Black Friday history myths and facts

What Is Black Friday?

lack Friday refers to the day after the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, which has also traditionally been a holiday itself for many employees. It is typically a day full of special shopping deals and big discounts and is considered the beginning of the holiday shopping season.

The sales made on Black Friday are often thought of as a litmus test for the overall economic condition of the country and a way for economists to measure the confidence of the average American when it comes to discretionary spending. Those who share the Keynesian assumption that spending drives economic activity view lower Black Friday sales figures as a harbinger of slower growth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS Black Friday refers to the day after Thanksgiving and is symbolically seen as the start of the critical holiday shopping season. Stores offer big discounts on electronics, toys, and other gifts. Also important to retailers: Cyber Monday, the first day back to work for many consumers after the long holiday weekend, on which online retailers offer major discounts.