The History of Black Friday: From Bargain Sales to Shopper’s Extravaganza
Black Friday, a term synonymous with shopping extravaganzas and unbeatable deals, has a rich and intriguing history that traces its origins back to the mid-20th century. This day-after-Thanksgiving phenomenon has evolved from a simple sales strategy to a cultural phenomenon that marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season.
The Birth of Black Friday
The term “Black Friday” was initially coined in the 1960s, not to signify shopping bonanzas, but rather the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic that occurred in Philadelphia on the day after Thanksgiving. It was a phrase used by the police to describe the chaotic gridlock and mayhem caused by the influx of shoppers and tourists.
The Shift to Positive Connotations
As the term gained traction, its meaning evolved. Retailers and businesses in the 1980s began using “Black Friday” to describe the day when they would start turning a profit for the year, moving from being “in the red” to being “in the black” — a financial term indicating profitability. This shift in connotations transformed Black Friday into a positive, profit-driven event for both consumers and businesses.
