WHAT IS BLACK FRIDAY?

Black Friday is a day of huge sales for the holiday season.

Thanksgiving. A time for Americans to count their blessings and get together with family to share a turkey dinner. The next day is when the chaos ensues. Companies slash their prices and shoppers run to buy bargain gifts in time for Christmas. This is what’s known as Black Friday, dating back to the 60’s, and it’s grown in popularity since.

But what is the true meaning behind Black Friday?

Long before the fights over flatscreens, Black Friday began as a smaller event. In the 19th Century, it existed on a small scale to help boost sales. Now it marks the beginning of the busy holiday shopping season. It’s surpassed the Saturday before Christmas as the biggest shopping day of the year. In 1961, it gained the name Black Friday from Philadelphia’s police officers. Due to the ever-growing streams of traffic on this day, they worked long shifts to help manage the crowds. What started as a private joke, soon spread to retailers as a catchy advertisement slogan. It’s since grown into a name scribbled on to people’s planners all over America.

The growing trend

What started in America soon spread to the rest of the world, with retailers all over cottoning on to this lucrative day. It turns out it doesn’t matter where you’re from, no one can resist a bargain! Over 50% of the countries in the world celebrate the day in some form. This includes Germany, Australia and the UK, with more jumping on the trend with each year that passes.

Yet, it wasn’t until the 2000’s that the hype around it truly hit the record highs. In recent years, some retailers have announced offers before thanksgiving to increase excitement. Thanks to the rising popularity, the sales have far surpassed Friday. They extend through the weekend, giving it the name Black Weekend. Not to mention, Cyber Monday’s debut in 2005. This allows online shoppers a chance to snag a deal all from the comfort of their homes.

Quick takeaways

  • Black Friday marks the beginning of the shopping season. Retailers announce massive price drops for customers. It’s the biggest shopping day of the year besides Singles Day.
  • Thanksgiving dates back to 1621 when the pilgrims celebrated the harvest. It was also time to count the blessings they received.
  • Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday of November every year.
  • Black Friday is the Friday afterwards Thanksgiving.
  • America isn’t the only one to benefit. The idea has now spread worldwide. Retailers and consumers are reaping the rewards from the hype around this day.
  • Those who aren’t a fan of the crowds don’t have to miss out either. Many retailers now take part in Cyber Monday! Bear in mind, this requires a speedy scan of the websites before stocks run out.

Black Friday is full of unmissable deals that are sure to have a little something for everyone. Perfect if you’re looking to tighten the purse strings, or you want to get started on the shopping season early.