Black Friday People Holiday Shopping Day Stores Season

In the U.S., Americans celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday on the fourth Thursday of November. We refer to the Friday after Thanksgiving as "Black Friday." Black Friday is not an official holiday, but many people look forward to it as though it is. Black Friday is the unofficial first shopping day of the Christmas and holiday season, and it's the busiest shopping day of the entire year. "To draw" (attract; bring) people into the stores, "retailers" (sellers; stores) have very big "bargains" (discounts; good deals) that are often available one day only. Do you want a new TV for half price? Do you want a new sofa at a 30% discount? Do you want to buy the most popular toys of the season on sale? If so, you may want to get ready for Black Friday. On Black Friday, many stores open very early in the morning, some as early as 5:00 a.m. Many people stand in line and some people even "camp out" (sleep outdoors) overnight waiting for stores to open. Some larger stores have started opening their doors at 12:00 midnight on Black Friday and staying open for 24 hours. Because Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, many people look to Black Friday as an "indicator" (something that shows what will come in the future) of how much shoppers will spend this holiday season. If sales are good on Black Friday, then business owners can be "optimistic" (feel hopeful and confident) that shoppers will spend a lot over the holiday season. If sales are not good, business owners know that they may not turn a "profit" (earn money) that important sales season.