How Does Black Friday Become So Popular?
If you are a fan of retail therapy from time to time, it could be an interesting thing for you that many brands will have a ‘Black Friday’ sale this year. So, as you want to take advantage of these offers, it is also important for you to understand why this day is important.
Many people in the US used to call in sick from work on Friday when Thanksgiving was still a national holiday in the 1950s (the fourth Thursday in November).
Several stores were open for Christmas shopping on Friday, so people stopped by to get a head start (hoping their bosses didn’t see them).
It was not until 1966 that the term ‘Black Friday’ was used for the first time in print.
‘Black Friday’: Why Is It Called That?
When you are not familiar with the phrase Black Friday, it’s possible that at first, you thought it had a negative connotation since the phrase has been around since the 1970s.
The word ‘black’ is included in the title for a reason; why would it have appeared there if not? Although there is a bit of complexity to the reason for this, it still makes sense.
As the day following Thanksgiving used to be the top shopping event in a single day in the United States, there was a significant amount of vehicular traffic jams and disruptive pedestrian traffic during this time.
At the beginning of the century, the term was used to explain the inconvenience it caused the general public in Philadelphia.
Is there anything else? It was a day of great profits for the retailers and shopkeepers. Consequently, they moved from “in the red” to “in the black.” Having a profit or making enough money without worrying about going bankrupt means being in the Black in business terms.
On the other hand, going into the ‘red’ means being in a deficit and losing money.
Also, read about The rise of second-hand clothing.
Connecting Black Friday And Thanksgiving
In the United States, Black Friday comes up at just the beginning of the Christmas month in the shopping season. Since it falls a day after Thanksgiving, so many shoppers attend it.
The day is marked by many retailers and big brand stores offering massive discounts to their customers, and as a result, many people flock to these stores.
A number of these stores open early (some even open at midnight on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Eve) and are overrun with customers.
Apple, Morphe, and OnePlus are some of the brands that offer the biggest deals on Black Friday, taking advantage of the footfalls to make lots of money.
Black Friday the Other’s Side
Over time, Black Friday evolved into a term associated with stampedes, violence, and unfortunate incidents, even though it originated as a positive term. The number of deaths on this day has increased to 12 since 2006, while the number of injuries has increased to 117.
Black Friday mishaps can be attributed to shoppers risking their safety when they try to get a place at the front of the line. A blockade of fire exits or emergency access is required in this situation.
People often buy things they don’t need on Black Friday, leading to criticism that it promotes consumerism and capitalism. A recent study argues that the overproduction of goods causes climate change during this period.
Why Online Black Friday deals?
Online Black Friday sales started in the 1980s when the internet wasn’t a force. You can order easily from your home, why go to the mall and battle the traffic and other patrons?
In-store and online shoppers find great deals, with some items incredibly cheap that retailers will not make a profit. Fortunately, stores make plenty of money on other products besides the doorbusters they offer. Thanks for reading this. Here is great black Friday deals on bean bag chairs for kids that you can check out.
Why Black Friday is Here to Stay
Despite the occasional backlash and criticism, Black Friday shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, retailers are finding new ways to make the event even more appealing to shoppers. Here are a few reasons why Black Friday is likely to remain a major shopping event for years to come:
- Bargain Hunting: People love a good deal, and Black Friday offers some of the best discounts of the year. Shoppers are willing to brave the crowds and the chaos to get their hands on a bargain.
- Holiday Shopping: Black Friday falls at the beginning of the holiday shopping season, making it the perfect time to start checking off that gift list. Retailers know this and offer deals on popular holiday items to get shoppers in the door.
- Social Media Buzz: Black Friday has become a social media event, with people sharing their shopping hauls and deals on Instagram and other platforms. This only adds to the excitement and encourages even more people to participate.
FAQs
Are Black Friday deals really worth it?
Yes, Black Friday deals can offer significant savings on a wide range of products. However, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re actually getting a good deal.
Do all retailers participate in Black Friday?
No, not all retailers participate in Black Friday. Some smaller businesses or specialty shops may choose to opt out of the event.
Can I shop for Black Friday deals online?
Yes, many retailers offer Black Friday deals online as well as in-store. This can be a great option if you prefer to avoid crowds.
What’s the best way to prepare for Black Friday?
Make a shopping list of the items you’re interested in buying and do your research ahead of time to find the best deals. It’s also a good idea to have a budget in mind to avoid overspending.
What are some tips for surviving the crowds on Black Friday?
Arrive early, wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and be prepared for long lines and wait times. It’s also a good idea to have a plan of which stores you want to visit and in what order. Finally, be patient and respectful to your fellow shoppers and retail employees, who are also trying to navigate the busy day.
Conclusion
Black Friday has come a long way since its origins in the United States, and it’s now a global phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down. The event offers shoppers the chance to snag some incredible deals on a wide range of products, and it’s become an integral part of the holiday shopping season. As long as retailers continue to offer enticing discounts and shoppers remain eager to hunt for bargains, Black Friday will remain a major shopping event for years to come.