Black Friday didn’t start as a shopping holiday. It began with crowds, traffic, and chaos. Today, it’s one of the most famous sales days on the planet. Let’s look at the Black Friday origin – where it came from, why it’s called that, and how you can make the most of it with ready-to-use sale templates.

Why is Black Friday called Black Friday?

The story starts in Philadelphia in the 1950s. Police officers there used the term “Black Friday” to describe the mess that came after Thanksgiving. The city was filled with people visiting for a big football game. Streets were jammed, stores were packed, and shoplifting increased. For the police, it was a tough day – long hours, bad traffic, and no breaks.

Later, retailers decided to change the meaning. They wanted something more positive. In accounting, red ink means a loss, while black ink means profit. So stores began saying Black Friday was the day their books finally turned from red to black. That’s how the origin of Black Friday shopping changed from chaos to celebration.

When is Black Friday?

Black Friday always happens on the Friday after Thanksgiving. In 2025, that’s November 28. It marks the start of the holiday shopping season in many countries.

But things have changed. Sales now start earlier and last longer. Some brands launch deals a week before, while others keep them running through Cyber Monday. So, when is Black Friday really? It’s more like a season now, and shoppers love it.

The history behind Black Friday

The history behind Black Friday shows how culture and business can shape each other. What began as a local event in one U.S. city has turned into a global tradition.

In the 1980s, major brands embraced the idea. They used it to kick off the holidays with massive discounts. People lined up outside stores before sunrise. News cameras caught the rush of shoppers sprinting inside when the doors opened.

Then came the internet. Online stores joined the fun, turning Black Friday into a digital event too. Now, millions of people shop from their phones, skipping lines and crowds completely.

The modern meaning of Black Friday

Today, Black Friday isn’t just about shopping. It’s about excitement, planning, and connection. For shoppers, it’s a chance to grab deals. For businesses, it’s a moment to shine.

Good marketing makes a big difference. A bold poster or flyer can pull people in faster than any price tag. That’s why businesses prepare visual campaigns weeks ahead of time to build buzz and keep their brand in sight.

If you want an easy way to design your own sale materials, you can start with Picsart’s Sale Poster templates. They’re fast to edit and look great online or in print.

Why posters and flyers matter before Black Friday

Before the discounts drop, you need attention. Posters and flyers do that.

  • Posters work well for storefronts, websites, and social media. 
  • Flyers are great for sharing deals through email, DMs, or even in person. 

With Picsart’s Sale Flyer templates, you can design professional graphics in minutes. Each one is easy to adjust – change colors, text, or images to match your brand.

How to use Picsart’s templates for your sale

Creating your Black Friday designs with Picsart is simple:

  1. Go to the Picsart Black Friday templates page. Browse the full collection of sale templates. 
  2. Pick your favorite. Choose something that fits your vibe – bold, fun, or classy. 
  3. Edit it. Add your text, logo, or colors. You can also upload product photos. 
  4. Save and share. Export your poster for printing or download a digital version for use on Instagram, TikTok, or email. 

That’s it. No design degree needed.

5 Black Friday template ideas you can try

  1. Minimalist Black Sale Poster – Clean design for brands that love a modern look. 
  2. Flash Deal Flyer – Perfect for promoting time-limited offers. 
  3. Color Pop Social Poster – Eye-catching and ideal for social feeds. 
  4. Retro Style Sale Poster – Brings a nostalgic, vintage vibe. 
  5. Dynamic Product Flyer – Show off multiple discounts in one layout. 

You can find all of these in the poster template library and the flyer sale collection.

Why people love using Picsart templates

  • Simple to use. The tools are intuitive, even for beginners. 
  • Fast. Create your designs in minutes. 
  • High-quality exports. Perfect for both print and digital use. 
  • Customizable. Change fonts, images, and colors to fit your brand. 

Using Picsart gives your marketing a clean, professional look – without needing a designer.

FAQs

What is the true story behind the origin of Black Friday?
It started in Philadelphia, where police used “Black Friday” to describe post-Thanksgiving chaos. Retailers later gave it a new meaning linked to profits.

Where did Black Friday originate?
In the United States, before spread worldwide through major retailers.

Where did the expression “Black Friday” come from?
From accounting: when stores moved from being “in the red” (losing money) to “in the black” (making a profit).

Why do they call it Black Friday?
Because it marks the moment stores become profitable – and shoppers start the holiday rush.

Final thoughts

The Black Friday origin might have begun with crowds and confusion, but now it’s a symbol of excitement and opportunity. Every November, brands and shoppers come together for one of the biggest retail moments of the year.

If you want to make your business stand out this season, design your own Black Friday poster or flyer with Picsart. It’s quick, easy, and ready to help your sale go viral.