The day following Thanksgiving—commonly referred to as Black Friday—has become one of the busiest shopping days of the year in the United States. National chain stores traditionally offer limited money-saving specials on a wide variety of goods in an effort to lure shoppers into stores while offering similar deals online. But why is it called “Black Friday”? Let’s discuss the intriguing history behind this retail phenomenon.
Origins of the Term
1. Chaos in Philadelphia
The popular belief that Black Friday derives from businesses operating at a financial loss until the day after Thanksgiving is, in fact, untrue. The more accurate explanation dates back to the early 1960s when police officers in Philadelphia began using the phrase “Black Friday.” Their intention was to describe the chaos that ensued when large numbers of suburban tourists flooded the city to begin their holiday shopping. In some years, these visitors also attended the annual Army-Navy football game on Saturday. The massive crowds created a headache for the police, who worked longer shifts than usual to deal with traffic jams, accidents, shoplifting, and other issues.
2. The Term Takes Root
Within a few years, the term “Black Friday” had taken root in Philadelphia. However, city merchants attempted to put a prettier face on the day by calling it “Big Friday.” Despite their efforts, the phrase “Black Friday” continued to signify the chaotic shopping frenzy that occurred after Thanksgiving. It wasn’t until the late 1980s that the term gained nationwide prominence as merchants started to spread the red-to-black profit narrative. Black Friday became synonymous with the day stores began to turn a profit for the year and emerged as the biggest shopping day in the United States. Interestingly, most stores actually saw their largest sales on the Saturday before Christmas.
3. Historical Connotations
Beyond its retail connotation, Black Friday has another historical layer unrelated to shopping. In 1869, Wall Street financiers Jay Gould and Jim Fisk attempted to corner the nation’s gold market at the New York Gold Exchange. Their strategy involved buying as much precious metal as possible, intending to send prices skyrocketing. However, President Ulysses S. Grant’s intervention on Friday, September 24, thwarted their plan, causing it to fall apart. This event, too, contributed to the legacy of Black Friday.
The Evolution of Black Friday
1. Retailers Embrace the Term
As Black Friday gained traction, retailers began to embrace the term wholeheartedly. They recognized the opportunity to kick off the holiday shopping season with a bang. The shift from “red” (indicating financial losses) to “black” (signifying profits) became a powerful marketing narrative. Stores across the country started offering deep discounts, doorbusters, and early bird specials to attract eager shoppers. The term “Black Friday” became synonymous with unbeatable deals and frenzied crowds.
2. Midnight Madness and Doorbusters
In the 1980s and 1990s, Black Friday took on a new dimension. Retailers extended their hours, opening their doors at midnight or even earlier. This practice, known as “Midnight Madness,” allowed shoppers to dive headfirst into the holiday shopping season. The allure of doorbuster deals—limited-time, deeply discounted items—enticed consumers to camp outside stores, waiting for the doors to swing open. The adrenaline rush of snagging a heavily discounted TV or the latest toy became part of the Black Friday tradition.
3. Online Black Friday
With the rise of e-commerce, Black Friday expanded beyond physical stores. Online retailers joined the frenzy, offering Cyber Monday deals that extended the savings beyond the weekend. The convenience of shopping from home, combined with enticing online discounts, led to a surge in virtual Black Friday sales. Now, consumers can score deals without leaving their couch, making Black Friday a hybrid event that spans both brick-and-mortar and digital realms.
The Darker Side of Black Friday
1. Crowds and Chaos
While Black Friday promises incredible bargains, it also brings out the worst in some shoppers. The scenes of stampedes, fights over discounted electronics, and aggressive behavior have become infamous. The pursuit of deals can turn shoppers into frenzied competitors, risking their safety and sanity in the process. Retailers have had to implement crowd control measures to maintain order and prevent accidents.
2. Employee Strain
Behind the scenes, Black Friday places immense strain on retail employees. Many workers face grueling shifts, extended hours, and demanding customers. The pressure to keep shelves stocked, manage long lines, and handle customer complaints can take a toll on their well-being. Some retailers have responded by offering additional pay or incentives to employees who work during this intense period.
3. Environmental Impact
The consumerism associated with Black Friday has environmental consequences. The surge in purchases leads to increased packaging waste, energy consumption, and carbon emissions. As shoppers chase after deals, they may not consider the ecological footprint of their choices. However, recent years have seen a growing awareness of sustainable shopping practices, encouraging consumers to make more mindful decisions during the holiday season.
Conclusion
Black Friday remains a complex phenomenon—a blend of excitement, savings, and societal impact. Whether you’re a seasoned bargain hunter or prefer to avoid the crowds, understanding the origins and implications of Black Friday adds depth to this annual shopping tradition. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, so too will our perception of this iconic day.