Black Friday in USA: The Ultimate Guide to Deals, History, and Shopping Tips

Black Friday in the USA is one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year. It marks the official start of the holiday shopping season, with retailers offering massive discounts on everything from electronics to clothing, home appliances, and travel deals. For both shoppers and businesses, Black Friday is more than just a day—it’s a cultural and economic phenomenon.

In this detailed guide, we’ll cover:

The history of Black Friday in the USA
Why it’s so important for consumers and retailers
The best categories for Black Friday deals 2025
Online vs. in-store shopping trends
Tips to save big on Black Friday
Frequently asked questions

Whether you’re preparing your shopping list or running a business, this article provides a complete overview of Black Friday in America.

📌 What is Black Friday in the USA?

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Traditionally, this day signals the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. Retailers slash prices to attract shoppers, leading to record-breaking sales both online and in physical stores.

🔗 Internal link suggestion: Check out our guide on USA holiday shopping trends

📜 History of Black Friday

The term “Black Friday” has an interesting origin:

Financial Crisis (1869) – The phrase was first used to describe a gold market crash in September 1869.
Retail Shopping (1950s–1960s) – Philadelphia police used “Black Friday” to describe heavy traffic and chaos caused by shoppers after Thanksgiving.
Retail Profitability (1980s Onward) – Retailers rebranded the term to reflect how stores move “into the black” (profit) from “the red” (loss) due to huge holiday sales.

Today, Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year in the USA, with billions spent online and offline.

🔗 External link reference: History of Black Friday – Britannica

💰 Importance of Black Friday in the USA

For Consumers

Opportunity to buy products at record-low prices.
Early Christmas gift shopping with budget savings.
Access to exclusive limited-time deals.

For Retailers

One of the highest revenue days of the year.
Opportunity to clear inventory before new launches.
Boosts brand visibility and customer loyalty.

In 2024 alone, Black Friday sales in the USA crossed $9.8 billion in online shopping, showing the growing shift towards digital purchases.

🔗 Internal link suggestion: Explore the top eCommerce websites in USA

📊 Black Friday Shopping Trends in the USA

1. Rise of Online Shopping

With giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy, online shopping dominates. Many consumers prefer shopping from the comfort of home instead of waiting in long store queues.

2. Early Black Friday Deals

Retailers start deals as early as October, extending promotions through Cyber Monday and even December.

3. Mobile Shopping Growth

More than 60% of Black Friday purchases are made using smartphones.

4. Shift Towards Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)

Platforms like Affirm, Klarna, and Afterpay are growing, helping shoppers afford high-value purchases.

🔗 External link reference: Adobe Analytics Black Friday Report

🛍️ Best Categories for Black Friday Deals

Black Friday in the USA features discounts across multiple categories, but some products stand out as bestsellers:

1. Electronics

Smartphones (Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy)
Laptops (Dell, HP, MacBook)
Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
Smart TVs & accessories

2. Fashion & Apparel

Winter clothing
Footwear and sportswear
Designer bags and luxury brands

3. Home & Kitchen Appliances

Coffee machines, blenders, and air fryers
Refrigerators and washing machines
Smart home gadgets like Alexa and Google Nest

4. Travel & Hospitality

Many airlines and hotels offer Black Friday travel deals, making it the perfect time to book holiday trips.

5. Online Subscriptions

Netflix, Disney+, Spotify deals
Software subscriptions like Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Cloud

🔗 Internal link suggestion: See our detailed guide on electronics demand in USA

🏬 Black Friday Online vs. In-Store Shopping

In-Store Shopping

Pros: Instant product availability, doorbuster deals, holiday atmosphere.
Cons: Long lines, overcrowding, risk of stockouts.

Online Shopping

Pros: Convenience, wider selection, fast delivery, and easier comparisons.
Cons: Delivery delays, risk of scams, limited stock online.

In 2025, experts predict 70% of sales will be online, while physical stores will still attract local shoppers for exclusive doorbuster discounts.

🔗 External link reference: National Retail Federation – Black Friday Data

📅 Black Friday 2025 Dates

Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 27, 2025
Black Friday: Friday, November 28, 2025
Cyber Monday: Monday, December 1, 2025

Shoppers should mark these dates to grab the best discounts.

✅ Tips to Save Big on Black Friday in USA

Make a List – Know what you want before shopping to avoid impulse buying.
Set a Budget – Prevent overspending by setting clear limits.
Compare Prices Online – Use price comparison sites like Honey and CamelCamelCamel for Amazon deals.
Sign Up for Newsletters – Retailers often share exclusive early-access coupons.
Use Cashback & Rewards – Platforms like Rakuten and RetailMeNot offer cashback on purchases.
Shop Early – Many hot items sell out fast.
Check Return Policies – Ensure products have flexible return options.

🔗 Internal link suggestion: Read our guide on best credit cards for USA shopping

🔮 Future of Black Friday in the USA

Black Friday is evolving rapidly. With AI-driven personalization, AR shopping experiences, and sustainable shopping trends, the future of this shopping holiday will be increasingly digital.

Sustainability is also becoming important—more shoppers prefer eco-friendly brands and ethical shopping practices.

📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Black Friday so popular in the USA?
Because it offers unmatched discounts, making it the best time to shop for holidays.

2. Is Black Friday only in the USA?
No, it has expanded globally, with countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia also participating.

3. Which stores offer the best Black Friday deals?
Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Macy’s, and Kohl’s are top choices.

4. How much can I save on Black Friday?
Depending on the product, you can save 20% to 80%. Electronics usually have the biggest discounts.

5. What’s the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?

Black Friday focuses on in-store and online deals.
Cyber Monday is mainly about online-only discounts, especially for tech and electronics.

🔗 Useful Resources (External Links)

National Retail Federation – Holiday Shopping Trends
Adobe Analytics – Black Friday Insights
Britannica – Black Friday History

🏁 Conclusion

Black Friday in the USA is more than just a shopping day—it’s a cultural event that impacts businesses, consumers, and the economy. From electronics to fashion, home appliances to travel, the deals are unmatched.

With careful planning, smart budgeting, and the right shopping strategies, you can maximize your savings and avoid common pitfalls. Whether shopping online or in-store, Black Friday 2025 promises bigger discounts and better experiences than ever before.

🔗 Internal link suggestion: Explore our guide on USA credit cards and benefits