What Is Black Friday? Origins, Deals & How to Shop Smart

What is Black Friday? Occurring right after Thanksgiving, Black Friday marks the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season, a day when retailers roll out some of their biggest discounts of the year. With countless incredible deals and doorbusters available both in stores and online, it's no surprise that shoppers everywhere rush to take advantage of the savings.

In this blog, we will explain when is Black Friday, why it's called Black Friday, its history, and offering practical tips to help you snag the best bargains. Join us as we explore the global phenomenon that makes this chaotic day so wildly popular!

When Is Balck Friday?

Black Friday takes place on the Friday immediately after Thanksgiving, marking the official start of the holiday shopping season. Thanksgiving Day in the United States is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, which means Black Friday always falls the very next day. In 2025, Black Friday falls on November 28.

This annual shopping event is famous for offering some of the year's biggest discounts and limited-time deals, drawing millions of shoppers online and in stores to kick off their holiday shopping.

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Why Is It Called Black Friday?

You may be curious about why it is called Black Friday. Here is the historical timeline of the origin of this holiday:

The term "Black Friday" was first used in 1869, not in reference to shopping, but to a dramatic gold-market crash in the U.S. on September 24.

In the 1950s and 1960s, it was widely used by Philadelphia police to describe the chaotic, crowded shopping day following Thanksgiving. The heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic caused serious disruption in the city.

Beginning in the 1980s and becoming more widespread by the late 1980s and early 1990s, retailers adopted the term to emphasize that many stores move from "red ink" (losses) to "black ink" (profits) during the shopping surge that follows Thanksgiving.

Today, the day after Thanksgiving is now considered the start of the holiday-shopping season, and a key opportunity for retailers to drive large portions of their annual sales in a single day.

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Tips for Safe and Successful Black Friday Shopping

Now, you have known about what is the meaning of Black Friday. Get ready for massive shopping on Black Friday. To ensure you get the best deal and shopping experience, here are some tips for a safe and successful Black Friday shopping:

• Set a budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend and stick to it. It's easy to get carried away by the sales hype, but overspending can cause financial stress later on.
• Create a list: Make a list of the items you want to buy. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases. Prioritize the most important items, so you can target them first. If quality electronic accessories are on your list this year, visit Anker Black Friday deals to get Tiered Gift With Purchase (GWP).
• Compare prices: Before making a purchase, compare prices on different websites. Utilize price comparison tools or browser extensions to ensure you're getting the best available deal.
• Subscribe to newsletters and alerts: Sign up for newsletters or follow retailers' social media accounts to stay updated on their Black Friday offers. Some retailers may provide exclusive discounts or early access to subscribers.
• Clear your browser cache: Clearing your browser cache before shopping can ensure that you're viewing the most up-to-date prices and deals. It can also help prevent any potential technical glitches.
• Shop from reputable websites: Stick to well-known and trusted online retailers to avoid scams and counterfeit products. Look for secure payment methods and check customer reviews before making a purchase.
• Check return policies: Before finalizing your purchase, review the retailer's return policy. Ensure that you have the option to return or exchange items if necessary.
• Use secure payment methods: Protect your personal and financial information by using secure payment methods such as credit cards or trusted digital wallets. Avoid sharing sensitive information through unsecured platforms.
• Read product reviews: Take the time to read reviews from other customers before making a purchase. This can provide insights into the quality and performance of the product you're interested in.
• Beware of phishing attempts: Be cautious of phishing emails or suspicious links that claim to offer Black Friday deals. Only shop through official retailer websites and avoid clicking on unsolicited links.

Ready to put your shopping strategy into action? Check out Anker's official Black Friday offers below:

Anker Black Friday's Exclusive Early-Bird Offers: Nov 10 - Nov 20

While the official date is one day, the actual event window for many brands is much wider. Many retailers start the excitement early with pre-sales and exclusive early-bird deals — and Anker is no exception.

At Anker, we've kicked off our Black Friday Pre-Sale Period (11.10-11.20) to give our fans a head start on savings:

• Early Bird Deposit: Reserve your items now with a small deposit that blows up into a $20-$30 credit!
• Member Early Access: Be the first to shop exclusive member-only discounts.
• Premium Membership for $1.99: Get a paid membership for just $1.99 and unlock stacking discounts (like an extra 5% off) and Next-Day Delivery.
• Mystery Boxes: Available in tiered bundles at $29.99, $59.99, $99.99 and $129.99.

By joining early, you'll beat the rush, secure your must-have gadgets, and experience the best of Anker innovation — before Black Friday even begins.

Anker Black Friday's Official Sale Period: Nov 21 - Dec 7

Many of our most popular Pre-Sale offers continue, and the savings get even bigger during the Official Black Friday Sale!

• Tiered Free Gifts (GWP): Spend more, get more! Unlock a different complimentary product when you hit the $79, $99, and $129 spending tiers.
• Mystery Boxes: Grab a surprise bundle at $29.99, $59.99, $99.99 or $129.99.
• Member-Exclusive Savings: Premium Members get extra discounts on select items.
• $1.99 Premium Membership: Continue to unlock stacking discounts (like an extra 5% off) and Next-Day Delivery.
• Black Friday Exclusive Bundles: Shop curated kits—buy a la carte or grab the complete set for maximum savings.

Ready to shop smarter? Explore our top Black Friday picks below and power up your everyday life with Anker.

1. Anker Prime Power Bank (26K, 300W)

Packing a massive 26,250 mAh (≈99.8 Wh) capacity and up to 300 W total output, this powerhouse portable charger can simultaneously feed two laptops and a phone at full speed. It features a smart display for real-time monitoring and supports ultra-fast input recharge via a compatible base.

2. Anker Prime Charger (160W, 3 Ports, Smart Display)

This compact GaN charger delivers 160 W across three USB-C ports and includes a built-in smart display to monitor output per port, switch charging modes, and stay in control. Inspired by aerospace design, it blends high power with sleek form and advanced safety features.

3. Anker Nano Charger (45W) with USB-C to USB-C Cable

Ultra-portable yet powerful, this 45 W GaN-based charger is designed for everyday and travel use. It includes a USB-C-to-USB-C cable, supports modern fast-charge protocols and squeezes big performance into a small, foldable form-factor.

4. Anker Nano Power Bank (5K, MagGo, Slim)

At just around 5,000 mAh, this ultra-slim MagGo power bank is built for convenience, with Qi2-certified MagSafe wireless charging, a USB-C wired port, and safe cooling tech that keep things compact, efficient, and travel-ready.

Conclusion

Now that you know what is Black Friday, it's easy to see why this shopping day excites millions every year. From its unique origins to today's massive online and in-store deals, it's the perfect time to save big on your favorite tech. With Anker's exclusive Black Friday offers, plan ahead, shop smart, and grab the gadgets that power your life — because the best savings only come once a year!

FAQs

What is Black Friday celebrated for?

Black Friday is celebrated as the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, right after Thanksgiving in the United States. It's a day when retailers offer huge discounts, doorbuster deals, and limited-time promotions to attract shoppers. Many people use Black Friday to kick off their Christmas shopping, taking advantage of lower prices on electronics, fashion, and gifts.

Why do they call it Black Friday?

The term "Black Friday" originally came from Philadelphia in the 1950s, when police used it to describe the heavy traffic and chaos that followed Thanksgiving. Later, retailers gave it a positive spin, explaining that stores go from "in the red" (losses) to "in the black" (profits) thanks to huge sales. Today, it represents a major shopping event where businesses boost revenue and shoppers score big discounts — a win-win that marks the start of the holiday retail rush.

What are three facts about Black Friday?

First, Black Friday always falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving, marking the start of the U.S. holiday shopping season.

Second, it began in Philadelphia during the 1950s, when police described the post-holiday crowds as chaotic.

Third, it's now a global phenomenon, with countries worldwide — from the UK to Australia — embracing the tradition. Online sales have grown rapidly too, with brands extending the event into Cyber Monday and week-long shopping festivals for even bigger savings.

What do we do on Black Friday?

On Black Friday, shoppers hunt for the best discounts both online and in stores. Many people wake up early to grab doorbuster deals, while others shop from home to avoid the crowds. It's a day to plan purchases, compare prices, and take advantage of rare discounts on electronics, appliances, and gifts. For Anker, it's simply about giving customers more value — with practical bundles, member benefits, and early-access deals that make upgrading your devices easier and more affordable.