Date and Origin of Black Friday

Friday, November 28, 2026

A brief history of Black Friday

Black Friday originated in the United States in the 1960s. It refers to the Friday following Thanksgiving, marking the start of the year-end shopping season. The term "Black" refers to merchants seeing their accounts move "into the black," meaning into profit, thanks to heavy foot traffic and massive sales on that day.

Is Black Friday a scam?

Black Friday can be seen as a scam, particularly because of the questionable practices of some retailers. A common strategy is to artificially raise product prices a few weeks before the event. This makes it possible to display dramatic discounts on the day itself, even though the final price is sometimes similar to, or even higher than, the usual one. For example, a product sold for 100 euros in October might see its price climb to 130 euros in early November, before supposedly being marked down to 90 euros for Black Friday. The 30% discount is therefore misleading, since it is based on an artificially inflated starting price.

Marketing also plays a key role in this illusion. Advertising campaigns create a sense of urgency and scarcity, prompting consumers to buy quickly for fear of missing out on a good deal. This pressure can lead to impulse purchases, without taking the time to check whether the promotions are genuinely worthwhile.

In addition, some retailers lack transparency by not clearly stating the original price, making it difficult to compare with prices charged before the event. Another criticism concerns products specifically designed for Black Friday. These items, while visually similar to standard models, are often made with lower-quality materials so they can be sold at a low price. This can mislead consumers who think they are buying a high-end product at a reduced price.

Black Friday Regulation in France

In France, Black Friday is subject to general regulations on promotions and commercial practices. Retailers are required to base their discounts on an actual reference price, corresponding to the lowest price charged in the 30 days preceding the promotion, in order to prevent misleading manipulation.

Any advertising that misleads consumers is prohibited under the Consumer Code. In addition, sellers must provide clear information about products, prices, delivery costs, and return conditions. The French Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) monitors these practices and can apply penalties, such as fines, in the event of a violation.

A few surreal scenes during Black Friday

See also