The Wild Ride of Retail’s Craziest Shopping Day: The Story Behind It.
Black Fridays turned into way more than just a shopping spree—it's kind of a big deal now, mixing up the retail scene with crazy deals and shoppers buzzing with excitement. What started as a local term in Philadelphia has snowballed into a worldwide event that really grabs the attention of shoppers and stores everywhere.
From Red to Black: The Economic Mythology of a Shopping Phenomenon
In the past, the name "Black Friday" had interesting economic significance. For retailers, who had been "in the red" (showing financial losses) before, this one day after Thanksgiving brought in so much money that they were finally "in the black" (indicating profits). This story of how money changed hands became deeply rooted in the retail mythos, representing a turning point at which businesses could fix their money problems.
A Colorful History of Chaos and Crowds
The origins of Black Friday are far from glamorous. In the 1950s, the term was surprisingly dark—managers used it to describe the day many workers would call in sick after Thanksgiving, drawing a grim comparison with the bubonic plague. By the early 1960s, Philadelphia police officers had adopted the term to describe the overwhelming chaos created by massive crowds of holiday shoppers and football fans converging on the city, forcing officers to work gruelling extended shifts.
The Evolution of a Retail Tradition
By the end of the 1970s, newspapers in Philadelphia had formally adopted the expression "Black Friday" to mean the beginning of the holiday shopping season. The 1980s was a watershed moment with companies fully embracing the term as a marketing opportunity. Retailers no longer viewed Black Friday as a day full of confusion; instead, they started seeing it as a unique opportunity for action to increase their sales and attract customers with great specials.
The Digital Revolution Transforms Black Friday
The rise of online shopping has drastically altered Black Friday. Instead of being limited to physical stores, consumers can now get the thrill of shopping from the comfort of their own homes. Recent figures show that retailers have adjusted by launching their Black Friday bargains weeks ahead of time. In 2023, well-known brands like Amazon, Nordstrom, and Skims started providing discounts long before the official Black Friday date.
More Than Just Discounts: The Modern Retail Strategy
In 2024, retailers are realizing that success requires more than just price decreases. Jill Standish of Accenture's Retail industry division points out that retailers must consider the full purchasing experience. Every area of retail operation, from inventory management to customer service, has the potential to make or destroy the holiday shopping season.
The Numbers Tell a Compelling Story
The impact of Black Friday is significant. In 2022, RetailNext reported a 2.5% increase in brick-and-mortar store traffic compared to the previous year. However, The NPD Group noted that sales that week were 5% lower than in 2021, highlighting the complex dynamics of modern retail.
The Best Places to Find Black Friday Deals
Some retailers consistently excel during Black Friday:
- Amazon remains a leader with its wide variety of deals across different product categories.
- Walmart draws in shoppers with enticing doorbusters on electronics, toys, and home essentials.
- Best Buy continues to be a haven for tech enthusiasts, presenting significant discounts on the newest gadgets.
- Target showcases a broad selection of discounted items, ranging from electronics to apparel.
- Flipkart is popular among online shoppers, especially when they roll out huge discounts on gadgets, smartphones, clothing, and more. Their "Big Billion Days" sale is a big deal and happens around the same time as Black Friday.
- Myntra drops some serious prices on clothes, shoes, and accessories during Black Friday and other sales, so it’s a great time to score deals.
- Specialty retailers like Sephora and Nordstrom provide distinct offers within their specific markets.
Not a Holiday, But a Retail Phenomenon
Did you know that Black Friday isn't actually a federal or bank holiday? While some holidays might cause stores to close or have shorter hours, Black Friday usually means longer hours and stores opening early.
The Future of Black Friday
As shopping changes, Black Friday has become more than a day for bargains. It shows how people shop, economic trends, and how buying and selling are changing. From its hectic beginnings to its role as a worldwide shopping event, Black Friday still fascinates us.
The story of Black Friday is ultimately a narrative of adaptation—of retailers and consumers finding new ways to connect, save, and celebrate the art of the deal.
The Kaftan Company has its Black Friday sale from 28th November to 2nd December. You can get up to 80% off on our exclusive collection. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this big sale and grab the best offers for yourself.
