Black Friday in the United States

Date: Black Friday is observed on the day after Thanksgiving, which falls on the fourth Thursday of November.

History: The term "Black Friday" originally described the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic that would occur on the day after Thanksgiving. In a more modern context, it has been associated with the point at which retailers begin to turn a profit, thus going from "in the red" to "in the black".

Traditions:

• Retail Sales: It marks the unofficial beginning of the holiday shopping season. Retailers offer significant discounts, special promotions, and extended shopping hours.
• Doorbusters: Many stores advertise highly discounted items in limited quantities to attract shoppers.
• Online Deals: With the rise of e-commerce, online retailers also offer Black Friday sales, sometimes starting even before Thanksgiving.

What People Do:

• Shopping: Many people wake up early or even camp out overnight to be among the first in line for opening stores.
• Researching Deals: Shoppers often scan ads, flyers, and websites in advance to plan their purchases.
• Family Traditions: Some families incorporate Black Friday shopping as part of their Thanksgiving weekend traditions.