Every year, millions of shoppers flock to stores and websites on the day after Thanksgiving in search of the season’s best deals. But how did this retail tradition become known as “Black Friday”?

The term originated in Philadelphia during the 1950s, where local police officers used it to describe the chaos that ensued on this busy shopping day. Over time, the name evolved, taking on a more positive association linked to the financial success of retailers.

Initially, “Black Friday” referred to the heavy traffic, overcrowding, and increased shoplifting incidents that overwhelmed law enforcement. The day was made even more hectic by the Army-Navy football game, leading officers—who were unable to take the day off—to view it as a burden. This negative connotation persisted until Philadelphia retailers attempted to rebrand the day as “Big Friday.” However, this effort did not gain traction.

By the 1980s, the term transformed into the shopping holiday we recognize today. Retailers embraced “Black Friday” to signify a day when their finances shifted “into the black,” meaning they moved from losses to profits due to a surge in sales. Thus, what began as a term of frustration for police evolved into a major shopping event celebrated across the country.