Black Friday traditionally marks the start of the holiday shopping season in America. While not an official holiday, many people have the day off from work.

Black Friday occurs on the day after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving falls on the 4th Thursday of November.

Retail stores take advantage of the annual event by promoting sales, discounts, coupons and one time specials. While there are often hoards of people at stores, many consider it to be the the best day to shop for Christmas and holiday presents.

The term, Black Friday has existed since the 1970's.http://www.blackfridayandcybermonday.com/ Only since 2002 however has the name Black Friday become synonymous with the deeply discounted shopping day.http://www.blackfridayandcybermonday.com/ The name Black Friday is derived from the accounting term "in the black" that relates to being profitable.http://www.investorwords.com/2579/in_the_black.html.