3. Discounts, sales and bargains

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is a day when shops reduce their prices and offer big discounts. It takes place on the fourth Friday in November, the day after Thanksgiving in the USA.

How did it start?

The term 'Black Friday' was first used in the 1960s by police in Philadelphia to describe the heavy traffic and crowded shops. Later, retailers gave it a more positive meaning, when businesses moved from being 'in the red' (losing money) to being 'in the black' (making a profit). The name 'Cyber Monday' started in 2005. It's the Monday after Black Friday and it's a day for online sales.

What about sales in other countries?

Many countries, including the UK and Canada, also hold Black Friday sales. In parts of the Middle East, the same idea is called 'White Friday', as white has more positive cultural associations. In Turkey, shoppers look for bargains on Efsane Cuma or 'Legendary Friday'.

Do we buy more than we need?

Everyone loves a bargain, but some people worry about the effects of consumerism on the planet. Movements like 'Green Friday' and 'Buy Nothing Day' encourage people to support charities or local communities instead of shopping.

What do you think? Are these big sales really a chance to save money or just another way to make us spend more?

Read this article to find out more about the Buy Nothing Movement.

What do you think?

• Are big sales like Black Friday popular in your country? What are they called, and when do they happen?
• What's the best bargain you've ever bought?
• Do you think sales give real bargains or just make us buy more than we need?

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