Black Friday Shopping Tradition Continues in 2025
The annual Black Friday shopping event kicked off the US holiday season on November 28, 2025, drawing millions of American consumers to both physical stores and online platforms. This time-tested tradition continues to shape retail patterns despite evolving consumer behaviors and increased digital competition.
Shoppers across major cities including New York, Boston, and Houston participated in the post-Thanksgiving retail ritual, searching for discounts and special offers. While the day has transformed from its earlier years, it remains a significant marker for the beginning of the holiday shopping period.
New York Shopping Scene: Mixed Response
Consumers visiting New York City for Black Friday encountered cool temperatures but sunny conditions as retailers of all sizes and price points deployed extensive marketing strategies. The shopping experience varied significantly across different locations and store types throughout the city.
At the Target superstore near Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, early morning activity remained limited. Shoppers appeared outnumbered by staff members who busily rearranged merchandise and displayed signs promoting 40 percent discounts on various products.
Meanwhile, foot traffic proved much heavier outside Macy's flagship Manhattan store, where elaborate window displays featured interactive scenes from Barbie and Lego. One particularly popular display projected visitors' faces into giant stars on Broadway, creating an engaging experience for passersby.
Changing Consumer Attitudes
Michelle Stotts-Gillespie, a Florida resident visiting New York for the Thanksgiving Day parade, expressed mixed feelings about Black Friday shopping. "We were here because we were in the city already," she explained after interacting with a game-like display at Macy's.
However, Stotts-Gillespie noted the changing nature of Black Friday deals: "In the past, Black Friday used to be a big deal but now it's kind of not because they have all the sales beforehand." This sentiment reflects the broader trend of retailers extending discount periods beyond the single day.
Despite these shifts, some shoppers remain dedicated to the tradition. Tranay Robinson, speaking after shopping in Harlem, described Black Friday as "a humongous day for me." The experienced coupon-clipper believes the discounts available on this specific day surpass those offered throughout the year.
Strategic Shopping Approaches
Modern Black Friday shopping involves sophisticated strategies that blend physical and digital approaches. Robinson explained her method: "My strategy is to check store prices against online offers before pulling the trigger." This price-comparison approach has become increasingly common among savvy consumers.
For the 2025 holiday season, Robinson revealed her family's approach focuses on "fewer gifts but more expensive" items. Working two jobs, she expressed confidence in their financial situation: "We're doing alright."
Other shoppers reported successful bargain hunting. Jordan Williams and his family expressed satisfaction with their morning purchases, which included Air Jordan sneakers, perfume, and items for their two young children. Having recently relocated from Texas to New York for better professional opportunities, Williams anticipates spending more this holiday season compared to last year.
"In Texas, it was just so slow," Williams commented about his previous location. "Here it's work after work after work." His improved employment situation reflects the economic factors influencing holiday spending patterns.
National Shopping Patterns
Across the United States, images from various cities confirmed that Black Friday continues to attract significant crowds of bargain hunters, even if the event has lost some of its earlier intensity. Early morning scenes in Boston showed determined shoppers beginning their day in pursuit of deals.
The retail industry awaits comprehensive assessments of Black Friday performance, with preliminary evaluations expected the following week. These analyses will provide clearer insights into consumer spending patterns and the overall health of the holiday shopping season.
As shopping traditions evolve, Black Friday maintains its position as a key retail event, though its form continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences, extended sale periods, and the growing influence of e-commerce platforms.
