# Black Friday 2024: Mark Your Calendars for the Biggest Shopping Day of the Year
Black Friday is an annual event that shoppers and retailers alike eagerly anticipate, marking the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season with significant discounts and one-of-a-kind deals. As people look ahead to plan their shopping strategies and budgeting, many are already wondering: When is Black Friday 2024?
Date of Black Friday 2024
In the United States, Black Friday is tied to Thanksgiving, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. Traditionally, Black Friday occurs the day after Thanksgiving. In 2024, Thanksgiving will fall on November 28th, which places Black Friday on November 29th, 2024.
History of Black Friday
Black Friday’s origins trace back several decades, where it began as a day for retailers to offer deep discounts to help kick off the Christmas shopping season. The term ‘Black Friday’ was first used by police to describe the heavy traffic on the day after Thanksgiving as people began their holiday shopping. It later took on a broader meaning as the day that retailers’ accounts moved from “in the red” (loss) to “in the black” (profit) due to the enormous volume of sales.
Significance for Consumers and Retailers
For consumers, Black Friday has come to be known for steep discounts on items ranging from electronics to clothing. Hardcore shoppers prepare months in advance, reviewing advertisements and online offers to plan their purchase strategies – some even lining up outside stores hours or days in advance.
For retailers, this shopping holiday is critical for bottom-line profitability. It offers an opportunity not only to clear out inventory but also to attract new customers and create brand loyalty through one-time deals and doorbusters.
Black Friday Trends
In recent years, Black Friday has evolved beyond just a single day event. Many retailers now spread their promotions over an extended period, starting as early as October and leading into Cyber Monday, the online shopping counterpart that takes place on the Monday following Thanksgiving. This transformation has been in part driven by online shopping trends and competition among stores to attract consumers’ attention and dollars before their competitors.
Impact of E-commerce on Black Friday
The rise of e-commerce has significantly changed how Black Friday is perceived and operated. Online giants such as Amazon have made Black Friday deals accessible without ever needing to leave home, blurring the lines between traditional brick-and-mortar sales days like Black Friday and online-focused sale days like Cyber Monday.
Preparing for Black Friday 2024
As shoppers get ready for Black Friday 2024, it’s advisable to start early by keeping track of desired product listings and checking price history to ensure deals are genuine. Signing up for retailer newsletters and following them on social media can offer insights into upcoming sales or additional discounts.
Notes
In conclusion, as people gear up for the holidays in 2024 with gift lists and bargain hunting strategies at the ready, remembering that Black Friday falls on November 29th will help them maximize the opportunity this yearly event represents for scoring great deals across a myriad of products.
Image description: An excited group of consumers stand in a queue outside a retail store adorned with “Black Friday Sale” banners, ready to enter when doors open early in the morning under a clear sky indicating dawn’s break.