Black Friday sales have taken over every platform: TV commercials, OTT ads, and social media feeds are full of announcements of massive discounts. Almost all e-commerce platforms are promoting their irresistible offers, making today, November 29, a shopping holiday. Known as the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season, Black Friday offers jaw-dropping discounts that encourage shoppers to splurge on everything from electronics to fashion.

Here’s everything you need to know about this big discount day:

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What is Black Friday?

Black Friday refers to the Friday following Thanksgiving in the United States and is widely recognized as the start of the Christmas shopping season. This year it falls on November 29.

Originally a primarily American event, Black Friday has become a global shopping phenomenon, with retailers around the world, both online and offline, capitalizing on the hype by offering deep discounts and special deals. The day has become synonymous with frenzied shopping sprees and massive savings.

How did Black Friday start?

The term “Black Friday” originated in Philadelphia in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Local police used it to describe the chaos that occurred the day after Thanksgiving, when crowds of shoppers invaded the streets, causing traffic jams and disruptions.

Over time, the day has become a shopping tradition, with retailers marking the start of the holiday season by offering incredible deals. Today, Black Friday is celebrated across the world and e-commerce platforms play a pivotal role in extending its reach.

Why is it called “Black Friday”?

Interestingly, the term “Black Friday” initially had negative connotations. Philadelphia police coined it to describe the challenges they faced managing traffic and crowds during the Thanksgiving rush, which often meant sacrificing their own holiday time.

Attempts were made to rename the day “Great Friday” to avoid any negative connotation, but the original term has persisted. It eventually gained a positive association, symbolizing the day when retailer profits went from “red” (losses) to “black” (profits). Today, “Black Friday” is universally recognized as a day of discounts and deals, enthusiastically welcomed by shoppers around the world.