The annual spectacle known as the Black Friday sale has become synonymous with massive discounts, frenzied shopping, and unbeatable deals. But have you ever wondered why it’s called “Black Friday”? In this comprehensive exploration of Black Friday’s history and significance, we’ll delve into the origins of this shopping extravaganza and uncover the reasons behind its intriguing name.
The Birth of “Black Friday”
- To uncover the roots of Black Friday, we must embark on a historical journey that takes us back to November 1951. It was during this time that the term “Black Friday” was first linked to the post-Thanksgiving shopping frenzy.
- The journal Factory Management and Maintenance made reference to this phrase to describe a peculiar phenomenon: a significant number of people calling in sick the day after Thanksgiving, effectively securing an extra day off work.
- Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies in the United States were also employing the phrases “Black Friday” and “Black Saturday” to characterize the chaotic and overwhelming traffic that engulfed cities at the dawn of the pre-Christmas shopping season.
- These terms reflected the gridlock, congestion, and general mayhem that ensued as shoppers flooded the streets and stores.
“Big Friday” and “Big Saturday”: An Attempt at Change
- Fast forward to 1961, and local governments tried to rebrand the shopping season as “Big Friday” and “Big Saturday” in an effort to mitigate the negative connotations associated with “Black Friday.”
- However, this proposed shift in terminology failed to gain traction among the public and retailers alike. “Black Friday” remained embedded in the cultural lexicon, and it continued to define the day of post-Thanksgiving shopping madness.
From the Red to the Black: A Positive Spin on Black Friday
- The notion that Black Friday is the time when retailers move “back into the black” is a more recent interpretation of the term. This interpretation suggests that the name originates from the idea that, traditionally, retailers operated at a financial loss for most of the year (“in the red”), and Black Friday marked the turning point when their sales shifted to profit (“in the black”).
- As Black Friday evolved, it transcended its historical associations with traffic jams and workforce absenteeism, ultimately becoming synonymous with incredible deals, massive savings, and an official kickstart to the holiday shopping season.
Black Friday vs. Amazon Prime Day
- In recent years, Amazon Prime Day has emerged as a formidable rival to Black Friday. Although Prime Day typically takes place in July, Amazon has announced a second sale event slated for October. This October Prime event serves as a sneak peek into the 2023 Black Friday deals and effectively ignites the early holiday shopping season.
- Amazon Prime Day 2023 was nothing short of a shopping phenomenon, with the first day marking the largest single sales day in the company’s history. Shoppers worldwide snapped up over 375 million items, with top categories including home, fashion, and beauty. Notable best-selling deals encompassed the Fire TV Stick, Apple AirPods, and the Bissell Little Green carpet cleaner.
- While both Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday share a common goal of offering irresistible deals, there are significant differences to consider. Prime Day is a 48-hour-only sale requiring a Prime membership to participate. This event is renowned for its substantial discounts on Amazon’s own devices, such as the Fire TV Stick. In contrast, Black Friday spans an extended period, with retailers launching deals as early as October, resulting in weeks of potential savings.
- Moreover, Black Friday’s appeal extends beyond Amazon, with other major retailers like Best Buy and Walmart joining the fray with their own enticing offers. This diverse array of options ensures that consumers have a multitude of choices and opportunities to snag incredible deals.
Conclusion: The Evolution of Black Friday
In conclusion, the term “Black Friday” has its origins in stories about lots of traffic and people calling in sick after Thanksgiving. But today, it’s all about fantastic deals and a big part of holiday shopping.
Imagine it as the moment when stores go from losing money to making money, which is pretty positive. Black Friday has grown from those early days and is now a huge shopping event worldwide.
Although Amazon Prime Day is also a big deal, Black Friday is still a top choice for finding amazing discounts from various stores. So, as the holidays approach, get ready for lots of savings and exciting deals during Black Friday. Happy shopping!
