Black Friday Sales History
Black Friday is one of the most well-known shopping days of the year. It marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season and happens annually on the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States. However, the origins and history of Black Friday go beyond its modern association with massive discounts and overcrowded malls.
The term "Black Friday" dates back to the 1960s in Philadelphia, where it was originally used by police to describe the chaotic shopping scenes and heavy traffic that occurred the day after Thanksgiving. By the 1980s, retailers began giving the term a more positive spin, associating it with profitability. Businesses would see their financial accounts shift from "red" (representing losses) to "black" (representing profits) on this particular day.
Throughout the years, the significance of Black Friday has grown exponentially, transforming into a global shopping event. Retailers take advantage of this day to offer substantial discounts and attract large volumes of consumers both in-store and online. The rise of e-commerce has added another dimension to Black Friday, with major platforms like Amazon and other online retailers contributing to new sales records each year.
Though primarily an American tradition, Black Friday has gained traction in many other countries, a testament to its role in the global retail landscape. The day continues to act as a barometer for consumer trends, economic conditions, and shifting shopping habits.
