The Origins and Evolution of the Term ‘Black Friday’- Tracing the History of this Popular Shopping Holiday
Where does the phrase “Black Friday” come from? This term, which has become synonymous with the beginning of the holiday shopping season, has a rich history that intertwines with the evolution of American consumer culture.
The origins of Black Friday can be traced back to the 1960s in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At that time, the city’s police department used the term to describe the heavy traffic and general chaos that occurred on the day after Thanksgiving. The day was known for its massive crowds and long lines of shoppers eager to take advantage of the post-Thanksgiving sales.
However, the term took on a different connotation as the years went by. By the 1980s, the National Retail Federation began using the term to promote the shopping event, hoping to encourage consumers to take part in the pre-Christmas shopping frenzy. The name “Black Friday” was believed to symbolize the day when retailers finally turned a profit, moving from “red ink” to “black ink” on their financial statements.
Today, Black Friday has become a global phenomenon, with shoppers across the globe lining up for hours, if not days, to snag the best deals. While the term “Black Friday” has its roots in the chaos of post-Thanksgiving shopping, it has also become a symbol of the commercialism and consumerism that define the holiday season in many parts of the world.
