Starting your holiday shopping? What to know about Black Friday, Cyber Monday in 2025

• Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving, which is November 28 this year.
• The term "Black Friday" originated in the 1950s to describe the post-Thanksgiving chaos in Philadelphia.

As Fort Myers families prepare for Thanksgiving—planning menus, decorating homes, and organizing gatherings—another November tradition is already on the horizon.

Black Friday is almost here, promising incredible deals and deep discounts for shoppers eager to get a jump on holiday gifting. Across Southwest Florida, retailers are ready to roll out discounts that locals won’t want to miss.

But where did this retail phenomenon get its name? Here’s the story behind Black Friday, plus key dates for other shopping “holidays” and tips on where to find early deals before the big day.

When is Black Friday 2025?

This year, Black Friday falls on Friday, Nov. 28.

Why is it called Black Friday?

The name "Black Friday" dates back to the 1950s, according to the History Channel. Philadelphia police used it to describe the chaos that often took place in the city the day after Thanksgiving.

Many suburbanites would come to Philadelphia to do their holiday shopping, while others traveled to the city for the annual Army-Navy football game, according to Britannica. This would result in large crowds, increased traffic, accidents, shoplifting, and other issues, leading officers to work extra hours.

By 1961, the name "Black Friday" had stuck in Philadelphia, according to The History Channel. Some city merchants and boosters attempted to rename it "Big Friday," hoping to dispel any negative connotations associated with the day. But these efforts were unsuccessful.

It was not until the late 1980s that Black Friday gained national popularity. At that point, retailers wanted to shift the narrative past the day's chaotic origins.

This is how the alleged "red to black" shopping analogy originated, according to The History Channel, which stated that retailers noticed after operating at a loss (“in the red”) that stores would supposedly earn a profit (“went into the black”) on the day after Thanksgiving. Many still believe this to be the real origin of Black Friday's name.

Is Black Friday the same date every year?

No.

Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving each year, and since the date of Thanksgiving varies, so does Black Friday.

Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday of November in the United States, this year on Nov. 27.

When is Small Business Saturday?

Small Business Saturday, which promotes shopping locally on the Saturday following the November holiday, falls on Saturday, Nov. 29.

When is Cyber Monday 2024?

Cyber Monday, the online counterpart of Black Friday, falls on Monday, Dec. 1, this year.

What companies are doing pre-Black Friday deals?

According to USA TODAY, you can skip the stress and the crowds this year! There are pre-Black Friday deals from Samsung, Amazon, Dooney & Bourke, Bose, and many more.

 Be sure to follow the team at USA TODAY Shopping as they continue to bring you all of the major deals as they happen.

Contributing: Anna Kaufman and Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press