The origins of Black Friday

Black Friday has established itself as a global movement, associated with major promotional offers and impulse buying. But where does this custom come from? What are its roots, and how has it progressed over the years? Let’s explore the captivating history of Black Friday and explore the origins of this essential shopping day. The word “Black Friday” originated in the USA, but its precise origin is controversial. One of the most popular theories was developed in the 1960s. Back then, the day after Thanksgiving was the start of the Christmas shopping season. The day was an opportunity for the city’s merchants to put on massive promotions, attracting crowds of customers. The traffic and congestion prompted Philadelphia police to use the word “Black Friday” to describe the disorder that prevailed that day. Another, more positive hypothesis is that the word “Black Friday” refers to retailers’ accounting. Accounts were generally written in red ink for losses and black ink for profits. Merchants hoped that the massive sales on the day after Thanksgiving would enable them to switch from red to black ink, hence the word “Black Friday”. Over time, Black Friday has evolved into a major shopping event. The tradition has been adopted by major chain stores and online retailers, who offer spectacular discounts to attract customers. It has become commonplace for stores to open in the morning, sometimes as early as midnight, and queues outside stores have grown longer. With the development of online commerce, Black Friday has also moved into the digital world. Online shopping platforms now offer exclusive deals, giving consumers the chance to take advantage of bargains without having to leave their homes. Cyber Monday, a day of online promotions following Black Friday, was born of this evolution. Black Friday is no longer just a custom in the USA. It has been exported to many countries around the world, becoming a global shopping event. Consumers in Europe, Asia and South America are eager to take advantage of this day of promotions. The concept has been adopted by international retailers, who offer promotions on a variety of products, from clothing to electronics to travel.

Black Friday has a huge impact on the retail sector. It’s an opportunity for retailers to generate a significant proportion of their annual sales in a single day. Consumers can take advantage of this opportunity to make significant savings on their end-of-year purchases. However, Black Friday is not without its debates. Over-consumption and sometimes aggressive commercial practices are criticized by critics. Black Friday also has an impact on tourism. Many travelers organize their trips to make the most of this day of promotions, taking advantage of special offers on flights, hotels and activities. Shopping hotspots such as New York, London and Paris attract many tourists who come to shop at discounted prices. Black Friday is much more than just a day of discounts. It’s a cultural and commercial process that has evolved over the decades, transcending borders and industries. From its beginnings in Philadelphia to its global expansion, Black Friday continues to fascinate and attract millions of consumers every year. Whether you’re a bargain-lover or a curious observer, Black Friday remains an essential event in the business calendar. Whether you’re planning your next shopping getaway or simply interested in the story behind the day, Black Friday continues to fascinate and surprise. Get ready to take advantage of the most advantageous promotions and explore the hidden gifts this special day has to offer.