What’s the History Behind Black Friday?
Black Friday, the day following Thanksgiving, has become one of the most anticipated shopping days of the year. But what’s the history behind this phenomenon? The origins of Black Friday can be traced back to the 19th century, although the name itself was not used until the mid-20th century.
The term “Black Friday” was first used in the 1960s by the Philadelphia Police Department to describe the heavy traffic and general chaos that would occur on the day after Thanksgiving. The name was meant to be a joke, as the day was anything but black in terms of financial success for retailers. However, the name stuck, and over time, it has come to represent the beginning of the holiday shopping season.
The roots of Black Friday can be traced back to the early 19th century, when retailers would offer special sales to attract customers. These sales were often held on the day after Thanksgiving, as people were already in the shopping mood after the holiday. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that Black Friday began to gain national attention.
One of the key factors that contributed to the rise of Black Friday was the post-World War II economic boom. As the economy grew, so did consumer spending, and retailers looked for ways to capitalize on this trend. They began to promote Black Friday as a day of massive discounts and deals, and the tradition caught on quickly.
In the 1980s, Black Friday became even more popular as retailers started to offer bigger and better deals. This was partly due to the rise of big-box stores and the introduction of Black Friday advertisements in newspapers and on television. The day became a national event, with millions of people across the country participating in the shopping frenzy.
Today, Black Friday has become a symbol of the holiday shopping season, with retailers offering some of the best deals of the year. However, the tradition has also faced criticism for its negative impact on workers, who are often forced to work long hours on Thanksgiving itself. Despite the controversy, Black Friday remains a significant part of American culture, and its history continues to evolve with each passing year.
