Black Friday didn’t begin as the shopping holiday we know today. In fact, its roots are surprisingly messy and a little chaotic. But over time, it transformed into the biggest retail event of the year, powered by massive promotions, doorbusters, and one crucial visual tool: signage.
Below is a breakdown of where Black Friday came from, how it became a cultural phenomenon, and why signs remain essential for retailers of every size.
The Origins of Black Friday
Many people think Black Friday got its name because it’s the day stores “go into the black,” turning profit for the year. While that later became part of the meaning, the real origin started earlier and in a very different setting.
The Philadelphia Connection
In the 1950s and 60s, Philadelphia police officers used the term “Black Friday” to describe the Friday after Thanksgiving, when enormous crowds flooded the city for the annual Army-Navy football game held that weekend.
The streets were jammed. Traffic was a nightmare. Shops were packed. For law enforcement and retail workers, it was essentially a black cloud of stress.
Although the nickname wasn’t flattering, it stuck, and soon retailers began using it too.
From Chaos to Commerce
By the late 1970s and early 80s, retailers across the country realized that the day after Thanksgiving consistently brought huge crowds. They leaned into the opportunity, offered bigger promotions, and eventually redefined the day as the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season.
This is when the “back in the black” interpretation became popular, partly as a way for retailers to put a positive spin on the term.
How Black Friday Became a National Shopping Event
Once major brands and malls started pushing doorbuster sales, Black Friday exploded. Then came the overnight campouts, long lines, limited quantities, and middle-of-the-night openings. Entire marketing campaigns are built around urgency and excitement.
By the 2000s, Black Friday became a cultural moment, part sports event, part shopping tradition, and part survival challenge.
Online retail added even more fuel. While Cyber Monday emerged separately, the entire Thanksgiving weekend soon became a four-day buying spree, and competition among retailers skyrocketed.
Why Signage Plays a Huge Role in Black Friday Success
Even in a digital age, physical signage is one of the most powerful tools for Black Friday sales, especially for local businesses. Here’s why:
- High Traffic Requires High Visibility
The Friday after Thanksgiving brings more foot and vehicle traffic than almost any other day. Bright, bold signage helps businesses stand out from the chaos, whether it’s:
- Sidewalk signs
- Window banners
- Yard signs
- Parking lot directional signage
If shoppers can’t see you, they can’t stop.
- Customers Respond to Clear, Prominent Deals
Black Friday is all about speed. People want to know where the best deal is right now. Signs help guide customers instantly with:
- “50% OFF”
- “Door Buster Deal”
- “Open Early”
- “While Supplies Last”
- “Holiday Specials Inside”
Clear messaging equals faster decisions and more sales.
- Signs Build Anticipation Before the Event
Many businesses put up signage weeks before Black Friday to generate hype. Window decals, banners, and curbside signs remind customers the big sale is coming.
This repetition boosts memory and increases the likelihood of return visits.
- Signage Reinforces Your Brand
Black Friday can feel like a race to the bottom, but good signage lets you stand out without undercutting your identity.
High-quality prints, bold colors, and sharp graphics help customers associate your sale with professionalism and trust.
- Black Friday Often Extends Beyond One Day
Most retailers now run “Black Friday Week” or “Black Friday Weekend.”
Signage helps communicate changing promotions, hours, and specials in a way digital posts alone can’t
Final Thoughts
Black Friday has gone from a chaotic Philly nickname to a nationwide retail tradition. And through every era, from crowded downtown streets to online mega-sales, signage has remained one of the most effective tools for capturing attention, driving traffic, and boosting sales. At Good Guys Signs, we help businesses prepare for the biggest shopping weekend of the year with eye-catching yard signs, banners, window decals, and more, custom-printed and ready to make your Black Friday impossible to miss.