The day after Thanksgiving is about more than delicious leftover turkey sandwiches – it’s synonymous with the shopping frenzy known as Black Friday. The tradition has become a staple in American culture, marking the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. But how did it all begin, and why do people brave early mornings, long lines and sometimes even chaos for those irresistible deals?
The term “Black Friday” has roots going back to 1960s Philadelphia, where police used it to describe the heavy traffic and overcrowded streets caused by the start of the holiday shopping rush. Retailers soon reclaimed the term, turning it into a symbol of profitability. In accounting terms, businesses refer to being “in the red” when operating at a loss and “in the black” when profitable. Thus, Black Friday became the day when many retailers moved from losing money to turning a profit for the year.
The tradition has continued to grow, with stores opening earlier each year to attract eager shoppers. What started as 6am openings soon shifted to midnight and in more recent years, some stores have even started offering Black Friday deals on Thanksgiving Day itself, though this has sparked debate about consumerism infringing on the holiday.
“Black Friday is about more than just shopping – for many, it’s a ritual.”
Deals and drama draw millions of Americans out of their homes the day after Thanksgiving – deep discounts on big-ticket items like electronics, appliances and clothing. “Doorbuster” deals entice shoppers, often heavily advertised but available in limited quantities. This creates a sense of urgency that drives crowds to stores before sunrise.
Black Friday is about more than just shopping – for many, it’s a ritual. Some families and friends consider it a bonding experience, mapping out which stores to visit and grabbing coffee to fuel their early morning adventures. For others, it can be a high-stress event, with shoppers camping outside stores overnight or navigating chaotic crowds for the best deals.
In recent years, Black Friday has expanded beyond the in-store experience. The popularity of online shopping has transformed the way people score deals. Cyber Monday, the Monday following Black Friday, is now one of the biggest online shopping days of the year. As a result, many retailers offer Black Friday deals online, giving consumers the option to avoid the crowds and shop from the comfort of their homes.
While foot traffic at brick-and-mortar stores remains strong, more people are opting for the convenience of online shopping. Some retailers even launch their Black Friday sales early, stretching the deals across the entire weekend or week, blurring the lines of what was once a single-day shopping event.
For those planning to partake of the tradition, fuel up, shop local and have fun!
