Fourteen Things You Didn't Know About Black Friday

Updated: 10 April 2025

Black Friday: The day after Thanksgiving in the United States, once considered just another retail moment, has grown into a global shopping event—and the UK is no exception.

Each year, millions of Americans head to stores on the Friday after Thanksgiving, hunting for Christmas deals. Inspired by this, UK retailers have followed suit—making Black Friday one of the biggest days in online retail.

14 Surprising Facts About Black Friday

1. "Black Friday" Originally Referred to a Market Crash

Before it was tied to shopping, "Black Friday" was used to describe the 1869 U.S. gold market crash. The retail association only gained traction in the 1960s, when Philadelphia police used it to describe chaotic shopping crowds.

2. People Look for Deals—Not Necessarily to Save

Research shows that most shoppers on Black Friday aren’t just saving—they’re buying more. The hunt for deals drives up spending, even if it means spending more than planned.

3. Santa Claus Parades Came First

Holiday parades featuring Santa, like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, were originally marketing tools for department stores. They unofficially kicked off the shopping season—long before the term "Black Friday" was popular.

4. Black Friday Arrived in the UK in 2009

Initially associated with a protest group, "Black Friday" gained traction in UK retail from 2009 onward, especially as major electronics and toy discounts hit the scene.

5. Thanksgiving’s Date Was Changed by Retailers

To extend the holiday shopping season, President Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday of November, following pressure from businesses concerned about a shorter sales window.

6. Electronics Dominate Black Friday

Looking for a new gadget? Black Friday is the time. TVs, laptops, and gaming consoles see the steepest discounts. For everything else, December might be better.

7. Made-for-TV Specials Are Big Business

Networks air exclusive shows and films on Black Friday, knowing many people are at home browsing deals—or recovering from midnight shopping.

8. Online Beats In-Store

Thanks to convenience and better browsing, online shopping has overtaken in-store sales during Black Friday. And with perks like free shipping and returns, it’s easy to see why.

9. Black Friday & Cyber Monday Account for 20% of Holiday Spend

In the UK, these two days make up a fifth of all holiday online purchases, showing just how influential they’ve become.

10. Reviews Influence Every Purchase

Most shoppers won’t click ‘Buy Now’ without reading reviews. Whether it’s a parent on Mumsnet or a product page testimonial, trust plays a huge role in online purchases.

11. Midnight Madness

Some of the best in-store deals are launched at midnight, attracting massive queues—and sometimes even arguments! Online? You’ll still want to be up early for the flash sales.

12. Gambling Losses Spike

Some turn to online gambling as part of their spending spree. It’s estimated that the average family can lose up to £1,000 during Black Friday through gambling-related sites.

13. BOGO Offers Aren’t Always Genuine

“Buy One Get One Free” might sound great—but often applies to slow-moving stock. Always double-check reviews and retail history before falling for the BOGO buzz.

14. Spending Totals Continue to Rise

In 2016, shoppers spent over £900 on Black Friday. That figure has only grown since. With savvy planning, many people complete most of their Christmas shopping in a single weekend.

Quick Black Friday Tips

• Have a wishlist—and a spending limit.
• Check deals online before visiting stores.
• Stick to your list to avoid impulse buys.
• Read product reviews and compare prices.
• Be polite to staff—Black Friday is stressful for everyone!
• Shop early or late to avoid peak crowds.
• Consider shopping online for convenience and safety.

Wrapping Up

Whether you're shopping online or braving the high street, Black Friday can be a great opportunity to grab a bargain—as long as you plan ahead and shop smart.

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