Black Friday 2025: A One-Day History and a One-Day Shopping Guide

Black Friday is around the corner, and millions of shoppers are already getting ready for the biggest sales before Christmas. Every November, this single day sparks excitement, long wishlists, and competition for the best bargains. While many stores now stretch their discounts over several days, the best deals still tend to appear first—often disappearing within hours.

Think of it as a race—only those who prepare ahead of time cross the finish line with the biggest savings. From Amazon deals to local store discounts, the opportunities are everywhere. But to truly make the most out of Black Friday, it helps to understand where it started, how it grew, and how you can shop smarter this year.

The Origins of Black Friday

Have you ever wondered when Black Friday started and why it became such a big deal? The story goes back to the United States, where the Friday after Thanksgiving marked the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Stores would lower prices for one day only, hoping to draw in huge crowds and boost sales before Christmas.

Some even connect the idea to 1929, when businesses looked for ways to increase spending after the stock market crash. But the term really took hold in the 1960s. In Philadelphia, police officers started calling it “Black Friday” because of the traffic jams, crowded sidewalks, and packed stores as shoppers rushed to grab discounts.

At its core, Black Friday began as a one-day event. If you didn’t shop on that Friday, you missed out—simple as that. And while the event has changed a lot over the years, that sense of urgency still drives shoppers today.

How Black Friday Changed Over Time

Black Friday used to be only one day. People lined up very early in the morning, waiting for stores to open. Shops were full, streets were busy, and items sold out fast. But over the years, things changed. Stores saw that one day was not enough, so they started offering discounts all weekend. Later, they added online sales, and Black Friday became bigger than ever.

The internet made shopping easier. Instead of waiting in long lines, people could buy from home with just one click. Amazon became one of the biggest names, and shoppers now watch for its special lightning deals every year.

People also learned to prepare better. Many now make a shopping list of essentials before the sales begin. This helps them focus on what they really need instead of buying too much. Today, Black Friday is no longer just a one-day event. It has grown into a global shopping season, but the goal is still the same—big savings in a short time.

Why the History Still Matters

So, why does the history of Black Friday matter? Because it shows us how shopping patterns work. In the early days, the best deals always came first, and once the items were gone, they were gone. That hasn’t changed much today.

When you look at today’s sales, the same rule applies: the biggest discounts often appear on the first day. Waiting too long can mean missing out. Knowing this history helps shoppers plan better—whether that means setting a budget, making a shopping list, or checking early deals online.

It also reminds us why Black Friday feels so urgent. The event started as a race for savings, and even now, that “one-day” rush is what makes people prepare ahead of time. If you understand where it came from, you can shop smarter today.

Smart Shopping Tips

If you want to grab the best deals on Black Friday, it’s important to plan ahead. Without a plan, you might spend too much or miss out on the items you really want. Having a simple guide will save you time, help you stick to your budget, and make your shopping experience stress-free. Think of it as your roadmap to make the day worth it.

Here are some easy tips to shop smarter:

• Make your shopping list early. Write down the products that catch your eye before the sales begin. Split your list into two parts: must-buy items and nice-to-have items. This way, you’ll know what matters most and avoid overspending.

• Add items to your cart in advance. On sites like Amazon, you can save items or add them to your cart before the sale starts. When the discount goes live, you’ll be ready to check out quickly before things sell out.

• Use price trackers. Some tools can show if the discount is real or just looks good. This helps you avoid fake “sale” prices.

• Set up your accounts. Make sure your payment details and shipping info are saved online. Being ready ahead of time lets you buy faster when stock is limited.

• Look for bundles. Sometimes, buying two or three items together is cheaper than buying one. Bundles can give you more value for your money.

• Check return policies. Before you buy, see if you can return or exchange the product. That way, you won’t be stuck with something you don’t need.
  

By following these steps, you’ll feel more prepared and confident when the deals drop. Black Friday can be overwhelming, but a little preparation makes a big difference. Instead of rushing, you’ll shop with ease, save money, and enjoy the excitement of finding great deals.

Shops to Find Deals

Last year, we shared our guide about the top 5 websites for Black Friday deals, which helped many shoppers find big savings. Those stores are still strong picks, but this year looks a little different. Many retailers are starting discounts earlier, adding bundle deals, and stretching sales past the main day into Cyber Monday.

Here are some of the best places to shop this year:

• Amazon – Known for lightning deals and early Prime offers. Expect more “limited-hour” drops, so you’ll need to act fast.

• Walmart – Big on electronics and home deals, with some discounts starting as early as the Monday before Black Friday. Walmart+ members are also expected to get early access.

• Target – A great stop for gifts, with deals on clothing, home goods, and tech. Look out for “spend-and-save” promos, where buying certain items earns you bonus gift cards.

• Best Buy – Still the go-to for laptops, TVs, and gaming. This year, they’re offering more price-match guarantees so shoppers don’t miss a better deal later.

• Macy’s – Reliable for clothing, shoes, and gifts. Their ads hint at deeper discounts on holiday must-haves like winter coats and jewelry.

• Costco (and other membership clubs) – Expanding Black Friday offers online, not just in-store. Expect big savings on appliances, smart home devices, and even food bundles.

Tip: Don’t wait until November 28 to shop. Many stores will drop “Black Friday week” sales early and keep them going until Cyber Monday. Add your favorite items to your cart ahead of time so you’re ready when the price drops.

Beyond One Day: From Black Friday to Cyber Monday

Many people think Black Friday is just one day, but that’s not true anymore. The shopping season often starts early in the week and continues through the weekend. Sales don’t stop on Friday—they often grow stronger as stores compete for attention.

This is where Cyber Monday comes in. But what does Cyber Monday mean? It’s the Monday right after Black Friday, and it focuses on online-only deals. The name was first used in 2005 when stores noticed more people shopping online after Thanksgiving. Since then, it has become one of the biggest online shopping days of the year.

For shoppers, this means more chances to save. If you miss a Black Friday deal, you may still catch a similar or even better offer on Cyber Monday. Many shops also extend sales across the whole weekend, turning it into a four- or five-day event.

Tip: Treat Black Friday and Cyber Monday as part of the same sale window. Make a plan for both days so you don’t overspend on Friday or miss out on Monday.

Final Thoughts

Black Friday is no longer just a single day of discounts like before. It has grown into a shopping season that stretches through the weekend and ends with Cyber Monday. For shoppers, this means more time and more chances to find the right deal. The key is to plan ahead, compare offers, and avoid rushing into impulse buys. Whether you shop in stores or online, the best deals are the ones that fit your budget and your needs.

So when Black Friday comes around, remember—it’s not just about grabbing the cheapest item. It’s about finding real value in what you buy.

Before you start, check your favorite online stores early and keep an eye on flash sales so you don’t miss out. And if you’re looking for practical tools that make studying, working, or presenting easier, don’t forget to visit the Red Star Tec Amazon store, where you’ll find smart and affordable tech picks to upgrade your everyday needs.