The History of Black Friday: From Tradition to Global Phenomenon

 

HISTORY OF BLACK FRIDAY

Black Friday is synonymous with shopping sprees, doorbuster deals, and record-breaking sales, but it wasn’t always this way. The journey of Black Friday from a local U.S. shopping event to a global retail phenomenon reflects changes in commerce, consumer culture, and technology. 

This article takes a look at the origins of Black Friday, how it became the most famous shopping day in the U.S., and its worldwide influence on both in-store and online sales.

The Origins of Black Friday in the United States

The term "Black Friday" originally didn’t refer to shopping at all. In the 1950s and '60s, police in Philadelphia used the phrase to describe the chaos that ensued on the day after Thanksgiving. 

Thousands of shoppers would flood the city, often arriving before dawn, to start their holiday shopping early or attend the annual Army-Navy football game. The increased traffic, congestion, and even crime rates meant that police officers and city workers had to work long hours. For them, it was a “black” day in terms of effort and stress.

Retailers initially resisted the term due to its negative connotations, and attempts were made to rebrand it to “Big Friday.” However, by the 1980s, “Black Friday” had taken on a new meaning and was fully embraced by retailers and the public. 

At this point, the term was linked to profitability, suggesting that this day marked the time when businesses would finally turn a profit for the year, “going into the black” rather than staying “in the red.”

Black Friday’s Rise to Prominence in American Shopping Culture

Black Friday continued to grow throughout the 1980s and '90s as a significant shopping day. Retailers saw it as a way to kick off the holiday season, and shoppers started viewing it as the time to find the best deals. Gradually, retailers began competing to open earlier, with some stores eventually opening as early as 5 a.m. or even midnight. By the 2000s, Black Friday was firmly established as the largest shopping day in the United States.

Around this time, doorbuster deals and steep discounts on electronics, toys, and other popular gift items became staples of Black Friday. Retailers promoted one-day-only deals, creating a sense of urgency that led to long lines and, in some unfortunate cases, crowding and safety incidents. News coverage of these events only fueled the excitement and attention surrounding Black Friday.

The Birth of Cyber Monday and the Growth of Online Sales

As online shopping grew in the early 2000s, so did the idea of Cyber Monday. Launched in 2005, Cyber Monday was created by retailers and marketing companies as a way to encourage people to shop online. 

It offered a chance for those who had missed out on Black Friday deals or preferred shopping from home to get discounts on a broad range of products. Cyber Monday quickly became the biggest online shopping day in the U.S., and it extended the Black Friday shopping weekend into a multi-day event.

The rise of Cyber Monday also marked a shift in shopping habits. The convenience of online shopping led more consumers to skip the crowds and long lines, and online sales for Black Friday itself began to soar. With many retailers offering discounts from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, the shopping spree evolved from a single day into an extended holiday shopping weekend.

Black Friday Goes Global

Black Friday’s popularity in the United States didn’t go unnoticed internationally. Around the 2010s, retailers in other countries, starting in Canada and the United Kingdom, began to adopt the event. 

In Canada, cross-border shopping by Canadians who traveled to the U.S. for Black Friday deals encouraged Canadian retailers to create their own sales to keep shoppers in-country. Similarly, British retailers saw an opportunity to boost sales and introduced Black Friday deals, which quickly gained popularity.

Soon, Black Friday became a global event, with countries like Australia, Brazil, France, and Germany adopting the tradition. Retailers worldwide saw the potential to increase sales during this period, even if they didn’t celebrate Thanksgiving. 

In China, the event took on a new dimension with the influence of Singles’ Day, a similar retail phenomenon on November 11, which preceded Black Friday as an e-commerce event.

The Role of E-Commerce and Technology

The expansion of Black Friday globally was also driven by advances in technology and e-commerce. The rise of smartphones, social media, and global retail platforms like Amazon and eBay allowed consumers to access Black Friday deals regardless of where they lived. For example, Amazon’s Black Friday sales have attracted customers from around the world, providing discounts and deals on a wide range of products.

Social media has played a crucial role in promoting Black Friday internationally. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter enable retailers to promote deals and create hype for their Black Friday sales. 

Influencers and brands alike use social media to share exclusive deals, previews, and giveaways, further fueling interest worldwide.

The Changing Nature of Black Friday: From In-Store to Online

Today, Black Friday has evolved significantly from its in-store origins. Many consumers now prefer shopping online for convenience and safety, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to e-commerce. 

In response, retailers have expanded their online offerings, creating Black Friday and Cyber Week sales that run for several days. Subscription services, memberships, and “exclusive access” deals also allow brands to reach customers earlier, creating a month-long shopping experience that extends beyond Black Friday.

This shift has also affected the nature of Black Friday deals. Where once the event focused on one-day, in-store-only deals, today’s Black Friday is characterized by online promotions, price-matching, and exclusive digital coupons that cater to a tech-savvy, global audience.

Conclusion: Black Friday’s Global Legacy

Black Friday has transformed from a single U.S.-based shopping day into a worldwide retail event. Its growth has had a lasting impact on the shopping season, introducing a “deal culture” where consumers seek discounts and retailers strategically prepare for months. It has also led to the expansion of holiday sales worldwide, making November a month dedicated to shopping and gift-giving.

As the event continues to evolve, Black Friday remains a powerful example of how retail traditions can grow, adapt, and resonate with people across different countries and cultures. 

Whether shopping online, at a local store, or through global retailers, Black Friday connects consumers and retailers around the world in a shared experience of excitement, anticipation, and, above all, the thrill of a good deal.

NOTE: All pictures were generated by AI and for illustrative purposes only.