Black Friday Origins A Hectic Philly Tradition: Black Friday, a shopping spectacle that kicks off the Christmas shopping season, has become a crucial day for retailers, attracting millions of shoppers in the United States both in stores and online. The tradition, spanning from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday, traces its origins back to the 1950s in Philadelphia. Initially, the term was coined by traffic cops dealing with the surge of suburban shoppers, particularly before the annual Army vs. Navy football game. Despite attempts to rebrand it as “Big Friday” in 1961, the name stuck, with city merchants embracing it to describe the shopping mayhem at their stores.
By 2003, Black Friday had become the most profitable shopping day of the year, marked by retailers adjusting store opening times, offering pre-dawn sales, and creating a sense of urgency among consumers. In 2011, Walmart further extended the holiday by opening its stores on the night of Thanksgiving. However, in recent years, some big-box stores have reversed this trend, opting to close on Thanksgiving.
In 2005, the internet created Cyber Monday, another shopping holiday. The National Retail Federation (NRF) coined it to reflect Black Friday’s buying frenzy. Electronics, smart home equipment, toys, and workout gear dominated Black Friday online sales last year, reaching a record $9.12 billion.
Despite economic challenges such as inflation, higher borrowing costs, and the resumption of student loan repayments, Adobe Analytics expects online sales this year to climb by 5.7% year over year to $9.6 billion. The growth is attributed to record discounts and flexible payment methods, highlighting the enduring significance of Black Friday in the retail landscape.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is the origin of Black Friday in Philadelphia based on?
The term “Black Friday” originated in the early 1960s when Philadelphia police officers used it to describe the pandemonium that ensued when hordes of suburban shoppers descended upon the city for their holiday shopping and, on occasion, to attend the annual Saturday event. This more precise definition sheds light on the term’s true origins.
Why is Black Friday a tradition?
The term “Black Friday” was first used in the journal Factory Management and Maintenance in November 1951, and again in 1952. It was used to describe the habit of workers calling in sick on the day after Thanksgiving to enjoy a four-day weekend.
Which US city did the term Black Friday as we know it today originate from during the 1960s?
As per Britannica and other sources, ‘Black Friday’ was initially linked with the day after Thanksgiving in the 1960s in Philadelphia. The term was coined by the police to depict the chaos that ensued as hordes of suburban shoppers flocked to the city to kickstart their festive shopping.
Why do people go crazy for Black Friday?
The media frenzy leading up to Black Friday can have a powerful effect on your psyche, compelling you to shop even if you don’t have anything specific in mind. The fear of missing out (FOMO) can be triggered by the perception that everyone else is taking advantage of amazing deals. This can be overwhelming and lead to impulsive purchases.