From Chaos to Profits: Black Friday – Where Did the Name Come From, and How Did It Become a Global Shopping Phenomenon?

Every year, the fourth Friday of November marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season in the United States and many other countries around the world. This day, known as Black Friday, has become a global phenomenon, characterized by massive discounts and special promotional offers. However, beyond the irresistible deals and long lines, the origin of the name "Black Friday" and its international spread deserves a deeper look.

Black Friday: Why Is It Called That and How Did It Begin?

Black Friday, one of the most prominent days in the shopping world, has become a global phenomenon eagerly awaited by consumers for massive discounts on a variety of products. But what is the origin of this day? And why is it called "Black Friday"? Let’s dive into the full story behind this event that has taken over global markets.

The Origin of the Name: Why "Black Friday"?

Although the term "Black Friday" may sound strange, its origins date back to the 1950s in the United States. Initially, the term was used to describe the chaos and heavy traffic that occurred immediately after Thanksgiving.

In 1961, police officers in Philadelphia coined the term "Black Friday" to describe the overwhelming crowd and traffic congestion caused by a large influx of shoppers into the city. At the time, it was not seen positively, as it reflected the challenges law enforcement faced in managing traffic and crowd control.

Later, retailers adopted the term but redefined it with a more positive connotation. "Black Friday" came to refer to the day when retail businesses moved from operating at a loss (in the "red") to profitability (in the "black") due to the high volume of shopping.

How Did Black Friday Start?

The roots of Black Friday lie in American traditions associated with Thanksgiving, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The following Friday was unofficially considered the start of the Christmas shopping season, with stores offering discounts and promotions to attract consumers.

In the 1950s, some stores began opening their doors early on Friday morning to offer special sales. Over time, this idea evolved into an annual tradition characterized by massive sales and heavy crowds.

The Global Spread of the Phenomenon

As the years passed, Black Friday expanded beyond the borders of the United States and became a global phenomenon. Today, many countries adopt this day and launch major discounts in both traditional and online stores. Countries like the UK, Canada, and France have embraced the concept, though they may use local names for the event.

In the business world, "being in the red" refers to incurring losses, while "being in the black" indicates a company is making a profit. This is why merchants started using Black Friday to highlight that, due to the massive increase in purchases on that day, companies would eventually move from being "in the red" (with losses) to "in the black" (with profits), reflecting a more optimistic outlook. Since then, this term has become associated with record sales and the start of the Christmas shopping season.

Global Expansion of Black Friday

Although the origin of this day lies in the United States, its popularity has spread beyond borders. In the past decade, the phenomenon has been embraced by many countries worldwide, adapting to their unique economic and cultural realities.

1. Canada: Although it is an American tradition, Canadians have begun to adopt it in recent years, particularly after American retail chains expanded their presence in the country. Thanksgiving is celebrated in Canada in October, so Canadians take advantage of the November sales to kickstart their Christmas shopping.
2. Europe: This day has spread to countries like the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Spain, although the way it is celebrated varies. In the United Kingdom, for example, the phenomenon started gaining popularity in the early 21st century, with both physical and online stores offering huge discounts, transforming the Friday after Thanksgiving into a massive shopping event.
3. Latin America: In countries such as Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, and other parts of Latin America, Black Friday has been gaining popularity. Many chain stores and online companies offer special discounts to compete with the rise of e-commerce during this time. However, the celebration does not carry the same cultural depth as in the United States, and in some places, the event is seen more as an opportunity for deals rather than a consumer tradition.
4. Asia and Other Regions: Black Friday has also gained traction in places like China, Japan, and Singapore, where global brands have started applying discounts to attract consumers. In countries like China, e-commerce platforms like Alibaba have designated similar sales days, such as "Singles' Day," which features even larger discounts than those celebrated during the American Black Friday.

Why Do People Look Forward to Black Friday?

Black Friday is not just a shopping day; it has become a symbol of amazing deals and huge discounts that are not available at any other time of the year. Shoppers eagerly wait for this day to purchase electronics, clothing, home goods, and more at extremely low prices.

Concerns and Criticisms

Despite its immense popularity, Black Friday faces some criticisms. Some believe the event promotes a culture of excessive consumption and encourages people to spend money recklessly. Additionally, the chaos that often accompanies the day, especially in traditional stores, can sometimes lead to accidents or injuries due to crowd surges.

How to Benefit from Black Friday? Tips for Smart Shopping

Black Friday isn't just a day for shopping, but an opportunity to grab products at amazing prices that may not come around again this year. However, to make the most of this event, careful planning and preparation are key. Here are some practical tips for smart and fruitful shopping on Black Friday:

1. Make a Plan in Advance

• Identify Your Needs: Before the sales begin, create a list of products you want to purchase, such as household appliances, clothing, or electronics.
• Prioritize: Focus on essential items that you truly need, rather than getting swayed by tempting offers on unnecessary products.

2. Set a Budget

• Avoid Overspending: Determine how much money you're willing to spend and stick to it.
• Check for Real Discounts: Some discounts can be misleading, so compare prices with other sites before making a purchase.

3. Look for Deals Early

• Sign Up for Newsletters: Many stores send details of their deals in advance through email.
• Use Shopping Apps: Download apps like Amazon, eBay, or AliExpress to get alerts on exclusive deals.

4. Compare Prices

• Take advantage of price comparison websites to ensure you're getting the best possible deal.
• Check the original price of the product to ensure the discount is genuine and not just a marketing trick.

5. Shop Online Carefully

• Choose Trusted Websites: Avoid unknown sites that may expose you to scams.
• Read Product Reviews: Make sure to check product reviews for quality before purchasing.
• Take Advantage of Peak Times: Deals often start at midnight, so be prepared.

6. Take Advantage of Pre- and Post-Sale Deals

• Pre-Black Friday Deals: Some stores offer early discounts before the main event.
• Cyber Monday Deals: If you miss Black Friday, you can still benefit from big discounts on the Monday following, which is dedicated to online shopping.

7. Check Return and Exchange Policies

• Make sure you know the store's return and exchange policies in case the product doesn't meet your expectations.
• Keep your purchase receipts for any future issues.

8. Avoid Impulse and Pressure Buying

Remember, the deals are not a "race to win," but an opportunity to save money. Don’t let the crowds or fear of missing out push you into buying things you don't need.

Conclusion

Black Friday is a fantastic opportunity if used wisely. With prior planning and smart research, you can score amazing deals on products you actually need, without falling for random shopping or deceptive discounts. Make this event an enjoyable and smart shopping experience that maximizes the value of your money.

Black Friday is not just a shopping day; it has become part of a global culture that encourages consumers to seize the best deals. Despite its historically negative connotations, it has evolved into a symbol of commercial opportunities and fierce competition between retailers. As it continues to evolve, the question remains: Will Black Friday maintain its appeal in the future, or will it adapt to new shopping patterns?

Edit This Article