What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is more than just a day for scoring great deals—it's a cultural phenomenon that signals the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. From its humble beginnings in the 1950s to its current form as a global shopping event, Black Friday has evolved significantly. Let's explore its origins, how it has adapted to modern retail, and its impact around the world.

The Origins of Black Friday

The term "Black Friday" dates back to 1950s Philadelphia, when police officers used it to describe the chaotic crowds that descended on the city the day after Thanksgiving. Throngs of shoppers and tourists flooded the streets, kicking off the holiday season with a frenzy that caused traffic jams, accidents, and other disruptions. Retailers were initially reluctant to embrace the name due to its negative connotations. However, what started as a term of frustration eventually became synonymous with one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

The Retail Rebranding of Black Friday

In the 1980s, retailers seized the opportunity to turn Black Friday's image around. The phrase was reframed to symbolize something positive: moving from financial losses (operating "in the red") to profits (operating "in the black"). By encouraging a day of massive discounts, stores sought to push sales and attract more customers. This retail rebranding was incredibly successful, and soon Black Friday became known as the start of the holiday shopping season when businesses hoped to turn a profit for the year.

Black Friday’s Evolution to Cyber Monday

As online shopping began to gain popularity, Black Friday’s influence extended into the digital world. In 2005, the term Cyber Monday was coined by the National Retail Federation to capture the surge of online shopping that took place after the Thanksgiving weekend. Retailers began offering exclusive online deals on the Monday following Black Friday, appealing to those who preferred to avoid in-store crowds. Today, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are closely linked, with many retailers offering deals that span the entire weekend—both in-store and online.

The Importance of the In-Store Experience

While online shopping continues to grow, the in-store experience still plays a crucial role in Black Friday’s success. Many retailers go to great lengths to create an engaging and exciting atmosphere, offering doorbuster deals, exclusive product releases, and extended hours. The rush of finding the perfect item in-store, often at a steep discount, is a major part of the Black Friday tradition. For retailers, this is more than just a sales event—it’s an opportunity to build brand loyalty and connect with customers face-to-face. Make sure to check store-specific Black Friday sales.

Black Friday’s Shift Post-COVID

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically changed consumer behavior, and Black Friday was no exception. In recent years, many shoppers have shifted toward online shopping to avoid large crowds, leading to a decline in traditional in-store Black Friday events. Retailers have adapted by offering longer sales periods, with many deals starting as early as October. Shoppers are now more likely to spread their purchases out over several weeks rather than waiting for one day of sales. Additionally, the emphasis on convenience, curbside pickup, and fast shipping has grown stronger in the post-COVID era.

Black Friday in Different Countries

While Black Friday originated in the United States, its popularity has spread across the globe. Countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and even Brazil have embraced the tradition, though each country adapts it to fit their own retail culture. For example, in Canada, Black Friday coincides with American Thanksgiving but has grown as an alternative to the traditional Boxing Day sales. In Mexico, Black Friday blends with the country’s own shopping event, El Buen Fin, which takes place earlier in November. Each nation adds its own twist to the Black Friday frenzy, reflecting local shopping habits and consumer preferences.