You might be a seasoned Black Friday shopper who knows all the top hacks and deals — but how well do you truly understand the day itself?
For instance, can you identify which generation goes wild for Black Friday? Or do you know how Black Friday actually earned its name?
Information is empowering, so we’ve collected eight intriguing Black Friday facts and laid them out below.
1. Over Half of Americans Shop During Black Friday Weekend
You likely realized Black Friday draws crowds, but did you realize it’s this widespread? Last year, 165 million people shopped over Black Friday weekend (which runs from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday). That’s roughly half of the U.S. population.
Wondering how to stay sane amid the chaos? Plan in advance and map out a shopping strategy — plus, having a plan helps prevent holiday overspending.
2. Black Friday Has Led to Fatalities
You may have teased about “toy rage” and stampedes, but the grim truth is people have actually died while shopping on Black Friday.
Over the last 12 years, 12 deaths and 117 injuries have been linked to Black Friday, according to the Black Friday Death Count.
If the thought of fighting crowds unnerves you, Cyber Monday might be a calmer alternative.
3. The Name Came From Philadelphia Police
You’ve probably heard the explanation that “Black Friday” comes from accounting — the day stores finally move into the black.
But the term originally came from Philadelphia police who were exasperated by the traffic and congestion caused by huge shopping crowds. Retailers didn’t like the unpleasant association, so they pushed the accounting-origin story.
4. Average Spending Tops $300
Can you believe it? Shoppers spent an average of $313.29 on Black Friday purchases last year, per a survey from the National Retail Federation.
To keep your holiday spending under control: set a holiday budget before you begin shopping.
5. Black Friday Isn’t Always the Lowest-Priced Day
Heads up: you’ll encounter many deals on Black Friday, but don’t assume everything is at its rock-bottom price.
The absolute lowest price of the season may occur later in the holiday shopping period. Before pulling the trigger, consult a guide on the best times to buy nearly anything.
6. Millennials Lead Black Friday Shopping
Would you guess millennials are the generation most committed to Black Friday? That might surprise you.
Strictly speaking, the heaviest spenders were older millennials and younger Gen Xers (ages 35–44), who averaged $413.05 in spending last year.
That likely isn’t shocking, since that age range often corresponds with having young children.
Try a cost-conscious holiday habit this year: the four-gift rule.
7. It’s the Busiest Day of the Year for Plumbers
While it may no longer be the single busiest day for retail staff, Black Friday still tops the charts for another trade: plumbing.
“Frequently, the situation is that a home already has partially blocked drains that go unnoticed until holiday guests arrive and overwhelm the system,” explains Roto-Rooter.
Want to make money instead of spending it on Black Friday? Promote your handyman or plumbing services in the weeks before the holiday.
8. Most Shoppers Choose to Buy Online
If you’re shopping solely for discounts — not the in-person spectacle — you might as well shop from home.
Last year, 41.4 million people said they shopped exclusively online, versus 34.7 million who shopped only in physical stores.
Alex Mercer is a contributor to Savinly.
