Black Friday is the Friday following Thanksgiving Day in the United States. It is traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year, with many stores offering deep discounts to lure shoppers.
The term “Black Friday” is believed to have originated in Philadelphia in the 1950s. At that time, the city was dealing with a major traffic congestion problem, and the day after Thanksgiving was particularly bad. Store owners used the term “Black Friday” to describe the day, and the name stuck.
Black Friday has become increasingly popular in recent years, with shoppers lining up outside of stores hours before they open in order to get the best deals. In 2016, an estimated 154 million Americans shopped on Black Friday.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to boycott Black Friday, with some people arguing that it is a day of excessive consumerism and greed. Others have criticized the working conditions of retail workers who are forced to work long hours on Black Friday.
Despite the controversy, Black Friday remains a major event in the American retail calendar. It is a day when many people get their holiday shopping done, and it is also a time for families to come together and enjoy the festive atmosphere.