Black Friday in the USA: Everything You Need to Know About the Biggest Sale

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If you’ve ever wondered What is the biggest sale in the US?, the answer comes up almost instantly for most people: Black Friday. It’s the day when retailers slash prices, shoppers line up outside stores at dawn, and the internet fills up with deals that seem too good to pass up.

But Black Friday isn’t just another shopping day. It’s grown into a cultural moment in the United States. Families talk about it at Thanksgiving dinner, coworkers share shopping strategies, and online communities trade tips on where the best bargains can be found. In fact, it has become such a tradition that many people who aren’t even big shoppers still keep an eye on the deals.

In this post, we’ll walk through what makes Black Friday so special, What date is Black Friday sales 2025?, and why the question What is the Black Friday sale in the USA? is worth exploring in detail.

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The Origins of Black Friday

Black Friday didn’t start out as the shopping holiday we know today. The term “Black Friday” was once used by police in Philadelphia in the 1960s to describe the heavy traffic and chaos that followed Thanksgiving Day, when people rushed into the city to shop. Over time, retailers flipped the narrative and turned it into a marketing opportunity.

By the late 20th century, Black Friday became known as the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. The idea was simple: stores would offer massive discounts to lure in customers, and in turn, shoppers could get gifts and big-ticket items at bargain prices. That’s how it evolved into the answer to “What is the biggest sale in the US?”

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When Is Black Friday in 2025?

Shoppers often plan far in advance, which leads to the natural question: What date is Black Friday sales 2025? Black Friday always falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Since Thanksgiving in the US is on the fourth Thursday of November, in 2025 Black Friday will be on November 28, 2025.

Mark your calendar. Many stores open their doors as early as midnight, and online retailers often start rolling out deals days before. So while November 28 is the official date, expect discounts and promotions throughout the week leading up to it.

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Why Is Black Friday Considered the Biggest Sale?

When people ask, What is the biggest sale in the US?, it’s not just about the discounts—it’s about scale. Black Friday is the single day when almost every major retailer participates. From electronics and fashion to home goods and beauty, no category is left out.

A few reasons it holds the crown:

• Huge participation: Practically every big brand in America offers deals.
• Massive discounts: Products can be marked down 30%, 50%, sometimes even 70%.
• Cultural ritual: For many, shopping on this day is as much of a tradition as the Thanksgiving meal itself.

Other big sale events exist—Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July, and even Amazon’s Prime Day—but none match the size and cultural weight of Black Friday. That’s why, time and again, the answer to What is the biggest sale in the US? circles back to this day.

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What Is the Black Friday Sale in the USA?

This is a question worth unpacking: What is the Black Friday sale in the USA? At its simplest, it’s a national shopping holiday. But if you dig deeper, it’s more like an economic and cultural phenomenon.

In the USA, the Black Friday sale represents:

1. Kickoff to the holiday shopping season – Stores use this day to get customers excited for Christmas shopping.
2. Price wars – Retailers compete aggressively, making it one of the few times when almost everyone is slashing prices at once.
3. A hybrid event – It used to be all about in-store shopping, but now online deals dominate, especially with Cyber Monday just a few days later.

For many Americans, the Black Friday sale is about more than buying products. It’s about hunting for bargains, comparing deals with friends, and sometimes even camping outside stores to be first in line.

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The Shift to Online Shopping

A decade ago, Black Friday meant waking up at 4 a.m., standing in line, and sprinting through crowded aisles. These days, while some still love the in-store rush, a huge portion of sales happen online.

Why?

• Convenience: No one wants to fight crowds if they don’t have to.
• Early deals: Many retailers release online discounts earlier than in-store offers.
• Wider selection: Some items are “online only” and never even make it to physical shelves.

This digital shift also ties into What is the Black Friday sale in the USA? because it shows how the tradition is evolving. It’s no longer about just one chaotic morning; it’s a week-long (sometimes month-long) blend of in-person and digital shopping.

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Is It Worth Waiting for Black Friday?

If you’re asking yourself What is the biggest sale in the US?, you probably also want to know if it’s really worth waiting for Black Friday. The short answer: yes, in most cases.

Electronics like TVs, laptops, and gaming consoles almost always see their lowest prices of the year during this time. Same goes for small kitchen appliances, home goods, and many fashion items. That said, not every “deal” is as good as it looks. Some stores hike prices earlier in the year just to make discounts look bigger.

Tip: Compare prices before and after to make sure you’re actually getting a bargain.

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Black Friday vs. Other US Sales

Let’s quickly compare Black Friday with other major shopping days in the US.

• Amazon Prime Day: Great for tech and everyday essentials, but only for Prime members.
• Labor Day / Memorial Day Sales: Big on furniture, mattresses, and appliances, but not as wide-ranging.
• July 4th Sales: Good for outdoor gear and home improvement, but nowhere near the scale of Black Friday.

So, when someone asks What is the biggest sale in the US?, these contenders don’t really stack up. They’re strong in their niches, but Black Friday remains unmatched.

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How to Prepare for Black Friday 2025

Knowing What date is Black Friday sales 2025? is one thing, but being ready is another. Here are a few strategies to make the most of it:

• Make a list: Don’t go in blind. Decide what you actually need.
• Set a budget: It’s easy to overspend when everything looks like a deal.
• Use apps and trackers: Many websites track price drops in real-time.
• Sign up for newsletters: Brands often give early access to subscribers.
• Be early: Whether online or in-store, the best items sell out fast.

This prep work ensures you’re not just buying for the sake of buying.

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The Downsides of Black Friday

It wouldn’t be fair to talk about What is the Black Friday sale in the USA? without mentioning its criticisms.

• Overconsumption: Many people buy things they don’t need.
• Stressful shopping: In-person chaos can lead to fights or accidents.
• Environmental impact: Packaging waste and shipping contribute to pollution.

So while Black Friday is fun and exciting, it’s worth remembering that moderation matters.

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Final Thoughts

Black Friday has become the clear answer to What is the biggest sale in the US? It’s not just about discounts—it’s a cultural event that shapes the way Americans kick off the holiday season.

If you’re planning ahead, the answer to What date is Black Friday sales 2025? is November 28, 2025. On that day, stores across the country (and the internet) will be buzzing with discounts. And if you’re still asking, What is the Black Friday sale in the USA?, think of it as both a shopping holiday and a cultural ritual.

Whether you love the thrill of in-store chaos or prefer clicking through deals on your laptop, Black Friday has a little something for everyone. Just remember: the best shopping strategy is the one where you walk away happy, not broke.

FAQs About Black Friday in the USA