Who invented the Black Friday? This question has intrigued many as the Black Friday shopping event has become a significant part of the holiday shopping season in the United States. While the exact origin of Black Friday is somewhat murky, it is widely believed that the term was first used in the 1960s to describe the heavy traffic and chaos that occurred on the day after Thanksgiving. However, the true inventor of Black Friday remains a topic of debate among historians and enthusiasts alike. Let’s delve into the origins and the possible inventors of this annual shopping phenomenon.
The origins of Black Friday can be traced back to the early 20th century when retailers in Philadelphia used the term to describe the heavy and profitable shopping traffic that occurred on the day after Thanksgiving. The term “Black Friday” was first mentioned in a police blotter in the Philadelphia Inquirer on November 29, 1966, referring to the heavy traffic and chaos on the streets of the city. However, it was not until the 1980s that the term gained widespread popularity and began to be associated with the shopping frenzy that followed Thanksgiving.
One of the most popular theories about the inventor of Black Friday is that it was created by the Retail Dry Goods Association (RDGA) in the 1930s. The RDGA was an organization of retailers that aimed to boost sales and counteract the economic downturn of the Great Depression. According to this theory, the RDGA decided to promote the day after Thanksgiving as a day of heavy discounts and promotions to encourage consumers to shop and stimulate the economy.
Another theory suggests that the term “Black Friday” was coined by the National Retail Federation (NRF) in the 1980s. The NRF is a trade association representing retailers in the United States. According to this theory, the NRF wanted to shift the focus from the negative connotations of the term “Black Friday” to the positive aspects of the shopping event, such as the boost to the economy and the opportunity for consumers to find great deals.
Despite these theories, the true inventor of Black Friday remains unknown. Some historians argue that the term was simply a descriptive one, and that no single individual or organization can be credited with its invention. Regardless of who invented the term, Black Friday has become a significant part of the holiday shopping season, with retailers across the United States offering massive discounts and promotions to attract customers.
In conclusion, while the exact inventor of Black Friday remains a mystery, the term has become synonymous with the shopping frenzy that occurs on the day after Thanksgiving. Whether it was the RDGA, the NRF, or simply a descriptive term, Black Friday has become an integral part of the holiday shopping experience in the United States.
