25 Black Friday Fun Facts You Won’t Believe Are True

Black Friday is no longer just a day—it’s a global shopping event. Every year, millions of people race to grab the best deals on everything from electronics to clothes. But behind the doorbuster discounts and packed malls lies a history filled with surprising twists. From its unusual origin to modern online sales records, there’s much more to Black Friday than most people realize.

In this blog post, we’ll reveal Black Friday fun facts that are strange, shocking, and even a little amusing. You’ll learn how it all started, why it’s called Black Friday, and some wild stories that might make you think twice about lining up at 4 a.m. Whether you’re a casual shopper or a serious bargain hunter, these facts will change how you see the biggest sale day of the year.

25 Black Friday Fun Facts That Will Surprise You

1. The Term “Black Friday” Was Originally Negative

The term “Black Friday” didn’t always mean deals and discounts. It was first used by police officers in Philadelphia during the 1960s. They weren’t talking about shopping—they were describing the chaos caused by crowds and traffic after Thanksgiving. Locals flooded the city for early holiday shopping and the annual Army-Navy football game. Officers dreaded the day because of accidents, shoplifting, and overtime work.

Retailers didn’t like the negative vibe of the name, so in the 1980s, they gave it a positive spin. They claimed “Black” referred to profits, as stores moved from “in the red” (loss) to “in the black” (profit). The new story caught on, and today, most people think of Black Friday as a celebration of sales, not stress.

2. Black Friday Isn’t the Biggest Shopping Day Everywhere

In the U.S., Black Friday is a major event. But in some countries, it’s not even the top shopping day. In China, Singles’ Day on November 11 brings in far more sales. It started as a fun day for single people and turned into a shopping holiday, thanks to Alibaba.

In Japan, December 29 is a busy day. People shop before New Year to prepare for celebrations. In Mexico, “El Buen Fin” is similar to Black Friday but lasts several days. So while Black Friday is huge in the U.S., it doesn’t hold the same title everywhere in the world.

3. Some People Camp Outside Stores for Days

It may sound extreme, but some shoppers pitch tents days before Black Friday. They wait in line to be first through the doors. Some do it for fun, others to score big-ticket items like TVs or gaming consoles.

There are even groups that treat this like a yearly tradition. Friends bring food, games, and chairs to make the wait easier. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about the thrill. Still, it raises eyebrows, especially when cold weather or rain is involved.

4. Online Sales Now Beat In-Store in Many Places

Years ago, Black Friday meant crowds, carts, and chaos. But that’s changing fast. Now, more people shop online than in stores. In 2022, U.S. online Black Friday sales hit over $9 billion, setting a record.

Convenience, free shipping, and mobile apps have made online deals more popular. Some shoppers say it’s less stressful. Plus, many stores offer the same discounts online, so there’s little reason to leave home. For retailers, it means handling more orders—but fewer in-store rushes.

5. Walmart Once Had 22 Million Website Visitors in One Day

Big retailers see massive traffic on Black Friday. Walmart, for example, reported over 22 million visitors to its website in just one day. That’s like the entire population of Florida shopping at once.

This rush puts a heavy load on websites. Some have even crashed under the pressure. To prepare, companies upgrade servers and create backup systems. Online traffic keeps growing, and each year, new records are set.

6. Some Stores Open as Early as 5 PM on Thanksgiving

It used to be that stores opened at midnight. Now, many open earlier—some as early as 5 PM on Thanksgiving Day. This shift is called “Gray Thursday.”

The idea is to get a jump on the competition. But not everyone agrees with the trend. Critics say it cuts into family time and puts pressure on retail workers. Some companies have pushed back, choosing to stay closed and letting employees enjoy the holiday.

7. It’s Not Just an American Tradition Anymore

Black Friday has gone global. It’s now popular in Canada, the UK, Germany, Brazil, and even South Africa. Retailers in these countries saw how well it worked in the U.S. and jumped on board.

Some countries didn’t have a tradition like Thanksgiving, but that didn’t stop them. Now, stores around the world offer Black Friday deals, both in-store and online. The exact timing may vary, but the idea is the same—big discounts before the holidays.

8. Shoppers Have Spent Over $9 Billion in a Single Day

The spending numbers on Black Friday are huge. In the U.S. alone, shoppers spent $9.12 billion online in 2022. That doesn’t even count in-store purchases.

And each year, the number seems to rise. Despite inflation or tough economies, people still spend big during the holiday season. Retailers offer deep discounts, limited-time offers, and price drops that are hard to ignore.

9. TVs and Laptops Are the Most Popular Deals

Every year, certain items lead the pack in Black Friday sales. Top among them? TVs, laptops, and tablets. These big-ticket electronics get huge discounts and draw the biggest crowds.

Retailers often advertise “doorbusters”—limited quantities at low prices. Shoppers know they must act fast or miss out. That urgency fuels the chaos in both physical and digital stores.

10. People Have Gotten Injured Over Doorbuster Deals

It’s hard to believe, but some Black Friday shoppers have gotten hurt—or worse. News stories tell of stampedes, fights, and even arrests as crowds rush for limited items.

There are websites like BlackFridayDeathCount.com that track these incidents. While most shopping trips are safe, it’s a reminder that safety should come before sales. Some stores now use wristbands or limit entry to prevent such chaos.

11. Black Friday Has Its Own Death Count Website

Yes, really. BlackFridayDeathCount.com tracks injuries and deaths linked to Black Friday shopping. It’s not a joke—it’s a record of unfortunate events tied to shopping frenzy.

The website started to raise awareness about the dangers of over-the-top consumerism. Though rare, these incidents highlight the darker side of extreme deal hunting.

12. Some Retailers Use Fake Discounts

Not all Black Friday deals are honest. Some stores raise prices in October, then drop them for Black Friday to make the sale look bigger. That way, a 20% discount might actually be the real price all along.

Smart shoppers use price tracking tools to spot these tricks. Websites like CamelCamelCamel and Honey can show historical price trends. It pays to do some research before clicking “Buy.”

13. The Term Was Once Used for a Financial Crisis

Before the shopping craze, “Black Friday” referred to a financial crash in 1869. Two investors tried to corner the gold market, causing panic and a market collapse.

This version of Black Friday had nothing to do with shopping. It’s just another strange twist in the story of a term that’s changed meaning over time.

14. Not All Deals Are Real Deals

Some discounts look great but aren’t worth it. Older models, off-brand items, or refurbished products are often marked down to clear stock—not to offer real savings.

Just because it’s Black Friday doesn’t mean every price is a bargain. Reviews, specs, and price history matter. A little research can stop you from wasting money.

15. Retailers Prepare Months in Advance

Planning for Black Friday doesn’t start in November. Retail teams work for months to stock shelves, plan ads, and prepare websites.

Everything from banners to shipping labels is ready far in advance. Black Friday might seem like a one-day event, but it’s a long project behind the scenes.

16. Cyber Monday Was Created in 2005

Cyber Monday came as a digital companion to Black Friday. It started in 2005 when marketers noticed online sales spiked the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Now, some of the best deals are saved for Cyber Monday. It focuses on tech, digital items, and internet-only discounts. For many shoppers, Cyber Monday is just as exciting as Black Friday.

17. It Has Created Its Own Subculture

Black Friday isn’t just a shopping day—it’s a tradition for some. People join forums, swap stories, and even post YouTube videos of their hauls. Memes about crazy shoppers go viral each year.

Some even treat it as a sport. They plan routes, time their arrivals, and compete to grab the best deals first. It’s become part of holiday culture.

18. Black Friday Shopping Can Be Dangerous

Besides crowds and chaos, there are other risks. Parking lot accidents, lost children, or pushing and shoving are not uncommon.

To stay safe, many people now prefer to shop online. But for those going in-store, patience and planning go a long way.

19. Some Stores Choose to Stay Closed

While some open earlier each year, others go the opposite way. Stores like REI have chosen to stay closed on Black Friday to promote outdoor activity and family time.

They call their movement “#OptOutside.” It’s a growing trend that reminds people to focus on more than just spending.

20. Employees Often Miss Thanksgiving with Family

Behind every doorbuster are employees working long hours. Some retail workers miss Thanksgiving dinner to prep for the rush.

Critics argue that the holiday should be respected. A few brands now give employees the day off to enjoy time with family, while others still require overnight shifts.

21. People Spend Hundreds Without a Plan

Impulse buying is a big part of Black Friday. Some shoppers go in without a list and end up spending way more than expected.

That’s exactly what retailers want. Signs, music, and limited-time offers are designed to push people to buy on emotion, not logic.

22. Black Friday Has an Environmental Impact

More shopping means more shipping, packaging, and waste. Millions of boxes, plastic wrappers, and returned items add up.

Some groups urge people to buy less or shop secondhand. Being aware of the impact helps people make smarter choices during the holiday season.

23. Some Countries Ban or Restrict It

Not everyone loves Black Friday. In France, for example, lawmakers have tried to ban it, saying it promotes overconsumption.

Other countries regulate advertising or limit the hours stores can stay open. These rules aim to keep things balanced and reduce pressure on workers and shoppers.

24. Amazon Dominates Online Sales

When it comes to online Black Friday shopping, Amazon leads the pack. Their lightning deals, one-click checkout, and fast delivery attract millions.

Competitors like Walmart and Target are trying to catch up. But for now, Amazon still rules the digital space.

25. Some of the Best Deals Aren’t Even on Friday

Here’s a surprise—many deals start days or even weeks before Black Friday. Retailers launch “early access” sales to beat the rush.

Some of the lowest prices happen on Thanksgiving night or the Monday after. That means shoppers have more time—but also more confusion—about when to buy.

Black Friday Around the World

In Canada, Black Friday replaced the old “Boxing Day” tradition. In the UK, it caused chaos in the early years. In Germany and India, it’s growing, thanks to global brands.

Each country adds its own twist. Some offer week-long deals. Others focus only online. No matter where you are, Black Friday is becoming part of the global shopping calendar.

Is Black Friday Dying or Evolving?

Some say Black Friday is fading. Others say it’s just changing shape. Online shopping, longer sales, and digital ads have replaced crowds and chaos for many.

Instead of one day, Black Friday now stretches across weeks. And while the in-store madness may shrink, the spending shows no signs of slowing.

Also Read: 7 Loudest Things in the Universe That Will Blow Your Mind

Final Thoughts on Black Friday Fun Facts

Black Friday isn’t just about sales. It’s packed with strange history, shocking events, and global shifts. From stampedes to record-breaking sales, the Black Friday fun facts in this post show how complex the holiday really is.

As shopping habits change, one thing stays the same—people love a good deal. Just make sure to shop smart, stay safe, and maybe skip the tent this year.

FAQs About Black Friday

Why is it called Black Friday?
It started as a police nickname for chaos in the 1960s, later rebranded by retailers to mean profits.

Are deals really better on Black Friday?
Some are. But many sales repeat year-round. Always compare prices.

What items sell the most?
Electronics like TVs, laptops, and headphones lead the list.

Is Black Friday celebrated worldwide?
Yes, it has spread globally, though each country treats it differently.

Can you shop Black Friday without leaving home?
Absolutely. Many deals are online now, often with free shipping.