Are you ready for the biggest shopping event of the year? Black Friday 2026 is just around the corner and retailers are starting to prepare for what is expected to be another record-breaking year. But how did this shopping extravaganza all begin? Let’s take a walk down memory lane and explore the timeline of Black Friday sales events and special offers.
The term “Black Friday” was first coined in the 1960s by the Philadelphia police department to describe the chaotic traffic and crowds that occurred the day after Thanksgiving. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that retailers began to use the term to refer to their annual sales. In the early days, Black Friday was mainly associated with deep discounts on electronics and appliances, but as the event grew in popularity, retailers started offering discounts on a wide range of products.
In the 2000s, the rise of e-commerce and online shopping changed the game for Black Friday sales. Customers no longer had to brave the crowds and long lines to get their hands on the best deals. Instead, they could shop from the comfort of their own homes and still take advantage of the same discounts. This led to an increase in not only online sales, but also in the duration of the Black Friday event. While it originally started as a one-day event, many retailers now offer Black Friday deals for a week or even the entire month of November.
Fast forward to 2025, and Black Friday had become a global phenomenon. Retailers in different countries around the world started to offer Black Friday deals, making it a truly international event. And with the advancement of technology, Black Friday sales were no longer limited to just brick-and-mortar stores or online shopping. Virtual reality and augmented reality technology allowed customers to experience the thrill of Black Friday shopping from the comfort of their own homes.
And now, in 2026, Black Friday is bigger and better than ever. With the rise of artificial intelligence, retailers are able to personalize the shopping experience and offer even more targeted deals to customers. Smart mirrors in dressing rooms allow shoppers to try on clothes virtually and find the perfect fit without even leaving the store. Virtual assistants and chatbots help customers find the best deals and answer any questions they may have. And with the help of drones, customers can even have
