Black Friday is the day after the American holiday of Thanksgiving, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It is considered the beginning of the Christmas shopping season, and it is the busiest shopping day of the year in the United States. Here are some interesting facts about the history of Black Friday:
The Origin of the Name “Black Friday”
The origin of the name “Black Friday” is not entirely clear. Some people believe it comes from the idea that retailers start to turn a profit or get “into the black” on this day. Others think it comes from the traffic congestion and chaos that often occur on this busy shopping day.
The First Black Friday Sale
The first recorded use of the term “Black Friday” was in Philadelphia in the 1960s. The police used it to describe the heavy traffic and chaos that occurred on the day after Thanksgiving. However, the first Black Friday sale did not occur until the 1980s, when retailers began offering deep discounts to attract shoppers.
The Rise of Online Shopping
With the rise of online shopping, Black Friday has become less of an in-store event and more of an online one. Many retailers now offer their Black Friday deals online, and some even start their sales on Thanksgiving Day.
The Most Popular Items
Electronics and toys are the most popular items purchased on Black Friday. People often line up outside stores for hours to get their hands on the latest gadgets and toys at deeply discounted prices.
The Biggest Shopping Day of the Year
Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year in the United States. In 2019, shoppers spent a record $7.4 billion on this day alone. However, it is not the busiest shopping day in the world – that title belongs to China’s Singles Day, which takes place on November 11th.
The Dark Side of Black Friday
While Black Friday is often associated with great deals and big savings, it can also have a dark side. There have been reports of violence, theft, and even deaths on this day, as shoppers compete for limited quantities of popular items.
The Future of Black Friday
As online shopping continues to grow in popularity, the future of Black Friday is uncertain. Some experts predict that the day may become less significant as retailers offer deals throughout the holiday season. Others believe that Black Friday will always be an important part of the holiday shopping season.
Conclusion
Black Friday is a day with a rich history and many interesting facts. Whether you love or hate this shopping holiday, it is hard to deny its significance in American culture. As we look to the future, it will be interesting to see how Black Friday evolves and whether it remains the biggest shopping day of the year.