What is Black Friday and how to make the most of It?

What is Black Friday and how to make the most of It?

Black Friday is a commercial tradition rooted in American culture. It takes place the day after Thanksgiving, when stores offer massive discounts to mark the start of the holiday shopping season. This event has expanded globally and become a phenomenon in many countries, including Spain.

History of Black Friday

Black Friday wasn’t always synonymous with deals and massive shopping. In the 1960s, in Philadelphia, police officers began using the term to describe the chaos that erupted after Thanksgiving, when the streets were filled with shoppers. Interestingly, this negative term was adopted by merchants and transformed into a celebration of huge promotions.

It’s also believed that the term “in the black” refers to stores going from being in debt (in the red) to turning a profit. Today, it’s a global phenomenon that kicks off the holiday season!

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Tips to make the most of Black Friday

If you plan on shopping in English during Black Friday, here are a few tips:

  • Create a wishlist: Knowing exactly what products you want will help you avoid impulse purchases. You can also compare prices before and after Black Friday.
  • Set a budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend to avoid going overboard.
  • Subscribe to newsletters: Many stores offer exclusive discounts to those on their mailing lists.
  • Shop early: The best products tend to sell out quickly, so it’s essential to stay alert.
  • Check return policies: Make sure you understand the terms in case you need to return anything.
  • Learn how to read offer terms: Many discounts are expressed with phrases like “up to 50% off,” meaning not all products will have that maximum discount. Be sure to read the promotion terms carefully.

When is Black Friday 2024?

In 2024, Black Friday will be celebrated on November 29, the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. It's essential to be prepared in advance, as many stores begin offering discounts during the week leading up to Black Friday, and some even extend their sales until Cyber Monday, which will take place on December 2.


Now that you know what Black Friday means, you can not only take advantage of the discounts but also learn more about American culture. Happy Black Friday, and may you find all the bargains you're looking for!

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