Why is it called Black Friday the day after Thanksgiving?
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, has become a significant event in the retail calendar, marking the beginning of the holiday shopping season. But why is it called Black Friday? The name has an interesting history that reflects the financial struggles of retailers and the transformation of this day into a massive shopping event.
The term “Black Friday” originated in the 1960s in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was initially used to describe the heavy traffic and chaos that occurred in the city on the day after Thanksgiving. However, the name took on a different meaning in the retail industry.
Before the 1960s, retailers were struggling financially during the holiday season. The period between Thanksgiving and Christmas was a crucial time for stores to make enough money to stay afloat throughout the year. However, the costs of advertising, inventory, and employee wages often left retailers in the red, or “in the red,” as they say in accounting terms.
This situation changed with the introduction of Black Friday. As the name suggests, the day became a turning point for retailers, where they would “go into the black” and start making a profit. The influx of shoppers on Black Friday helped stores generate significant revenue, allowing them to turn a profit and move out of the red.
The tradition of Black Friday shopping gained momentum in the 1980s and 1990s, as retailers began offering massive discounts and promotions to attract customers. The day became synonymous with the beginning of the holiday shopping season, and the name “Black Friday” stuck.
Today, Black Friday has evolved into a global phenomenon, with retailers across the United States and other countries offering incredible deals and discounts. It has become a highly anticipated event for shoppers, who look forward to scoring great deals on electronics, clothing, and other items.
In conclusion, the name “Black Friday” is a reflection of the financial struggles retailers faced in the past and the transformation of the day into a massive shopping event. While the term has its origins in the chaos of traffic in Philadelphia, it now represents the opportunity for retailers to start making a profit and for shoppers to enjoy incredible deals.
