Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, typically considered the start of the Christmas shopping season. On this day, many retailers offer deeply discounted prices on items ranging from electronics to clothing. Black Friday has become one of the busiest shopping days of the year, and it has also become notorious for the crowd control problems that can occur at overcrowded stores. In recent years, some retailers have begun to open their doors on Thanksgiving evening in an attempt to get a jump on the competition. This has led to criticism from those who feel that Black Friday is encroaching on a family holiday. However, there is no denying that Black Friday is a major event on the retail calendar.
HISTORY OF BLACK FRIDAY
Black Friday has become synonymous with epic sales and chaotic shopping experiences. But what most people don’t know is the true history of this post-Thanksgiving tradition. The term “Black Friday” was originally used to describe the financial crisis that occurred in 1869, when the price of gold plummeted and caused a wave of bankruptcies. However, the term was later associated with the heavy traffic and chaos caused by shoppers on the day after Thanksgiving. Stores, eager to kick off the holiday shopping season, would offer major sales and discounts, leading to overcrowded malls and aggressive consumer behavior. Despite the negative connotations associated with Black Friday, it remains a beloved American tradition for many.
FIVE FUN FACTS ABOUT BLACK FRIDAY
- Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year in the United States.
- The term “Black Friday” was first used in 1869, when two Wall Street financiers crashed the stock market.
- In the 1950s, retailers began using the term “Black Friday” to refer to the day after Thanksgiving, when shoppers would begin their holiday shopping in earnest.
- Black Friday has become increasingly globalized in recent years, with shoppers in countries as far away as Australia and Brazil taking part in the annual event.
- Despite its reputation as a busy and chaotic day, Black Friday can be a great time to find deals on holiday gifts.
HOW TO CELEBRATE BLACK FRIDAY
- Plan a sleepover on Thanksgiving, then get up early for the big shopping day.
- Top 10 Black Friday shopping tips.
- How to Shop Black Friday Online.
- 25 other things to do on Black Friday instead of shopping.
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Do you have any ideas about how to celebrate this day? Please share them!
