Black Friday has become one of the year’s most anticipated shopping events, whether you’re browsing online or in stores. But where did this tradition come from, and what explains its global appeal? This article revisits the origins of Black Friday, traces its evolution, and shares tips to make the most of it in 2025.
Origin of Black Friday
Black Friday traces its roots to the United States in the 1960s. At the time, the term was used by Philadelphia police to describe the massive crowds and the traffic jams that followed Thanksgiving—the day after the holiday—marking the start of the Christmas shopping season.
Soon enough, retailers realized they could profit from this day and began offering spectacular discounts to draw the throngs who flooded the streets. And that’s how Black Friday—the day defined by its extraordinary promotions and price cuts—came to life.
An Economic Significance
The “black” in Black Friday isn’t just about urban chaos. It also has an accounting meaning: stores historically moved from red (losses) to black (profits) thanks to the massive promotions that day and the high volume of sales.
The International Spread of Black Friday
Although Black Friday began in the United States, it quickly crossed borders. In the 2000s, with the rise of online shopping, major retailers like Amazon helped popularize the event worldwide. Today, countries such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom actively participate in this imported tradition.
The French Case
In France, Black Friday really took off in the early 2010s. Large retailers and e-commerce sites adopted the practice to boost Christmas sales. The success was such that the event sometimes stretched across several days, giving rise to “Cyber Monday” and even to longer “Black Weeks.”
Black Friday 2025: Dates and Implications
Black Friday remains scheduled for the Friday after Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States. In 2025, the date is set for Friday, November 28, 2025. Many retailers will kick off promotions as early as the preceding week, with some extending them through the following Monday, known as Cyber Monday.
An Unmissable Date for Consumers
For shoppers, Black Friday is the chance to snag highly sought-after products at discounted prices, especially in tech, appliances, or fashion. Smartphones, laptops, game consoles, and big-screen TVs remain among the most popular items. But today’s offers span a broad range of products—from clothing to streaming services.
How to Take Advantage of the Best Deals
To enjoy the best deals during Black Friday, it’s important to compare prices and plan ahead. Practical tips:
- Identify the products you’re after in advance
- Compare prices across several sites
- Check warranty and return policies
- Sign up for retailers’ newsletters to receive offers early
Back Market: A Case in Point
Among notable platforms, Back Market stands out. Specializing in refurbished goods, the site offers year‑round attractive prices on smartphones, laptops, and consoles. During Black Friday, Back Market highlights additional discounts; in reality, shoppers already find compelling deals throughout the year, which makes it possible to secure significant savings without waiting until November.
