In history the designation of a dark day typically meant something negative. In the 1950s, the City of Philadelphia turned that around. Police in Philadelphia began using the term "Black Friday" to describe the chaotic and overwhelming crowds of shoppers and tourists who flooded the city the day after Thanksgiving, often causing massive traffic jams and requiring extra police duty. 

This year it is estimated that more than 130 Million Americans will spend more than $100 billion. Many will go online for orders while others will rush to stores for the special prices.

DON'T FORGET to visit all the fantastic local stores in the Gulf Shores, Orange4 Beach and Foley area!

There are hundreds of small businesses along the Alabama coast that would appreciate your visit during the shopping holiday.

The math for buying close to home is compelling—for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $73 remains in the local economy. Compare that to the same $100 spent at a non-locally owned business, where only $43 remains in the local economy. This research comes from Civic Economics (civiceconomics.com) 

So here is just a sample of some great local BLACK FRIDAY DEALS!

While the use of the term "Black Friday" started in the 1950s, the phrase gained national attention in the early 1980s. Merchants referring to one of the most important shopping days of the year suggested an alternative derivation: that retailers traditionally operated at a financial loss for most of the year (January through November) and made their profit during the holiday season, beginning on the day after Thanksgiving.

Happy Black Friday and pace yourself. Make sure to stop by one of the TOP 10 COFFEE SHOPS to relax during your shopping spree.