Black Friday Facts & History in US 2025

Black Friday Facts & History in America 2025

Black Friday has evolved from a chaotic shopping day in Philadelphia to become America’s most anticipated retail event, marking the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. The day after Thanksgiving has transformed into a multi-billion dollar phenomenon that extends far beyond a single twenty-four hour period. In 2025, Black Friday continues to break records as consumers increasingly embrace both online and in-store shopping experiences, with technology and changing consumer behaviors reshaping how Americans hunt for deals and prepare for the holiday season.

The modern Black Friday landscape reflects decades of evolution in American retail culture, consumer expectations, and shopping technology. What began as a term used by overwhelmed Philadelphia police officers in the 1960s to describe post-Thanksgiving traffic chaos has been masterfully rebranded by retailers into the shopping extravaganza we recognize today. Understanding the history and current statistics of Black Friday in the US provides valuable insights into American consumer behavior, retail strategies, and the broader economic trends that define the holiday shopping season in 2025.

Interesting Black Friday Facts in the US 2025

Data Source: Adobe Analytics, National Retail Federation, Britannica, Wikipedia, Historical Records

The facts presented in this table reveal how dramatically Black Friday has evolved from its origins as a term describing urban chaos to becoming a carefully orchestrated retail phenomenon. The transformation from a day Philadelphia police officers dreaded into the most profitable shopping period demonstrates the power of strategic marketing and changing consumer behaviors. In 2025, these facts underscore that Black Friday in America is no longer just about deep discounts on a single day but represents a fundamental shift in how Americans approach holiday shopping through technology, mobile devices, and flexible payment options.

The history behind Black Friday’s name tells a compelling story that most consumers don’t know. When Philadelphia police officers first used the term in the early 1960s, they were describing twelve-hour shifts dealing with overwhelming crowds, traffic accidents, and shoplifting incidents as suburban shoppers descended on the city. The chaos was so severe that city merchants complained to the police commissioner, fearing the negative publicity would deter customers. Despite their efforts to promote “Big Friday” as an alternative, the original name persisted and eventually spread across the nation as retailers discovered they could rebrand its meaning entirely.

Black Friday 2024 Sales Statistics in the US

Data Source: Adobe Analytics, Mastercard SpendingPulse, Salesforce

Black Friday 2024 delivered remarkable sales statistics that exceeded expectations across multiple metrics, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this shopping event in the US. The $10.8 billion in online sales represented a significant milestone, marking the first time Black Friday crossed the $10 billion threshold for e-commerce transactions. This achievement is particularly noteworthy when considering that online Black Friday sales have more than doubled since 2017, when consumers spent just over $5 billion online. The 10.2% year-over-year growth rate outpaced many analysts’ predictions and demonstrated that despite economic uncertainties, American consumers remained eager to take advantage of Black Friday promotions.

The dominance of mobile shopping emerged as one of the most significant trends in 2024 Black Friday statistics. With 55% of online sales occurring on mobile devices, totaling $5.9 billion, it’s clear that smartphones have become the preferred shopping tool for American consumers. The 12.1% year-over-year growth in mobile sales exceeded the overall e-commerce growth rate, indicating that mobile-first shopping experiences are not just a trend but the new standard for retail transactions. Retailers who optimized their mobile platforms and apps saw substantial benefits, as consumers increasingly made purchases while relaxing at home, waiting in lines, or even while visiting physical stores to compare prices and product features in real-time.

Black Friday Shopper Numbers in the US 2025

Data Source: National Retail Federation, Prosper Insights & Analytics

The shopper statistics from Black Friday 2024 reveal interesting shifts in consumer behavior across the US. While the total number of Cyber Week shoppers decreased slightly to 197 million from the record 200.4 million in 2023, the distribution between online and in-store shopping showed significant changes. In-store shopping experienced a resurgence, with 81.7 million Americans visiting physical stores on Black Friday, representing the highest level since the pandemic began. This 5.5 million person increase from 2023 suggests that consumers are rediscovering the appeal of in-person shopping experiences, whether for the social aspects, the ability to immediately obtain products, or the thrill of finding unexpected deals while browsing.

Conversely, online shopping numbers declined slightly, with 87.3 million people shopping digitally on Black Friday, down from 90.6 million in 2023. However, this small decrease in shopper numbers doesn’t tell the full story, as the statistics show that online sales actually increased substantially. This apparent contradiction is explained by higher conversion rates and increased average order values among online shoppers, suggesting that while fewer people may have shopped online, those who did spent more per transaction. The National Retail Federation data indicates that shoppers spent an average of $235 on gifts during the Thanksgiving weekend, representing an $8 increase from the previous year, demonstrating continued consumer confidence and willingness to invest in holiday celebrations despite economic pressures.

Black Friday Product Categories Performance in the US 2025

Data Source: Adobe Analytics, Salesforce, National Retail Federation

The product category performance statistics for Black Friday 2024 highlight which items drove the most consumer interest and spending across the US. Toys emerged as the undisputed champion, with online toy sales increasing a staggering 622% compared to average daily sales in October 2024. This extraordinary surge was driven by popular items including Harry Potter LEGO sets, Wicked movie-themed toys, Disney Princess dolls, and innovative products like the Cookeez Makery oven playset. The strong toy performance reflected both the gift-giving nature of the holiday season and the effectiveness of entertainment franchises in driving product demand, with movie tie-ins and classic brands dominating consumer wish lists.

Jewelry sales experienced remarkable growth as well, with online transactions jumping 561% compared to October averages, establishing the category as a major beneficiary of Black Friday promotions in 2025. Electronics maintained their traditional position as a Black Friday staple, with sales more than quadrupling compared to typical October days. Apparel demonstrated particularly strong e-commerce performance, with online clothing and accessory purchases significantly outpacing in-store sales growth. The statistics show that cooler weather arriving after an unusually warm fall season boosted apparel spending, as consumers finally began purchasing winter clothing and seasonal items. Beauty products, specifically makeup and skincare sets, captured significant consumer attention and were among the most-sold items, reflecting the growing importance of personal care products as both gifts and self-purchases during the holiday season.

Black Friday Regional and Payment Trends in the US 2025

Data Source: Adobe Analytics, Mastercard SpendingPulse, National Retail Federation

Regional spending patterns across the US during Black Friday 2024 revealed interesting geographical variations in consumer behavior and economic conditions. Massachusetts, Washington D.C., and Colorado emerged as the strongest-performing regions, with spending significantly outpacing the national average. These areas demonstrated particularly robust consumer confidence and disposable income levels, suggesting that regional economic factors, employment rates, and local demographics play crucial roles in Black Friday performance. The regional statistics indicate that urban and suburban areas with higher concentrations of tech workers and professional services employees drove disproportionate amounts of holiday spending, reflecting their greater financial flexibility and comfort with both online and in-store shopping experiences.

The payment trends data reveals transformative changes in how Americans complete their Black Friday purchases in 2025. Buy Now Pay Later services have moved from niche financial products to mainstream payment methods, with $686.3 million in transactions during Black Friday 2024 alone and 79.1% of these transactions occurring on mobile devices. This overwhelming mobile preference for BNPL options suggests that younger consumers, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are driving adoption of flexible payment solutions that allow them to spread costs over time without traditional credit card interest charges. The influencer economy also showed remarkable strength, with social media content creators driving significant sales and achieving conversion rates six to nine times higher than general social media traffic, particularly on Cyber Monday when influencer-driven revenue reached 20.3% of total online sales.

Black Friday History and Evolution in the US 2025

Data Source: Historical records, Britannica, Wikipedia, National Retail Federation, Industry Reports

The history of Black Friday in America represents a fascinating transformation from urban chaos to calculated retail strategy spanning more than six decades. In the 1950s and 1960s, Philadelphia became the epicenter of post-Thanksgiving shopping congestion as suburban residents flooded downtown stores before attending the annual Army-Navy football game on Saturday. Police officers working twelve-hour shifts dealing with traffic accidents, crowd control, and increased shoplifting began using “Black Friday” as shorthand for the day they most dreaded. Philadelphia journalists Nathan Kleger and Joseph P. Barrett published front-page stories in the early 1960s appropriating the police term to describe the terrible traffic conditions, inadvertently spreading the phrase beyond law enforcement circles into mainstream usage.

The evolution from Philadelphia police slang to national retail phenomenon took decades and required strategic rebranding. By 1961, the negative connotations had become so problematic that Center City merchants complained to Police Commissioner Albert N. Brown and attempted to officially change the name to “Big Friday,” hoping to attract rather than repel suburban shoppers. This rebranding effort failed spectacularly, and the term Black Friday persisted throughout the 1970s with its negative associations intact. The transformation began in the late 1980s when retailers nationwide discovered they could reinterpret the name through the accounting lens of “red to black” profitability, creating a narrative that the day after Thanksgiving marked when stores finally turned profitable for the year. While this explanation has been debunked by historians as retrofitted mythology, it successfully repositioned Black Friday in the American consciousness as a day of financial opportunity rather than urban chaos.

Black Friday Online Shopping Evolution in the US 2025

Data Source: Adobe Analytics, Industry Forecasts, National Retail Federation

The trajectory of online Black Friday shopping demonstrates exponential growth and technological sophistication over the past eight years in the US. From 2017 to 2024, online Black Friday sales more than doubled, growing from $5.03 billion to $10.8 billion, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 11.7%. This remarkable expansion reflects fundamental shifts in American consumer behavior, with shoppers increasingly comfortable making significant purchases through digital channels rather than visiting physical stores. The statistics show that the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 served as an inflection point, permanently elevating online shopping adoption rates even as stores reopened and in-person shopping returned to more normal levels.

The technological evolution accompanying this growth has been equally dramatic, with each year bringing innovations that reshape the shopping experience. Mobile shopping emerged as the dominant force, growing from a minor convenience in 2017 to accounting for 55% of all online Black Friday sales by 2024, with forecasts suggesting mobile will reach 56.1% of holiday transactions in 2025. Generative AI represents the latest technological leap, with retailers deploying sophisticated chatbots and virtual shopping assistants that help consumers find products, compare prices, and make purchase decisions. The 1,800% surge in retail site traffic driven by AI-powered tools during Black Friday 2024 demonstrates how quickly consumers adopt helpful technologies that streamline shopping and improve deal discovery. Looking ahead to 2025, forecasts predict that Black Friday will generate $11.7 billion in online sales, while Cyber Monday will reach $14.2 billion, continuing the trend of spreading holiday shopping across multiple days while maintaining the special significance of the traditional Black Friday kickoff.

Black Friday Consumer Behavior Shifts in the US 2025

Data Source: National Retail Federation, Adobe Analytics, PwC Consumer Survey, Various Industry Studies

Consumer behavior during Black Friday 2025 reflects a complex interplay of confidence, caution, and technological adaptation. While 87% of shoppers indicate they plan to spend the same amount or more compared to previous years, the statistics simultaneously reveal that 57% of consumers report feeling financially strained, creating an apparent contradiction. This duality suggests that American consumers view Black Friday and holiday shopping as non-negotiable cultural experiences they will prioritize even when facing budget pressures. The behavior manifests through increased price sensitivity, with 78% of shoppers actively seeking less expensive alternatives and 62% willing to shift brands if their preferred choice proves too expensive. This strategic approach to spending allows consumers to maintain their holiday traditions while adapting to economic realities through careful deal-hunting and comparison shopping.

The timing of holiday shopping continues to evolve, with consumers spreading purchases across longer periods rather than concentrating spending on Black Friday itself. Data shows that 45% of consumers began their holiday shopping before November, taking advantage of early promotional events hosted by major retailers throughout October. This extended shopping season reduces the pressure and chaos traditionally associated with Black Friday, allowing consumers to research products thoroughly, compare prices across multiple channels, and make more deliberate purchasing decisions. However, Black Friday retains special significance, with 55% of consumers specifically planning to shop on the day after Thanksgiving in 2025, up from 51% the previous year. The statistics demonstrate that while shopping behavior has become more dispersed temporally, Black Friday maintains its cultural importance as the official launch of the holiday season and the day consumers expect to find the year’s best deals across virtually all product categories.

Black Friday 2025 Forecast and Predictions in the US

Data Source: Adobe Analytics Forecasts, National Retail Federation, Bain & Company, Deloitte, Industry Analysts

The forecast for Black Friday 2025 projects continued strong growth despite economic uncertainties and changing consumer behaviors. Analysts predict that online sales on Black Friday will reach between $11.7 billion and $12.5 billion, representing growth of approximately 8-16% depending on economic conditions, competitive intensity, and promotional strategies deployed by major retailers. Cyber Monday is expected to maintain its position as the largest single online shopping day of the year, with $14.2 billion in projected sales, while the extended Cyber Week period from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday should generate $43.7 billion in e-commerce transactions. These projections assume continued economic stability, maintained consumer confidence, and successful execution of promotional strategies by retailers competing for holiday dollars.

For the first time in history, the National Retail Federation predicts that American holiday spending will exceed $1 trillion when combining retail sales and food service spending during November and December 2025. This milestone reflects both inflation-adjusted price increases and genuine growth in consumer spending volumes, demonstrating the enduring importance of holiday traditions and gift-giving in American culture. The forecast suggests that Black Friday through Cyber Monday weekend will capture approximately 9% of total holiday retail sales, the highest seasonal concentration recorded since tracking began, indicating that consumers continue to prioritize these specific days for major purchases despite the availability of deals throughout November and December. Technology will play an increasingly central role, with AI-assisted shopping expected to drive 520% more traffic than in 2024, fundamentally changing how consumers discover products, compare prices, and make purchasing decisions during the 2025 holiday season.

Black Friday Marketing and Retail Strategies in the US 2025

Data Source: Adobe Analytics, Retail Industry Reports, Marketing Technology Studies

Marketing strategies for Black Friday 2025 reflect sophisticated integration of traditional promotional tactics with cutting-edge technology and data analytics. Paid search advertising maintains its position as the top revenue-driving channel, accounting for nearly 30% of online sales, as retailers compete aggressively for prominent placement when consumers search for specific products or generic deal queries. However, the fastest-growing marketing channel involves affiliates and influencers, whose revenue share reached 17.6% in the 2024 holiday season with 6% year-over-year growth. Social media influencers have proven particularly effective at converting browsing into purchases, with conversion rates six to nine times higher than general social media traffic, especially among Gen Z consumers who trust creator recommendations more than traditional advertising.

The retail strategies deployed for Black Friday 2025 emphasize extended promotional periods rather than concentrating all deals into a single twenty-four hour window. Major retailers including Walmart, Target, and Amazon launched multiple wave events throughout November, with Event 1 typically occurring in mid-November, Event 2 surrounding Black Friday weekend, and Event 3 on Cyber Monday. This staggered approach serves multiple strategic purposes: it spreads consumer spending across a longer period, reducing the operational strain on fulfillment centers and customer service teams; it captures early-bird shoppers who prefer avoiding crowds and securing items before they sell out; and it allows retailers to test pricing strategies and adjust inventory allocation based on real-time demand signals. The statistics demonstrate effectiveness, with 38% of shoppers taking advantage of sales specifically during the week before Thanksgiving weekend, indicating that the extended season successfully captures substantial spending that might otherwise have concentrated into a shorter, more chaotic period.

Black Friday Economic Impact in the US 2025

The economic impact of Black Friday extends far beyond the billions of dollars in direct consumer spending, touching employment, supply chains, real estate, technology investment, and broader retail industry health across the US. Seasonal hiring for the 2025 holiday season is expected to see 70% of retailers planning to hire more frontline workers compared to 2024, creating hundreds of thousands of temporary and permanent positions in retail stores, fulfillment centers, delivery services, and customer support operations. These employment opportunities provide crucial income for workers seeking seasonal supplementation or entry-level positions, while simultaneously ensuring retailers can handle the extraordinary volume of transactions and logistics required during the compressed holiday shopping period.

The ripple effects of Black Friday success influence retail real estate markets, technology infrastructure investments, and small business viability throughout the year. Shopping mall operators like Simon Properties reported 5.9% increases in foot traffic on Black Friday 2024, demonstrating that physical retail locations remain economically viable and important to American shopping culture despite e-commerce growth. The massive technology investments required to support Black Friday online traffic—including server capacity, payment processing systems, cybersecurity measures, and AI-powered personalization tools—drive innovation that benefits consumers year-round. Small and medium-sized retailers leveraging platforms like Shopify participate in the Black Friday economy, with independent merchants reporting strong sales growth and increasing their share of the market through specialized products, personalized service, and community connections that large retailers cannot replicate.

The statistics and facts presented throughout this analysis demonstrate that Black Friday in America 2025 represents far more than a shopping holiday. It embodies evolving consumer behaviors, technological transformation, marketing innovation, and cultural traditions that define how Americans approach the holiday season. From its origins in 1960s Philadelphia traffic chaos to becoming a $10+ billion single-day e-commerce event, Black Friday continues adapting to meet changing consumer expectations while maintaining its position as the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. Understanding these trends, statistics, and historical context provides valuable insights for retailers, consumers, and analysts seeking to navigate the complex landscape of modern American retail during the most important commercial period of the year.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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