History of Thanksgiving Sales: How Black Friday Became a Shopping Tradition
The history of Thanksgiving sales is deeply intertwined with American culture, evolving over the decades to become one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year. Its roots date back to the 19th century when Thanksgiving marked the unofficial start of the holiday season. Retailers saw an opportunity to capitalize on this period, offering special discounts and events to attract customers.
However, the term Black Friday, now synonymous with massive Thanksgiving sales, originated in the 1950s. Philadelphia police coined the phrase to describe the chaos caused by post-Thanksgiving shoppers flooding the streets ahead of the Army-Navy football game. By the 1980s, the retail industry redefined Black Friday as a day when stores moved "into the black" (profitable) due to increased sales volumes. Since then, Thanksgiving sales have grown exponentially, both in-store and online, inaugurating a weekend of deals and ending with Cyber Monday.
Today, Thanksgiving sales represent more than just discounts. They symbolize the kickoff to holiday shopping worldwide, with millions eagerly awaiting doorbuster deals. The ongoing trend towards online shopping and early promotions further extends the legacy of Black Friday, making it a global phenomenon.
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