Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, is a significant event for American shoppers, signaling the start of the holiday shopping season. The term “Black Friday” has evolved over the years, initially referring to calamitous days, such as September 24, 1869, when gold prices plummeted during a financial crisis. The retail bonanza known as Black Friday has darker roots than you might imagine, with its origins traced back to American greed, chaos, and speculation.
The first known usage of the term Black Friday dates back to the late 19th century, with the term “Black Friday” created in the 1960s as the day after Thanksgiving to officially begin the holiday shopping season. The term “black” is taken from the city of Philadelphia, where police used the term to describe the chaos that ensued on the day after Thanksgiving. Since 2005, Black Friday has been the busiest shopping day of the year, with retailers extending their hours and deals every year.
The first time “Black Friday” specifically referred to shopping the day after Thanksgiving was in the 1950s, when police in Philadelphia complained about the “black number” phenomenon. The name “Black Friday” comes from Philadelphia, where the two days after Thanksgiving were called Black Friday and Black Saturday by traffic cops in the City of Brotherly Love.
Black Friday used to be a fun family tradition for when families got together for the long Thanksgiving weekend. However, over the years, it has evolved into a major event for American shoppers, signaling the start of the holiday shopping season. The term “Black Friday” has evolved in meaning and impact over the years, with the first known usage dating back to the late 19th century.
| Article | Description | Site |
|---|---|---|
| Black Friday (shopping) | Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States. It traditionally marks the start of the Christmas shopping season and is the busiest … | en.wikipedia.org |
| The History and Importance of Black Friday | Some Form of Black Friday Has Been Around for Well Over 100 Years · Black Friday Really Got Going in the 1940s · The Black Friday Name Comes from Philadelphia. | waldenu.edu |
| THE HISTORY OF BLACK FRIDAY | In fact, the two days after Thanksgiving were called Black Friday and Black Saturday by the traffic cops in the City of Brotherly Love, where … | alabamachanin.com |
📹 Black Friday EXPOSED as the BIGGEST Scam of 2024…
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How Has Black Friday Changed?
Black Friday has evolved significantly over the years, changing from a chaotic in-store shopping event to a predominantly digital experience. Originally, Black Friday, which has roots spanning 90 years, was characterized by significant in-store crowds and limited-time deals. Currently, retailers face challenges in managing inventory due to shifting consumer preferences; they now stock less of what’s undesirable and more of what’s in demand. The pandemic intensified these changes, leading to increased agility among retailers in response to supply chain issues.
Experts note that the shopping landscape has transformed, with the traditional sales day now competing with Cyber Monday and extending into broader promotions throughout the season. Online sales surged dramatically, with $9 billion reported in 2020, reflecting consumers' shifting priorities toward digital shopping. The nostalgia for the pre-pandemic Black Friday experience is palpable, but the shopping habits have decisively moved toward online platforms, reshaping the holiday's essence.
What Is Saturday After Thanksgiving Called?
Small Business Saturday is a marketing initiative by American Express aimed at promoting holiday shopping on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States, specifically focusing on supporting small businesses. This event occurs annually on the last Saturday of November, which in 2023 is November 25. The concept emerged in 2010 to encourage consumers to shop locally during a peak shopping season that also includes Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
The term "Black Friday" itself, which refers to the shopping day following Thanksgiving, dates back to the 1950s when Philadelphia police coined it due to the chaotic crowds. Many believe it signifies the shift from financial losses, represented as being "in the red," to profitability as sales surge post-Thanksgiving. Although not an official holiday, Black Friday marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season, making it one of the busiest retail days of the year. The subsequent event, Cyber Monday, caters to online shoppers, offering exclusive promotions the following Monday after Thanksgiving weekend, concluding a series of shopping events.
What Is The Most Bought Item On Black Friday?
Electronics dominated Black Friday 2023, accounting for 49% of sales, followed by significant spending on fashion and apparel. Seasonal items and well-known brands experienced a sales boost, with products like the Ninja Creami ice cream maker emerging as top trends. Projections for consumer holiday spending in 2025 indicate a near 10% increase compared to forecasts. Approximately 53% of holiday shoppers purchased gifts during Black Friday, showcasing items such as smartwatches, PlayStation 5 consoles, and cookware sets among the most popular.
Online shopping reached a record high of $10. 8 billion, representing a 3. 9% year-over-year increase, according to Adobe Analytics. Popular toy brands included Hot Wheels, Disney, Barbie, and LEGO. With substantial discounts on small household appliances and cookware, shoppers found deals exceeding 60% off, particularly on instant pots and air fryers. Retailers like Best Buy and Target offered significant promotions on tech products like iPads, while Amazon featured discounts on its devices.
Notable Black Friday deals included a Michael Kors duffel bag at 50% off at Belk. Overall, electronics, toys, clothing, and beauty products led Black Friday sales, making it a key shopping event well beyond just one day.
How Was Black Friday 2024 In The USA?
Black Friday 2024 witnessed a mixed shopping environment, with overall store traffic declining by 3. 2%. Footfall was notably down across regions: 7% in the Midwest, 2. 1% in the Northeast, 3. 5% in the South, and 3. 2% in the West, as reported by RetailNext. However, online sales surged by 14. 6% year-over-year to reach a remarkable $10. 8 billion, up from $9. 8 billion in 2023, indicating consumers' shift towards digital shopping. In contrast, in-store sales had a minimal increase of 0.
7%. A record 183. 4 million Americans planned to shop from Thanksgiving Day to Cyber Monday, marking November 29, 2024, as Black Friday. Originally termed by Philadelphia police in the 1950s to describe post-Thanksgiving chaos, Black Friday has evolved into the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. Despite lower foot traffic, overall spending still rose by 3. 4% year-over-year. The shift towards online shopping, partly driven by the pandemic, has changed the nature of Black Friday, reducing the chaos of previous years. As consumers prepare for Black Friday 2024, many seek to maximize savings while navigating changing shopping habits.
What Is The Sunday After Thanksgiving Called?
National Secondhand Sunday, celebrated the Sunday after Thanksgiving, focuses on both shoppers and sellers. It encompasses a wide range of secondhand sellers, from casual individuals looking to earn extra income to those who have established reselling as a full-time business. Unlike Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which are widely recognized shopping days, National Secondhand Sunday encourages secondhand gifting and supports circular fashion. While not officially designated as a holiday, this day draws attention to the possibility of sustainable shopping.
Black Friday's name, originating in the 1950s, refers to stores shifting from "in the red" (financial loss) to "in the black" (profit) due to the surge in shopping after Thanksgiving. The day also marks heavy travel activity, often being one of the busiest travel days of the year. Alongside Secondhand Sunday, there’s Small Business Saturday, established by American Express, which supports local businesses.
This Sunday presents an opportunity to not only give secondhand gifts but also to uplift local artists, creators, and performers in the community, making it a unique addition to the holiday shopping season.
Why Is It Called Black Friday For Kids?
The term "Black Friday" is widely believed to signify the transition of businesses from operating at a loss ("in the red") to profitability ("in the black") after Thanksgiving, marked by significant sales. Its roots can be traced back to 1950s Philadelphia, where police officers coined the term to describe the chaos and congestion caused by throngs of shoppers flooding the downtown area the day after Thanksgiving. While the phrase originally referred to a financial crisis in 1869, it later became synonymous with the bustling holiday shopping season.
Black Friday has evolved into a retail phenomenon, representing the unofficial start of the holiday shopping period in the United States. Though not designated as a formal holiday, many employers grant time off to their employees. Over the years, the day has become famous for extensive discounts, extended store hours, and is characterized by the competitive nature of retail, providing both consumers and merchants substantial financial opportunity.
The name "Black Friday" reflects a duality—initially highlighting the hectic nature of shopping while subsequently embodying the economic boon it represents for retailers, allowing them to end their fiscal year on a positive note. Thus, the day is pivotal for both commercial success and consumer savings.
When Did They Start Doing Black Friday?
The term "Black Friday" first became associated with shopping after Thanksgiving in the 1950s. Philadelphia police coined the phrase due to the overwhelming crowds of suburban shoppers descending on the city. Traditionally, Black Friday, which falls on the Friday following Thanksgiving, signals the start of the Christmas shopping season in the United States, marked by significant sales and discounts.
Some retailers even open as early as midnight on Thanksgiving. Although it is widely recognized as one of the year’s busiest shopping days, its history is intertwined with notions of chaos and consumerism rather than the joyful spirit of holiday shopping.
Originally, "Black Friday" referred to a financial crisis in 1869 caused by gold speculators, unrelated to shopping. The term resurfaced in the 1960s as police in Philadelphia described the shopping frenzy following Thanksgiving. The event has continued to grow, especially in the 1990s, leading to stores opening earlier and earlier. The COVID-19 pandemic spurred a shift towards online shopping, changing how people approach Black Friday.
Despite its problematic beginnings, Black Friday has become an integral part of American holiday culture, synonymous with deals and shopping excitement. Its significance is set to continue, with the next occurrence on November 29, 2024.
Why Are They Calling It Black Friday?
In the 1950s, the term "Black Friday" was used by managers to describe the phenomenon of workers calling in sick after Thanksgiving, often likened to a plague. City merchants sought to rebrand the day as "Big Friday." It wasn't until the late 1980s that "Black Friday" began to symbolize a retail sales boost, with stores promoting the idea of turning losses ("in the red") into profits ("in the black"). Interestingly, the term first appeared in 1869, connected to a financial market crash resulting from the actions of investors Jay Gould and Jim Fisk.
The modern understanding of "Black Friday" as a chaotic shopping day emerged in the mid-20th century, initially referred to by Philadelphia police to describe the disorderly events occurring after Thanksgiving. The first documented use of the term in this context was in a 1951 journal, highlighting workers calling in sick for an extended holiday. Over time, the perception of "Black Friday" evolved to become a major shopping event known for extensive discounts, marking the start of the holiday shopping season.
Despite its festive transformation, the origins of "Black Friday" encompass themes of chaos, economic turmoil, and even historical references to Black slavery, illustrating the complex narrative behind this shopping holiday.
What Day Is Black Friday Always On?
Black Friday shopping in the United States occurs on the Friday after Thanksgiving, marking it as one of the busiest shopping days of the year. In 2023, Black Friday fell on November 24, while in 2024, it will take place on November 29. This event is characterized by significant discounts from various retailers, many of whom extend their hours to accommodate shoppers. Although Black Friday isn’t an official holiday, many people have the day off work, except those in retail.
Retailers often begin promoting their sales even weeks before the actual date, with some deals starting online as early as Thanksgiving Day. Over the years, the nature of Black Friday has evolved, with many customers receiving emails about promotions as early as Halloween. Following Black Friday, Small Business Saturday will be on November 30, and Cyber Monday will occur on December 2. The name "Black Friday" was coined in the 1950s by Philadelphia police to describe the chaos that followed Thanksgiving.
As Black Friday approaches in 2024, consumers can look forward to "stellar deals" and widespread discounts, with many opportunities for early shopping beginning the week leading up to Thanksgiving. Be prepared to take advantage of the upcoming sales!
📹 Walmart Faces Black Friday NIGHTMARE Boycott I No one cares about Black Friday DEALS in 2024 #FAFO
In This Video We Are Reacting About :Walmart Faces Black Friday NIGHTMARE Boycott I No one cares about Black Friday …
I’m gonna buy a new comb to comb my hair that I saw on cyber Monday sale for $10. Regular price, $9.99 do y’all think I’m getting a good deal? Now for a REAL Cyber Monday Sale check out the merch website I’m doing 40% off the entire site for 24 hours, Biggest sale I’ve ever done. artofkickz.com/ USE CODE ( Cyber Monday ) at check out.
I ran several music stores from 1993 to 2001, it was great! The mall & shopping experience, the energy was something way different than what you see now. Those that didn’t live through it, they’ll never understand or get to enjoy it. Working through those black friday years was a great experience as a retailer. & bf sales were big on the hottest items always, great times!
I worked as a merchandiser for 4 years at Home Depot and I found out QUICKLY Black Friday and deal days are a scam.. They always have a better deal in most places the month ahead of the holiday or what ever occasion.. For instance, you can get a deal on a grill and charcoal in May and beginning of June but closer to July you will see the mark up to “deal” happen.. same with anything seasonal at home depot.. Buy for the opposite time of year. Christmas supply after Christmas not before, Spring/ Summer in fall and winter and vise versa
I work in a lumber mill. Whatever the temperature is outside is the temp I work in. I got permission to put a microwave in the maintenance shed so we could eat or drink something hot in these sub freezing temps. I searched microwaves for sale and found them for $49 at Walmart (Mainstays Brand) on Wednesday. Two days before Black Friday! I went to buy one on Black Friday as I was off and found it was $55! They charged me MORE on black Friday!
I have a bunch of stuff in my cart on Amazon and I was waiting for Black Friday and I think the maximum discount was like a dollar to five dollars it was absolutely ridiculous. But the Barbie perfume that I wanted has been $65 since it came out and there are never any sales but on Black Friday they were 40% off so I’m happy lol. i’m used to cyber Mondays being even better than Black Friday but that’s not even the thing anymore. It’s absolutely ridiculous because these companies are owned by 😢 few families mostly.
I was looking for a hat for my nephew for Christmas on Amazon. I had been hunting different sites for the better price and ultimately I settled on Amazon only to find that the price had increased. I decided to keep an eye on the hat throughout the day and the price kept going down gradually until I finally caught it at the price I originally saw. Afterwards I read that they might be doing Dynamic pricing. Smh. Crazy
First girl in Target 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Now, a few days before thanksgiving, I wanted to purchase a Bluetooth thermometer and on Amazon it was $69 for the brand I was checking (other sellers max price $75) went to the same product on cyber Monday (today) and it was showing “on sale” for $99. Like what 🤷🏽♀️🤯🤬
Black Friday used to be a nightmare for retail workers, now it’s a nightmare for consumers. Nightmare prices are about the only thing that these stores are generous about handing out cuz it sure ain’t the prices. I shopped before z Black Friday at some of the online retailers and their prices are better before Black Friday. I don’t participate in BF either, you can get deals throughout the year. I’m pretty sure BF is going to be a thing of the past, only found in the memories of those old enough to remember those times.
I listen to my families wants and think of their needs. Start looking at pricing before September. Usually I’m finished by Veterans day. Only thing I buy during the holidays is basic stocking stuffers. Only time I do BF shopping is for entertainment. People are crazy and I’m laughing at the humanity.
My mother got me the tickle me Elmo back in the 90s, she was offered hundreds of dollars for it(I think nearly a grand but I can’t remember & can’t ask her). It was my favorite growing up until it went missing one of the times we moved. She told me how crazy people had to be to get what they wanted. Lined up during or after their Thanksgiving din din. People were going crazy over the deals, running and eager to find the item they wanted. Families split up to search and conjure. She told me about a fight some places had, even pepper sprayed others. Thankfully she didn’t deal with a fight, but she told me she was ready just in case (hearing her say that always made me laugh). Saying ain’t nobody messing with her baby’s happiness. Now consumers can look online compared to having to pre-order or show up early. Kind of miss the hustle and bustle but I do recall someone who worked on Black Friday sadly passed away. RIP to them 🙏
Black Friday has never appealed to me. First AND LAST tine I went was back in 2001. I have, ever since, called in black and blue Friday. (Do I need to explain that?) People went nuts over saving money on stuff just so they can spoil their kids more or not be guilted by friends/family. It’s like a competition. People attacking each other over a Norelco shaver, a TV so big they next need to buy a new stand for, or a game console they’ll probably end up having to kick their kid out of the basement, in 10 years, because of. Smh.
Even in July, I was going to purchase a doll for my granddaughter. I found what she wanted and then later, I went to the website and found the doll cheaper than in their store. We use to have black Friday on black Friday. Not Thanksgiving. We stood in lines early in the morning. By the time it opened and how many people were ahead of you. They never has enough of the product you waited for. I went from store to store. I had four young grand kids. I wanted to get them Furbys. Never got any that day.
Oh the memories! It was about 10 years ago & I worked at Victoria’s Secret & American Eagle in our local mall. I had to work both jobs on black Friday so I went in at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving and didn’t walk out of that mall until 11 a.m. Friday morning! It’s honestly all a blur but I do remember being stationed at the yoga pants at VS & all I did my whole shift was fold yoga pants & pick up various merchandise that people were just throwing everywhere 😵💫 Absolute madness!!
Thats how i remember black friday. Actual sales, lines for days. I was in 9th grade i wanna say and i used my work savings for a computer. The mall didnt open up until like 330 or 4am. So we all napped until 1am and got there early and waited. The main mall was opened but all the stores were closed with that gate down like in the victoria secrets clip and the stores had signs outside of when they opened. Thats how i remember black friday. And why i thought it was called black friday. Early morning, pitch black, reopen on friday since closed on Thursday lmao. Now stores are doing what theyre doing now and open almost all day, if not all day. Along with online being a big thing. Its just not the same in any aspect
Black Friday is 100% a scam. They do make the base models seem to be a super deal but you don’t get all the good stuff with it. One thing I do need to point out is there will always be a difference in prices between in store and online items. In store prices reflect the overhead, the cost to load, transport, unload, and stock on the shelves is included in store prices. it’s also regional, I can go to my local Walmart(I’m in the boonies) and one item will cost x amount of dollars but then go to the next closes walmart and the same item will cost different
Whether on Amazon or in the stores the prices have totally gone up, up in the past 3years!!!! With the food, gas, car insurance, groceries, apartments, homes, electricity, water, air,heat, clothing, medicine, car maintenance, daycare! A lot of people aren’t doing the BLACK FRIDAY SO- CALLED DEALS ANY LONGER!!!! This is crazzzy!!! We are looking for 50 – 60% OFF
And who ultimately has the price control? Oh it’s the billionaire who’s friends with the other billionaire that’ll be our president next month… Nah I don’t see anything bad happening because of that… Not 1 thing….nope. I’m sure everything will go down in price when you have even RICHER people in control…
The stores would only put maybe a few items like 50 TV’s or the hottest toys on sale which were probably clearance items or refurbished items anyway and would watch hundreds of people rush into the stores and almost kill each other right after midnight knowing that only a few people would get the items. Did back Friday only once and that was enough. It’s online shopping for me.
People have been living under a rock. Here in Sweden they raise the price 30days before and when black friday comes they give discounts so the price comes down as it was for 30days ago 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 it’s not black friday it’s steal people’s money on friday. I stopped buying on black fridays for years.
I have never had the $$$ to participate in black Friday, but I have a story for you…. My granddaughters birthday was a couple of days BEFORE black Friday. Walmart already had displays up with signs saying “black Friday only”! So, I went to a different area where there were no signs. I get up to the register and they would not sell it to me because it was a black Friday item! I had them take the other gift that went with this deal, off. I even said I’d pay full price for it! Couldn’t find a manager anywhere! GO FIGURE!
I feel like for the part where the lady was scanning the price and finding it cheaper online I feel like it would be about the same price in store if you count the shipping price because you have to pay for shipping unless you get to a certain price to get free shipping and I also feel like every thing is more expensive on Black Friday is because a lot of stores lost a lot of money during Covid.
That’s what these dummies get for always trying to buy buy buy. Just because it’s on “sale” doesn’t mean you need it. People be trying to buy stuff they don’t even need, spending money on it only because it’s supposedly a sale. Stay home, sit your butt down, lock your debit card. Read a book.. these women smh 🤦🏾♂️
Vape and smoke shops is where its at for black Friday. I always make money because my local shops give away freedie bags with purchases of x dollars. I keep the stuff I like, sell the pod stuff I don’t want, take those to Louisiana where they are banned amd resale fo 2-3x market price. That’s how you black friday nowadays!
I was looking for glass storage containers on Amazon, and was about to buy a set that was a Black Friday Deal listed at 60% off MSRP. Sounds great, right? Only, MSRP was usually $39.99… They made the MSRP $89.99 for the main color only, but forgot to change it for the other available color sets that were not part of the sale. They wanted to give me 60% of nothing, I figured do the right thing and give them 100% of nothing in return.
I always knew things were actual deals. I don’t don black Friday shopping. I always buy what I can afford and that’s it. Another thing is that they charge you so much for shipping….you miles well just pay full price and not take that “deal”. I noticed. I ain’t stupid. I notice things. Oh and Amazon don’t count on getting your money back if there is no item or items cause they will tell you to go to the police and get a report cause Amazon just assumes it’s stolen or something and they tell you that. I already tried that and they won’t do anything about it. It’s stupid. I’m glad you shared this AOK. Some may not notice but it’s good people see this to confirm their suspicions. I actually went black Friday shopping once and that was the last. I have depression and anxiety so it was a lot and I really struggled and today now as I’m older and wounds were opened I am worse than before. Back then was better it seems and now it’s like a competition about everything and literally fighting to where people gets killed.
This isn’t new. They’ve been doing it for literally over a decade. Back when I was still freezing in line trying to be one of the first in the store there were only extreme deals for a limited number of people. Everything else was at least doubled in price & then given a percentage off. I remember this distinctively at Kohl’s where they have digital price tags that are easily altered. I was there looking for bedding a week before & the price was @30 dollars. I went there on Black Friday & the price was shown as originally 89 dollars with 50 percent off. This was over 10 years ago.
10:25 why is it cheaper online than in store? Because it’s cheaper to maintain a storage room than having to pay employees. In store we pay more because the owners have to pay light, a/c, water, damages, payroll for how many employees?, security, medical insurance. Verses online…. grab the item place it in a box and ship to the address the client put on the link. Much cheaper.
Walmart and a target have different prices online all year round! If I’m buying something (like toys, baby items, games etc) I’ll order it online and pick it up in the store. It’s literally almost always cheaper to do it that way. Grimey! But Black Friday, I would avoid all stores like the plague! I had to go to BJs this year for some things and was like any another day.
Okay I just have to point out a few things that you seem ignorant too. First of the lady at the beginning is not showing off black Friday deals no way target hiding the specials on some side counter in the back of electronics. Second you showed the lady scanning items where they are cheaper online that is because stores offer the sale early online to avoid the chaos that can ensue due to people being people and they offer the convince of curbside now a days no reason to line up in the cold. I’m not saying tour not wrong about some of them price gouging but you cleary are not doing your research and I love you say your running a 40% percent sale for 24 hrs and say tour welcome lmao
When you make this article and say prices are why people shop online vs in store it’s just not true the reason people shop online vs in store it’s just safer especially given all the stuff that’s happened over the years like terriost attacks, beltway sniper, the shootings in general over the years and oh covid also made people get use to online shopping. As for the people making articles complaining about prices being scams let’s be real shopping has always been about using common sense and being careful.
People should stop ! Just completely not buy gifts at all or xmas deco . Just get together, eat dinner and spend time with each othrr. Then go in the stores at the end of jan., beginning of feb. When they have to get rid of over stock. Lol it will be marked down a lot then. Hobby lobby sells their xmas items at 90% off the last week of jan. As do most stores .
It’s because this is the last shot before they pull the card I need to get the rest of their money before the economy absolutely collapses people start starving to death they’re not telling anybody but that’s why Thanksgiving Black Friday Christmas that’s it I don’t even care about the New Year’s trying to get as much money as I can right before they pull the card I don’t really think they’ll be at Christmas
I find it funny that the youth of today think this is something new. This crap has been going on for over 50 yrs, it’s nothing new. The difference is that most people never paid any attention to it so most Sheeple never caught on. Social media has given truth a platform for those who are willing to listen. Otherwise someone trying to explain it to others get vilified since it makes the average Sheeple feel stupid for not catching it themselves. It’s that pesky human failing of never being able to admit being wrong. Hell, just look at the complete genius snow/Con job that was perpetrated against the Sheeple with the Con that is Climate Change. People won’t even do a deep dive to see if they were wrong because it means so much more if they find out the truth that is even scarier than knowing it. But with all great Con jobs, that’s part of the Con so the Sheeple become trapped and even feel emboldened in promoting the Con themselves without even knowing it. Anyway, yeah, this is hilarious that what is exposed today will be forgotten in just a few years when the next generation comes into the scene and blindly contributes to the lie, so nothing changes. “Enlightenment is one generation away from regression!” We are such a Doomed Species!!!🤦🤡🌎