Interesting Facts About Black Friday
Black Friday is a day that has become synonymous with massive discounts, long lines, and frenzied shoppers hunting for the best deals of the year. Held annually the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, it marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. While most people associate Black Friday with consumerism and major sales events, there are plenty of interesting facts about the day that go beyond the shopping madness. In this article, we’ll explore some cool and lesser-known facts about Black Friday.
1. The Origin of the Name:
The term “Black Friday” was first used in 1961 by the police in Philadelphia to describe the chaos that ensued when hordes of shoppers flocked to the city in preparation for the Army-Navy football game, which typically took place the weekend after Thanksgiving. Police officers complained about the overcrowding, traffic jams, and general pandemonium caused by the large number of people in the city. The name stuck, and over time, it came to be associated with the start of the shopping season.
However, the term “Black Friday” took on a more positive meaning in the 1980s. Retailers began to embrace the term because it represented the point in the year when many businesses would move from “in the red” (a term for financial losses) to “in the black” (a term for financial profits) due to the high volume of holiday shopping. It was a time when retailers would finally begin to make a profit for the year, and the name transitioned to reflect that positive association.
2. The Shopping Frenzy Has Gone Global:
While Black Friday originated in the United States, it has become a global phenomenon. Many countries around the world have adopted the day as a major shopping event, often coinciding with their own local holidays or simply embracing it as an opportunity for retail sales. Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and several other countries now participate in Black Friday, with stores offering similar discounts and promotions. In fact, in the UK, Black Friday sales have become so prominent that it’s now one of the busiest shopping days of the year, even though the tradition was originally an American one.
3. The Record-Breaking Spending Spree:
Black Friday is known for its astronomical sales numbers, and each year, it seems to set new records. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), U.S. shoppers spent an estimated $9.8 billion on Black Friday in 2022, marking a 2.3% increase from the previous year. This total includes both in-store and online purchases. In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, online shopping surged, and Black Friday online sales hit $9 billion in one day, a remarkable leap from previous years.
The digital transformation of Black Friday has been rapid, with many people opting to shop from the comfort of their homes rather than braving the crowds. This trend has continued even as in-person shopping resumed post-pandemic, with many consumers preferring to shop online for convenience and better deals. In fact, in recent years, many retailers have extended their sales beyond the Friday after Thanksgiving, with some offering discounts for the entire week or even the whole month of November.
4. The Birth of Cyber Monday:
While Black Friday was traditionally a day for in-store shopping, the rise of the internet led to the creation of Cyber Monday, a companion event that focuses on online deals. Cyber Monday was first coined in 2005 by Ellen Davis and Scott Silverman, two retail experts, as a way to describe the increasing online sales that took place on the Monday following Black Friday. Many shoppers, particularly those who couldn’t take advantage of Black Friday deals in physical stores, found that online retailers offered significant discounts on the Monday after Thanksgiving.
The rise of e-commerce giants like Amazon, along with the increased availability of fast internet connections, contributed to the rapid growth of Cyber Monday. In 2020, Cyber Monday became the biggest online shopping day of all time, with consumers spending over $10.8 billion. It’s worth noting that the lines between Black Friday and Cyber Monday have blurred, with many retailers offering deals online for both days.
5. The Phenomenon of Doorbusters:
One of the most iconic aspects of Black Friday shopping is the doorbuster deals, which are deep discounts offered for a limited time, often at the start of the sales event. These “doorbusters” are usually on high-demand items like electronics, toys, or popular gadgets, and they are designed to draw in crowds at the store’s opening hours. The idea behind doorbusters is that offering a limited-time bargain will create a sense of urgency among shoppers, prompting them to rush to stores early in the morning or even the night before.
6. Black Friday is a Major Event for Tech Products:
If you’re looking for discounts on the latest tech gadgets, Black Friday is the day to shop. The holiday has become a haven for technology deals, with major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target offering huge discounts on smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and more. One of the most sought-after products during Black Friday sales is the television, with some retailers offering discounts of up to 50% off.
Additionally, many tech companies, including Apple, Samsung, and Microsoft, also offer Black Friday deals on their latest products, attracting consumers who are looking for the best prices on cutting-edge technology.
7. The Evolution of Black Friday Hours:
In years past, Black Friday shopping was restricted to the hours after Thanksgiving dinner, with stores opening early on Friday morning. However, over the years, many retailers have begun to open their doors earlier and earlier, sometimes even on Thanksgiving Day itself. While some have faced criticism for making employees work on the holiday, the trend of “Thanksgiving Day openings” has become increasingly common. In 2022, some stores even opened as early as 5:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day, allowing shoppers to get a head start on the Black Friday madness.
In addition, with the rise of online shopping, the need for in-store visits has diminished. Many shoppers now take advantage of “Black Friday Week” deals or the entire month of November, where discounts are offered both in-store and online.
8. The Dark Side of Black Friday:
While Black Friday is known for its big savings and cheerful holiday spirit, it is not without its darker side. The intense competition for the best deals can lead to chaotic scenes in stores, including overcrowding, fights, and even injuries. In some extreme cases, there have been reports of stampedes or violent altercations over limited-stock items.
As a result, retailers have taken steps to mitigate these dangers, such as offering more online-only deals, spreading out discounts over longer periods, and implementing crowd control measures in stores.
9. The Rise of Small Business Saturday:
In contrast to the corporate-centric Black Friday, Small Business Saturday is an annual event that encourages shoppers to support small and locally-owned businesses. Founded by American Express in 2010, the initiative takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and has gained popularity in recent years. Small Business Saturday has become a significant shopping event in its own right, with many local businesses offering discounts or special promotions to attract customers.
10. The Social Media Influence:
In today’s digital age, social media plays a massive role in shaping Black Friday trends. Shoppers often flock to platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to share their experiences, promote the best deals, or discuss their favorite finds. Retailers have embraced this, launching Black Friday-specific hashtags, influencer partnerships, and online contests to drive engagement and sales.
Conclusion:
Black Friday is more than just a shopping day; it’s a cultural event that has evolved over decades. From its humble beginnings as a term used by police officers in Philadelphia to its current status as the biggest shopping day of the year, Black Friday has become a global phenomenon that reshapes the retail landscape. Even if you’re a seasoned shopper or someone who’s just curious about the event, there’s no denying the influence and excitement that Black Friday brings every year. With each passing year, the event continues to evolve, embracing the digital age, offering new experiences, and even inspiring other shopping events like Cyber Monday and Small Business Saturday. Some people love it, others not so much, but one thing is for sure, Black Friday is here to stay!
The Coupomania Team
