The day after Thanksgiving in the United States, famously known as Black Friday, is widely recognised as one of the most significant shopping events of the entire year. It officially kicks off the festive Christmas and holiday shopping season, captivating millions with its massive discounts and bustling sales, both in physical stores and across online platforms.
However, the modern image of a consumer paradise is a far cry from the day's original meaning. Before it became synonymous with record-breaking sales volumes, the term Black Friday carried a rather chaotic and negative connotation, which has now been largely replaced by the spirit of consumer spending and holiday preparations.
The Chaotic Origins of Black Friday
The phrase 'Black Friday' first originated in the city of Philadelphia during the 1950s and 1960s. It was used by the local police force to describe the post-Thanksgiving chaos that engulfed the city. This turmoil was a result of the confluence of heavy holiday shopping, crowded streets, significant traffic jams, incidents of shoplifting, and the influx of visitors for the annual Army-Navy football game.
For the authorities, it was a massive headache, leading to extra-long duty hours for police officers and bus drivers. The term was firmly negative, reflecting the immense logistical challenges the day presented.
Rebranding to 'Black' for Profits
So, how did the name transition from describing chaos to symbolising profit? The explanation that gained traction revolves around accounting practices. The term “Black” in the modern context refers to stores going “into the black,” which signifies becoming profitable.
Historically, it is said that retailers operated “in the red” (indicating loss) for the majority of the year and finally turned a profit during the Thanksgiving weekend, thanks to the massive sales surge.
Initially, retailers disliked the negative name associated with the Philadelphia chaos. They even attempted to change it to “Big Friday,” but that term never caught on with the public. By the late 1980s, retailers cleverly rebranded the narrative. They popularised the more positive “red to black profits” explanation in an attempt to permanently erase the day's connection to disorder and replace it with a focus on financial success.
Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday: The Shopping Duo
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the twin pillars of the annual shopping calendar, but they serve distinct purposes. Black Friday, occurring the day after Thanksgiving, traditionally focuses on both in-store and online deals. Shoppers can expect major discounts on a wide range of products including electronics, home appliances, fashion, and home goods.
On the other hand, Cyber Monday is observed on the Monday following Thanksgiving. It was created specifically to promote online shopping and typically offers strong deals on technology, gadgets, digital products, and accessories.
In today's retail landscape, the lines have blurred significantly. Most brands now merge both events into an extended shopping period often referred to as Cyber Week, offering consumers a longer window to grab the best deals.
