Black Friday originally referred to the day after Thanksgiving in the United States traditionally the unofficial start of the holiday-shopping season. Retailers began opening early and offering deep discounts, leading to large crowds and heavy store traffic. Over time, the event has shifted dramatically toward online shopping and global participation.

Why It’s Important for Businesses & Shoppers

• For retailers, Black Friday is a major revenue opportunity: huge traffic, spike in sales, strong conversion potential.
• For shoppers, it represents a chance to purchase desired items at significantly lowered prices, often for the only time all year.
• For both, the shift from physical stores to digital means: better mobile experience, seamless checkout, stock management and promotion planning matter more than ever.

How Shoppers Can Make the Most of Black Friday

Shopping Tips

• Set a budget and list: Know what you want ahead of time; impulse buys can rack up and may not be the best value.
• Check price history: Some “discounts” are from inflated original prices. Tools and communities point this out. > “Use a price tracker… a lot of these deals don’t come through saying they’re the cheapest you’ll ever get.”
• Compare across retailers: Don’t assume one retailer has the best deal; check multiple sources.
• Look at shipping/returns: A good “deal” may come with long shipping times or limited return policy — factor that in.
• Mobile first: Since many deals are mobile-oriented, ensure you have your phone ready with app/promo code, etc.

Watch Out for Pitfalls

• False scarcity / fake discounts: Some promotions claim huge savings, but base price was higher than usual. > “They hike up the price and on BF they have a huge discount, which is actually its original price at the end of the day.”
• Queue-ups and limited stock: Popular items may sell out fast — if you’re considering one, act quickly.
• Overbuying: Just because something is “on sale” doesn’t mean you need it. Focus on value and utility.

Why This Year’s Black Friday Could Be Different

• Earlier launches & extended deals: Many retailers now run “Black Friday week” rather than just one day, to spread out demand and reduce server/fulfilment stress.
• Increased digital focus: With mobile, apps, and online checkout dominating, physical-store footfalls are lower relative to online growth.
• Global reach & cross-border shopping: Even in countries outside the U.S., localised versions of Black Friday are gaining traction — meaning more competition but also more opportunity.
• Sustainability & experience value: Some shoppers are shifting to experiences, quality over quantity — so deals on higher-value items may carry more appeal.
• Technology leverage: Retailers optimising with AI, chatbots, predictive analytics are better positioned — meaning smoother customer experience and potentially better deals.

Conclusion

Black Friday remains a powerful event for both businesses and consumers — when used smartly. For retailers, it offers a prime moment to drive revenue, build brand awareness and boost customer acquisition. For shoppers, it’s a chance to access big discounts, but requires preparation, awareness and caution.

Whether you’re setting up a campaign for your store or preparing your shopping list, remember: the key isn’t just the headline “SALE” but strategy, preparation, clarity and value.