Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, has become a holiday shopping phenomenon marked by deep discounts and early store openings. However, the origins of the name “Black Friday” are rich and multifaceted, with roots that date back well before the retail industry claimed the term. Let’s dive into why it’s called Black Friday after Thanksgiving and how this day evolved into one of the biggest shopping events in the U.S. and beyond.
The History of Black Friday
The term “Black Friday” has taken on various meanings throughout history, each layer adding to its current significance:
- 1869 Financial Crisis: The first notable use of “Black Friday” dates back to September 24, 1869, when a major U.S. financial crisis led to a market crash and gold prices plummeting.
- 1950s Workforce Absenteeism: The phrase reemerged in the 1950s as a way for companies to describe the high absentee rates of employees calling in sick after Thanksgiving.
- 1960s Philadelphia Traffic: Philadelphia police adopted the term to describe the heavy traffic and chaos caused by holiday shoppers and tourists in town for the Army-Navy football game, leading to congestion and longer police shifts.
Also Read: Holiday Shopping Hours for Thanksgiving and Black Friday 2024
From Red to Black: The Retail Spin
In the 1980s, Black Friday took on a new meaning within the retail industry. Retailers started promoting it as the point when their profits would shift from “in the red” (losses) to “in the black” (profits), thanks to post-Thanksgiving sales. This rebranding led to its current association as the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, celebrated with steep discounts to kick off holiday sales.
Observing Black Friday Worldwide
Black Friday was originally observed only in the United States, but over the years, it has spread to countries around the world. Here are a few:
- Canada, United Kingdom, Australia: These countries have embraced Black Friday in recent years, with many retailers offering deals to keep up with U.S. shopping trends.
- Germany, Italy, and France: Black Friday has gained traction across Europe as a major sales event.
- Mexico (El Buen Fin): A similar sales event, “El Buen Fin” (The Good Weekend), happens in mid-November.
Important Points in the Evolution of Black Friday
| Period | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1869 | Financial crisis (first “Black Friday”) | Gold market crash in the U.S. |
| 1950s | Workforce absenteeism | Workers calling in sick after Thanksgiving |
| 1960s | Philadelphia police use the term | Refers to heavy traffic and congestion |
| 1980s | Retailers redefine Black Friday | Marks the shift from losses to profits in sales |
Why is Black Friday Called Black Friday After Thanksgiving?
The name “Black Friday” after Thanksgiving reflects a combination of historical events and modern retail strategy. Here’s why it has stuck:
- From Red to Black in Retail: Many retailers promoted Black Friday as the day their sales finally moved “in the black,” symbolizing profit, which solidified its importance.
- Evolution from a Chaotic Day to a Shopping Tradition: Black Friday was once seen as a day of congestion, but it has evolved into a highly anticipated event for holiday shoppers.
- International Recognition: Now celebrated worldwide, Black Friday represents a kickoff to holiday shopping for customers across the globe.
FAQs about Black Friday
Why is it called Black Friday after Thanksgiving?
Originally, Philadelphia police coined the term to describe post-Thanksgiving shopping congestion, but by the 1980s, it became associated with retail profits going from “in the red” to “in the black.”
Did Black Friday start as a positive or negative term?
Initially, Black Friday had negative connotations, linked to traffic, workforce absenteeism, and financial crises. Over time, it was rebranded positively by the retail industry.
Why is Black Friday important for retailers?
Black Friday is significant because it marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season, with sales that often contribute a large portion of annual revenue for retailers.
Do other countries celebrate Black Friday?
Yes, many countries worldwide, including Canada, the U.K., and Australia, now observe Black Friday sales, with some, like Mexico, having their own similar event.
What time do stores open on Black Friday?
Store opening hours vary, with some opening as early as midnight on Thanksgiving or as late as 6 a.m. on Black Friday, depending on the retailer.
Conclusion
From a chaotic post-Thanksgiving workday to a globally recognized shopping event, Black Friday has come a long way. Today, it’s known for unbeatable deals, marking the start of the Christmas shopping season for customers around the world. Understanding why it’s called Black Friday after Thanksgiving offers insight into its rich history and evolution into one of the year’s biggest retail events.