The day after Thanksgiving, known as Black Friday, has become a major shopping event in the United States. Millions of people flock to stores and online retailers to take advantage of deep discounts and limited-time deals. The term “Black Friday” was first used in the 1960s by Philadelphia police officers to describe the chaos that ensued when crowds of suburban shoppers and tourists flooded the city.
The influx of visitors, combined with the annual Army-Navy football game held on the following Saturday, created a massive headache for law enforcement. Some shoppers even took advantage of the holiday rush to shoplift, making it a notorious day for retail theft. Philadelphia retailers attempted to rebrand the event as “Big Friday,” but the name “Black Friday” had already caught on.
In the late 1980s, retailers successfully rebranded Black Friday by linking it to the idea of stores turning a profit and going from being “in the red” to being “in the black.” This helped to transform the perception of the day into a positive shopping experience.
History of Black Friday chaos
Over time, Black Friday has grown into a major shopping holiday, with retailers offering significant promotions and discounts.
The rise of online shopping has also led to the creation of Cyber Monday, a day focused on online deals. In recent years, the distinction between Black Friday and Cyber Monday has blurred, with many retailers extending their sales throughout the entire weekend. This has provided consumers with even more opportunities to find great deals both in-store and online.
Some of the most anticipated deals include discounts on electronics, apparel, and home goods from major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Best Buy. Many stores offer doorbuster deals with limited quantities available, creating a sense of urgency among shoppers. Despite its chaotic origins, Black Friday has become a beloved tradition for many Americans.
The excitement of finding a great deal and the satisfaction of crossing items off holiday shopping lists have helped to cement its place as a key part of the holiday season.
