoppers.

Black Friday usually falls between November 23 and November 29. It always follows Thanksgiving, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States.

The term dates back to the 1960s, when Philadelphia police officers used “Black Friday” to describe the crowded streets caused by post-Thanksgiving shopping.

Read on to dive deeper into Black Friday’s history, what makes the season unique, and how your business can take advantage of it to increase your conversions.

When is Black Friday?

Black Friday takes place the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, which falls on the fourth Thursday of November each year. While the exact date changes annually, Black Friday always occurs between November 23 and November 29.

Black Friday marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season, characterized by massive sales and discounts. While it began as a one-day event, it has expanded into what many refer to as the Black Friday weekend, running from Thanksgiving Thursday through that same Sunday.

The following Monday is known as Cyber Monday, a day dedicated to online shopping deals that has grown nearly as popular as Black Friday itself.

In recent years, retailers have extended promotions to cover almost the whole week, blending Black Friday and Cyber Monday into a larger shopping period.

The holiday shopping season then continues through December, peaking around Christmas and concluding with New Year’s celebrations.

Here are the key dates that shape the Black Friday shopping season:

• Thanksgiving Day. The fourth Thursday of November, a national holiday in the US centered on family gatherings, gratitude for the past year, and a large traditional meal.
• Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving, the main shopping event that marks the official start of the holiday shopping season.
• Cyber Monday. The Monday after Thanksgiving, a follow-up shopping day focused on online deals, which has become nearly as big as Black Friday itself.

Why is it called Black Friday?

The most widely accepted origin of the “Black Friday” term dates back to the 1960s in Philadelphia, when police officers used it to describe the heavy traffic and crowded streets caused by post-Thanksgiving shopping.

Over time, retailers gave the phrase a more positive spin. Traditionally, many businesses operated “in the red” for much of the year. The surge in holiday shopping sales that began the day after Thanksgiving often pushed them “into the black.”

These colors reference accounting terms where red ink signifies financial losses, and black ink represents profitability. This shift from red to black is what linked Black Friday with business success, associating it with profitability and the official start of the holiday shopping season.

Black Friday’s history may be rooted in American shopping culture, but its influence now extends worldwide. Many countries outside the US host their own Black Friday marketing sales campaigns.

What happens on Black Friday?

During the Black Friday period, shoppers enjoy doorbuster deals, steep discounts, and special limited-time offers across almost every product category, from electronics and fashion to home goods and beauty.

These sales take place both in stores and online. However, nearly 60% of today’s shoppers prefer to shop for deals online. This shift has pushed many businesses to offer exclusive online Black Friday deals on their ecommerce sites, making digital storefronts just as crucial as brick-and-mortar shops.

While Black Friday was once a one-day shopping frenzy, the tradition now extends through the weekend and transitions into Cyber Monday. Many retailers even launch promotions early, sometimes weeks in advance, turning the event into a month-long sales opportunity.

If you’re also planning a Black Friday sale, focus not only on your deals but also on choosing the right channels to spread the word. The more buzz you create, the better your chances of increasing your conversions.

Here are proven marketing strategies to increase sales during Black Friday:

• Run Black Friday email marketing campaigns. Send exclusive coupon codes, early-access promotions, and limited-time offers to create anticipation.
• Leverage Black Friday social media marketing. Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase deals, run targeted ads, and engage with shoppers in real time.
• Launch Black Friday landing pages. Create dedicated Black Friday pages to highlight your best offers, showcase bundles, and guide customers directly to discounts.

What Black Friday deals can I get?

Black Friday deals span across industries, with many brands offering discounts on a wide range of products. If you’re eyeing a specific brand, check their website, subscribe to their newsletter, or follow their social media channels to stay updated on upcoming deals and promotional periods.

Retailers also make shopping more convenient by offering exclusive Black Friday deals online. However, some promotions are time-sensitive and may require you to be online at a specific time with a strong internet connection to secure them.

Check the following sites to browse ongoing Black Friday deals offered by multiple brands:

• Slickdeals. One of the largest deal communities online. Users and editors can post deals, and the community votes on the best ones, so you can quickly see which offers are worth grabbing. You can also set up custom alerts for products you’re eyeing.
• The Krazy Coupon Lady. Especially useful if you’re hunting for groceries, household essentials, or everyday items. They often stack Black Friday sales with coupons, giving you a chance to save even more.
• BuyScout. A newer tool that scans deals across retailers in real time. It utilizes AI-powered tracking to help you quickly find trending discounts.

If you’re on the lookout for Cyber Monday and Black Friday web hosting deals for your online portfolio, store, or client projects, be sure to check back with us. We’ll be running special offers you won’t want to miss!

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