What is Black Friday?
Black Friday is a popular shopping holiday that typically falls on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, which is the fourth Thursday in November. It marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and is known for its deep discounts and special deals offered by retailers both in-store and online. Shoppers often flock to stores in the early hours of the morning to take advantage of these discounts, and it has become a significant shopping event in many countries around the world. Black Friday is followed by Cyber Monday, which focuses on online shopping deals. These days provide an opportunity for consumers to score significant savings on a wide range of products, making them highly anticipated shopping events each year.
Why it is Called Black Friday?
The term “Black Friday” has a few different historical explanations for its origin, but one of the most commonly accepted theories is related to the idea of retailers’ finances moving from “in the red” to “in the black.”
- Accounting Origin: In the context of accounting, being “in the red” means operating at a financial loss, while “in the black” signifies turning a profit. It is believed that Black Friday got its name because it traditionally marked the point in the year when many retailers would start making a profit, moving their financial records from red ink (loss) to black ink (profit) due to the surge in sales on that day.
- Philadelphia Police: Another theory is tied to Philadelphia in the 1960s, where the term “Black Friday” was initially used by police officers to describe the heavy and chaotic traffic, congestion, and disruptive behavior that occurred the day after Thanksgiving. It was seen as a negative term reflecting the challenges faced by law enforcement during the shopping rush.
Over time, the positive association with increased sales and profits became the dominant meaning, and “Black Friday” became widely recognized as the day for major shopping deals and discounts. Regardless of its origins, Black Friday has become a significant shopping event in the United States and around the world, drawing millions of shoppers seeking bargains each year.
Best Black Friday Deals for Home
As you prepare for the upcoming holiday season, it’s a perfect time to consider upgrading your kitchen with essential appliances and tools. Black Friday sales, such as those at Macy’s, offer excellent opportunities to save on everything from refrigerators to cookware. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Refrigerators: Black Friday is known for substantial discounts on large appliances like refrigerators and washing machines. Hardware stores and big retailers often have great deals, and you can also find attractive online discounts.
Small Appliances: Don’t overlook small kitchen helpers. Black Friday sales, like those at Kohl’s or Wayfair, can yield significant savings on items like blenders, food processors, and smart ovens.
Cookers and Gadgets: If holiday cooking is on your mind, Black Friday is an ideal time to upgrade your kitchen gadgets. Consumer Reports provides valuable guidance on blenders, air fryers, coffee makers, and more.
Kitchen Storage: Look for deals on storage solutions that enhance your kitchen’s functionality. For example, utensil racks that save cabinet space or vacuum sealers that help preserve food longer.
Dishwashers: Newer dishwashers often come with WiFi connectivity for remote control and innovative features like adjustable third racks and specialized jets for better cleaning.
Microwaves: Microwaves offer versatility in the kitchen, and you can find substantial discounts during Black Friday sales. Look for features like sensor cooking and stylish designs.
Stovetops: Consider a new cooktop for efficient meal prep. Stand-alone cooktops provide flexibility and the option to mount an oven at a more accessible height.
Ranges: Black Friday is an excellent time to save on high-end range models, combining cooktops and ovens. Evaluate your cooking needs to decide if a range or a separate cooktop and wall oven is the right choice.
Cookware: Upgrade your kitchen tools with Black Friday deals on cookware and utensil sets. You can find discounts on items like Goldilocks’ utensil sets and Le Creuset’s baking dishes.
Black Friday offers an array of opportunities to enhance your kitchen’s efficiency and style, from major appliances to small cooking gadgets and storage solutions. Keep an eye out for deals from various retailers to make the most of your holiday shopping.
During the holiday season, upgrading your kitchen with quality appliances is a smart move, and Black Friday is the perfect time to do it. You’ll find discounts on a wide range of kitchen appliances, including those tested and recommended by Consumer Reports (CR). Here’s what you can look forward to:
Compact Appliances: Keep an eye out for deals on compact appliances, like the Frigidaire bar fridge, which is ideal for spaces with limited room, such as basements or garages. Many of these discounts extend through Cyber Monday, providing ample time to snag a great deal.
Food Processors: Food processors are invaluable in the kitchen, but they can be costly. Black Friday sales present an opportunity to save on highly recommended models. For instance, Cuisinart’s 14-cup food processor, equipped with chopping, shredding, and slicing options, is an excellent addition to your culinary toolkit, especially for family cooking.
Specialty Appliances: Various retailers offer Black Friday deals on specialty appliances, such as KitchenAid, Keurig, and Ninja Food products. These appliances include a wide range, from refrigerators to dishwashers, so you can find what suits your kitchen needs. Home improvement stores may also have catalogs with great gift ideas, including tools and smart home tech.
AJ Madison Deals: AJ Madison is known for its extensive selection of kitchen appliances, and during their Black Friday sale, you can save up to 50%. Look for discounts on items like Le Creuset cast iron sets, which are rarely on sale and highly coveted by home cooks.
Black Friday is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your kitchen with quality appliances, from compact fridges to food processors and specialty kitchen gadgets. Keep an eye on deals from various retailers, and make the most of these savings to enhance your culinary experience during the holidays and beyond.