Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year in the U.S., is now a global retail phenomenon. But the origins of this iconic day are far more surprising than you might think. From chaotic streets to massive sales events, Black Friday’s evolution is a story of transformation.
The Origins: Chaos in Philadelphia
The term "Black Friday" first appeared in the 1960s in Philadelphia. Back then, it had a negative connotation, referring to the traffic jams, overcrowded stores, and overtime for police officers who were struggling to control the chaos. It wasn’t about shopping—it was about managing the pandemonium that followed Thanksgiving.
From Chaos to Profits: The Shift in Meaning
By the late 1970s, retailers saw an opportunity. As shopping became a tradition after Thanksgiving, stores began offering discounts to kick off the holiday season. The term "Black Friday" gradually shifted from its negative roots to reflect profitability. In accounting terms, "being in the black" meant making a profit, and for retailers, Black Friday marked the moment when they moved from losses ("in the red") to gains.
The Rise of Doorbusters and Mega Sales
In the 1980s and 1990s, Black Friday grew in popularity as stores introduced "doorbusters"—deep discounts on popular products, often with limited availability. Shoppers began camping out overnight to be first in line, and the day became associated with long lines, big crowds, and incredible deals. News outlets covered the frenzy, and Black Friday became an event in itself.
The Digital Revolution: Black Friday Online
In the 2010s, e-commerce changed the game. Online retailers like Amazon embraced Black Friday, offering deals just a click away. This extended the event beyond physical stores, with Cyber Monday following closely behind. Today, many retailers offer Black Friday discounts both online and in-store, turning the shopping event into a weeklong celebration.
A Global Shopping Event
Although Black Friday started in the U.S., it quickly spread around the world. From Canada to the UK and beyond, countries now host their own Black Friday sales, often tied to local shopping holidays. In China, the event aligns with Singles’ Day (November 11), another massive shopping day, and the global shopping frenzy continues to grow each year.
Conclusion
Black Friday has come a long way from its chaotic roots in Philadelphia. What started as a day of traffic nightmares and police overtime has transformed into a global retail event, driven by discounts, doorbusters, and the rise of online shopping. Today, Black Friday signals the start of the holiday season, with both in-store and online deals enticing shoppers worldwide.