Why is Black Friday called Black Friday?

BLACK Friday has been one of the UK's biggest annual shopping sales for almost a decade, a time when shoppers can make the most of incredible mark downs on offer. 

The Black Friday sales fall on the weekend after the US's Thanksgiving holiday —  but how did shopping weekend get its name?

Why is it called Black Friday?

The story behind Black Friday's name is disputed.

Some say that the day is so named as it is the day retailers "move into the black", meaning that they they are able to cover their costs while slashing prices for the sales.

Historically, in UK Black Friday referred to the Friday before Christmas, when extra pressure was put on the police and NHS emergency services, due to festive celebrations.

But since 2014, Black Friday has come to refer to the massive shopping sales event.

It has quickly gained a reputation as a weekend of amazing deals and bargains, which has its origins in the mid-2oth century, in the US.

Where did Black Friday come from?

Black Friday always falls on the Friday following the Thanksgiving holiday in the USA, and is considered of the Christmas shopping season.

Thanksgiving Day, sometimes referred to as Turkey Day, lands on the fourth Thursday in November, and is a national holiday in the US.

On Black Friday weekend, retailers will often opt to extend their opening hours to give customers more time to make the most of offers, and quell the crowds.

The idea has now spread across the world with many other countries also participating in the day — or week — of frenzied shopping.

While the sales originates across the pond, the frenzied shopping weekend has caught on in many other countries worldwide.

Each year, big retailers including Amazon, Argos and Morrisons use Black Friday to give massive price reductions to shoppers just before Christmas.

Now, in the UK, retailers including Amazon, John Lewis, and Sainsbury's offer discounts on Black Friday.

What is Black Friday?

In a bid to attract shoppers in the run-up to Christmas, retailers offer majorly discounted prices on products, throughout the Black Friday weekend.

However, Black Friday has grown into a two-week shopping event, as retailers compete to attract customers.

In the States, customers often queue for hours, even days, to get their hands on the best bargains.

Across the pond, customers often queue for hours.

Many deals will be available online, so shoppers can avoid the long lines and crowded high-streets.

Most Brits shop for Black Friday bargains online, but some prefer to visit the brick-and-mortar shops, which has, in the past, caused chaos on the shop floor.

When is Black Friday 2023?

In 2023, Black Friday will take place on November 24.

The day always falls the day after the US Thanksgiving holiday, which in 2023 is on Thursday, November 23.

Originally a US-only sale, it's now just as significant in the UK, and is an unmissable sale for keen shoppers.

This year, however, some retailers, like Next, B&M and M&S are shunning the event, opting not to put on a Black Friday sale.

You can stay up to date on all the best offers and deals by checking out our best Black Friday deals 2023 guide — we'll be keeping the guide updates, adding all the new deals as they come in.

While many retailers start their Black Friday offerings in the run up to Thanksgiving, the best offers will be found over the weekend itself.

It may be worth swotting up on what's worth shopping for in the sales, and what's less savvy, like aftershave.

If you plan to hit the high-street this weekend, watch out for crowds.