Black Friday occurs the day after Thanksgiving because it marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. This timing evolved as retailers began offering major sales to attract customers preparing for the upcoming Christmas season. The tradition became associated with Thanksgiving in the 20th century. This holiday itself offered a natural pause before the shopping frenzy, and many people had the day off work.

The term “Black Friday” was popularized in the 1960s. It refers to the surge in shopping activity that helped stores go from operating “in the red” (losses) to “in the black” (profits). Over time, it solidified its place as a pivotal retail event.

Black Friday, the iconic shopping extravaganza that follows Thanksgiving in the United States. It has become a cultural phenomenon that marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. The origins of Black Friday can be traced back to historical events and consumer behaviors that have shaped this day into what it is today.

From its humble beginnings to its current status as a retail juggernaut, understanding why Black Friday falls after Thanksgiving involves exploring a complex interplay of economics, traditions, and societal norms. In this article, we delve into the various facets of Black Friday. Here, we examine its evolution, significance, and impact on both retailers and consumers.

1. Origins of Black Friday

Black Friday has its origins in the United States. It has evolved over the years into the massive shopping phenomenon we know today. Here’s a breakdown of its historical roots:

The Name’s Early Use (1869):

The term “Black Friday” was initially used to describe the financial panic of September 24, 1869. On this day, two investors, Jay Gould and James Fisk, attempted to corner the gold market, causing the stock market to crash and leading to financial chaos.

Retail Connection (1950s-1960s):

The modern association of Black Friday with shopping began in Philadelphia in the 1950s.

• The day after Thanksgiving marked the start of the Christmas shopping season. Philadelphia’s streets would become chaotic with shoppers and tourists attending the Army-Navy football game.
• Police officers, overwhelmed by the crowds, traffic jams, and shoplifting incidents, began referring to the day as “Black Friday.”

A Retail Rebranding (1980s):

Retailers were initially unhappy with the negative connotation of “Black Friday.” By the 1980s, they reframed it:

• Businesses emphasized the idea that this was the day their profits moved “into the black,” referring to accounting terms where black ink indicates profitability and red ink signifies losses.
• This rebranding made Black Friday a positive, consumer-driven event.

Black Friday Today:

It has since transformed into a major shopping day both in the U.S. and internationally:

• Retailers offer significant discounts to draw crowds.
• It marks the unofficial start of holiday shopping, with some stores opening as early as Thanksgiving evening.

The term and concept of Black Friday have also evolved further with the advent of Cyber Monday for online shopping and Small Business Saturday to encourage supporting local businesses.

2. Historical Evolution of Thanksgiving and Black Friday

Historical Evolution of Thanksgiving

Early Roots:

• Thanksgiving traces back to 1621, when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people celebrated a three-day harvest feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It was a way of giving thanks for the first successful harvest in the New World.
• Thanksgiving celebrations were sporadic and localized in the 17th and 18th centuries, often tied to religious observances or gratitude for specific events.

Establishing a National Holiday:

• In 1789, President George Washington proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving in November at the request of Congress.
• However, the holiday didn’t become an annual tradition until the 19th century, thanks to the efforts of Sarah Josepha Hale, an editor and author who campaigned for a unified national holiday.
• In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November, aiming to foster unity.

Modern Thanksgiving:

• In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving to the second-to-last Thursday of November to extend the holiday shopping season. This controversial change was dubbed “Franksgiving.”
• In 1941, Congress passed a resolution establishing Thanksgiving as a national holiday to be observed on the fourth Thursday of November, standardizing the date.

Traditions Over Time:

• Originally focused on religious and family gatherings, Thanksgiving evolved to include parades (like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, starting in 1924) and large meals centered around turkey, stuffing, and pies.
• The holiday has become a cultural touchstone for gratitude and togetherness, celebrated by diverse communities in the U.S.

Historical Evolution of Black Friday

The Name “Black Friday”:

• The term “Black Friday” originally referred to financial crises, such as the stock market crash of 1869.
• In the 1950s-1960s, police in Philadelphia coined the term to describe the chaotic crowds of shoppers. The tourists flooded the city the day after Thanksgiving, ahead of the Army-Navy football game.

Retail Transformation:

• By the 1970s, retailers across the U.S. embraced the term and began using it to signify the start of the holiday shopping season.
• The name gained a more positive connotation as it marked the point when stores went “into the black” (profitable), moving from loss (“in the red”).

Becoming a Shopping Phenomenon:

• In the 1980s-1990s, Black Friday became a widely recognized shopping event, with stores offering significant discounts to attract shoppers.
• The rise of doorbuster deals and early-morning openings spurred competition among retailers and shoppers alike.

Modern Black Friday:

• In the 2000s, Black Friday expanded beyond brick-and-mortar stores, thanks to online shopping and the rise of e-commerce giants like Amazon.
• “Cyber Monday” (first coined in 2005) extended the shopping frenzy to online sales.
• In recent years, “Black Friday” has evolved into a multi-day event, with many retailers starting sales early (sometimes as early as October) and offering “Black Friday Week” deals.

Global Influence:

• Originally a U.S.-centric tradition, Black Friday has gained international popularity in countries like Canada, the UK, and Brazil. It has become a global shopping phenomenon.

The Intersection of Thanksgiving and Black Friday

• Thanksgiving sets the stage for the Black Friday shopping rush. Families come together and plan their purchases for the holiday season.
• Retailers capitalize on the festive and grateful spirit of Thanksgiving to promote consumerism, making the weekend a significant economic driver.

3. Marketing and Consumer Behavior

Strategies Used by Retailers

Retailers employ various strategies to maximize sales on Black Friday. These include limited-time offers, doorbuster deals, and online promotions to attract customers and create a sense of urgency.

Psychology of Black Friday Shopping

The psychology of Black Friday shopping involves the thrill of getting a good deal, the fear of missing out, and the social aspect of participating in a cultural phenomenon, driving consumer behavior on this day.

4. Retail Strategies and Economic Impact

Sales Tactics and Promotions

Retailers utilize sales tactics like price discounts, bundled offers, and loyalty rewards to drive foot traffic and increase sales during the Black Friday shopping extravaganza.

Economic Effects on Businesses and Consumers

The economic impact of Black Friday extends beyond retailers, affecting manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers. While businesses aim to boost profits, consumers may overspend or feel pressured to participate in the shopping frenzy, influencing overall economic trends.

5. Cultural Significance and Traditions

Role of Black Friday in American Culture

Black Friday has become a quintessential part of American culture, marking the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. It is a day when consumers flock to stores in search of the best deals and discounts. It creates a sense of excitement and frenzy.

Traditional Black Friday Activities and Customs

Traditional Black Friday activities include waking up at the crack of dawn to stand in long lines, strategizing store-hopping routes, and competing with fellow shoppers for limited-time offers. It’s a day of adrenaline-fueled bargain hunting and camaraderie in the shared quest for savings.

6. Evolution of Black Friday Deals and Sales

Changes in Black Friday Sales Over Time

Black Friday sales have evolved from in-store doorbusters to encompass online deals and extended shopping periods. Retailers have adapted their strategies to meet consumer demands for convenience and value, leading to a shift in how and when deals are offered.

Impact of Online Shopping on Black Friday

The rise of online shopping has revolutionized Black Friday. It provides consumers with access to deals from the comfort of their homes. This shift has blurred the lines between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It creates a seamless shopping experience that extends beyond physical store locations.

7. Black Friday in the Digital Age

Rise of Online Black Friday Sales

Online Black Friday sales have skyrocketed in recent years, reflecting the growing trend towards e-commerce and digital shopping platforms. Consumers can now browse and purchase deals with a few clicks, eliminating the need to brave crowded stores and long lines.

Social Media Influence on Black Friday Marketing

Social media plays a significant role in shaping Black Friday marketing strategies. The retailers leverage platforms like Instagram and Facebook to promote exclusive deals and engage with customers. Influencers and brand partnerships further amplify the reach of Black Friday campaigns, creating a buzz around the event.

8. Future Trends and Controversies

Current Challenges Facing Black Friday

Black Friday faces challenges such as consumer fatigue, sustainability concerns, and competition from other shopping events throughout the year. Retailers must navigate these obstacles to maintain the relevance and appeal of Black Friday in an ever-changing retail landscape.

Predictions for the Future of Black Friday Shopping

The future of Black Friday shopping is likely to involve a blend of online and in-store experiences, with a continued emphasis on convenience, value, and personalized offers. As technology advances and consumer preferences evolve, Black Friday will adapt to meet the demands of a digitally savvy and discerning shopper base.

Conclusion

Black Friday following Thanksgiving has become deeply ingrained in American culture. It symbolizes the start of the holiday shopping frenzy and offers retailers a lucrative opportunity to boost sales. By understanding the origins, historical evolution, economic significance, and impact on consumer behavior, we gain insight into the complex interplay of factors that have contributed to the enduring popularity of Black Friday. As we look forward to future holiday seasons, the timing of Black Friday will continue to be a focal point of interest and discussion in the retail industry and among consumers.

Image by Sarah Blocksidge from Pixabay

FAQ

1. Why is Black Friday called Black Friday?

2. How has the timing of Thanksgiving influenced Black Friday sales?

3. What are some common consumer trends observed during Black Friday shopping?

4. How have retailers adapted their strategies to capitalize on the Black Friday shopping phenomenon?