Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, where often unbelievable sales happen at many retail stores. Most people are already off work due to Thanksgiving the day before, so there are many people searching for good deals pack into stores. Last year, over 116 million people left their houses to shop on Black Friday. 

“My friends and I went shopping last year and we plan to go again this year,” senior Austin Pleis. 

“Black Friday” originated in the 1950’s, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. By 1961, the term “Black Friday” caught on in Philadelphia, but did not spread to the rest of the country until the 1980’s. Retailers wanted to remove the negative connotations associated with the term and turned it into what it is today. 

Since then, the Black Friday event has turned into something much bigger than what it was. Rather than just being a one-day event, some stores have big sales the whole week of Thanksgiving. It has also spawned other retail holidays, such as “Small Business Saturday/Sunday” and “Cyber Monday.” 

This year, the average person is expected to spend over $500 on Black Friday alone. In 2019, the most top notch deals can be found at places like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy for this years best deals on electronics, media, and games. Since the event draws in millions of customers every year, expect stores with the best deals to be completely full. Senior, Keesler Perry said It is best to create a plan before you go.

“I do research before Black Friday and decide what places have the deals I want. When I arrive at the stores, I try to get the more expensive products first because they have the best deals and I want to get to them before anyone else,” senior Keesler Perry said.

In a survey answered by 103 Timberland students and staff, 54.4% said they plan to go Black Friday shopping this year.

“I personally love Black Friday…My family and I go out shopping and try to buy electronics like TV’s,” senior Royal Okief said. 

Although Black Friday has changed drastically since it originated in the 50’s, it still remains the biggest shopping day of the year.