4:00 AM. That’s when you’d see people already lined up outside of Kohls, Best Buy, or Walmart on Thanksgiving night… waiting to elbow their way through the sliding doors and get that year’s “doorbuster.”
But that was years ago.
Now?
Black Friday has gone digital.
Instead of battling crowds, most shoppers score deals from the comfort of their couch. Retailers have moved online, offering massive discounts without the physical frenzy. Big names like Amazon, Target, and Walmart now launch sales weeks before Thanksgiving, stretching the “Black Friday” season through November. And Cyber Monday, once a separate event, has blended into this extended shopping period.
Why the shift? Partly because of changing consumer habits. Shoppers prefer convenience, and online sales allow them to compare prices easily without leaving home. The pandemic also accelerated the move to e-commerce, with many retailers realizing they could still attract buyers without the in-store chaos.
Some shoppers miss the old days of lining up, calling it a “thrill of the hunt.” But for many, the ease of clicking “add to cart” outweighs the nostalgia.
Today’s Black Friday is less about one frenzied day and more about a month-long shopping marathon. While the lines and late-night adventures may be gone, one thing remains the same: everyone loves a good deal.