Black Friday – A2 English Reading Test — Explanation

Black Friday

Black Friday is a major shopping day in the United States. It comes on the Friday after Thanksgiving and is often seen as the start of the Christmas shopping season. The name is now used in many other countries too, even where Thanksgiving is not celebrated.

Years ago, customers often waited outside shops before sunrise. Stores opened early and offered a small number of televisions, toys or computers at very low prices. Today, many sales begin online several days earlier. This means shoppers can compare prices at home instead of standing in a long queue.

A big discount does not always mean a good deal. Consumer groups advise people to write a list, decide on a budget and check the normal price before buying. Some stores show a large percentage discount on a product that was cheaper the previous month.

The shopping event also creates environmental problems. Fast deliveries use more packaging and transport, and people sometimes buy things they do not need. Because of this, some businesses close on Black Friday or give part of their sales money to environmental charities.

Black Friday can help shoppers save money, but careful planning is important. A useful product at a fair price is better than an unnecessary product with a bright sale sign.