Here it is again– Black Friday, known as being the official start date for holiday shopping. We all are familiar with its reputation for being the busiest shopping day of the year, but why and when did this start?
The term “Black Friday,” according to the History Channel, was first used on September 24, 1869, with the crash of the U.S. gold market. Sixty years later, on October 29, 1929, “Black Tuesday” was born, marking the onset of the Great Depression. While we have come to see it as a day for profit, the root of the term was originally associated with economic stress.
So, when did it change?
The modern-day Black Friday is thought to have begun in the 1950s when Philadelphia police officers would describe “the chaos that resulted when large numbers of suburban tourists came into the city to begin their holiday shopping,” according to Britannica. Stores around the city would promote major sales ahead of the Army/Navy game that would take place the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
In the past, stores would always respect the unwritten rule that holiday shopping was not allowed to start until after Thanksgiving. Stores would not advertise sales or be so assertive towards customers in reverence of “Turkey Day.” However, the day after Thanksgiving, all bets were off. Not only would retailers blast patrons with sales and marketing ploys, but shoppers were also more likely to start spending money and stores saw the profits start to roll in.
It’s hard to say where Black Friday stands today, as other “shopping holidays” have made their way to the forefront such as “Prime Day” and “Cyber Monday.” It is, however, the one day of the year when all major retailers WILL release extraordinary discounts on top-rated items and then some.
As we all know, the day has grown in popularity so much so that sales are now being released early. Many families find themselves wrapping up Thanksgiving dinner earlier than usual, as retailers open their doors on Thanksgiving evening to an astonishing in-person turnout.
If you are brave enough to hit the streets on Black Friday, experts have recommended that you do so with extreme caution. Unfortunately, the day has also become a day that tends to bring out the worst in an eager shopper.
Many have been known to be aggressive and rowdy, which has resulted in injuries and even deaths. So, if you are out there, remember to exercise patience, to be aware of your surroundings, and to take in the wonderful feeling of the holiday season without putting yourself in harm’s way.
