ALBAWABA Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving in the United States and is widely recognized as the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Traditionally, it marks the first big day of pre-Christmas sales, often featuring significant discounts and special deals.
Here’s why it’s celebrated with such massive sales each year:
What is Black Friday?
- Origins: The term "Black Friday" dates back to the 1950s in Philadelphia, where police used it to describe the heavy crowds and traffic that flooded the city the day after Thanksgiving. Retailers later embraced the term, associating it with financial success. For many businesses, it’s when they shift from being “in the red” (operating at a loss) to “in the black” (turning a profit).
- Timing: Held annually on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday has become an unofficial shopping holiday in the U.S. and has since spread internationally, with major retail and e-commerce companies around the world participating.
Why is There a Huge Sale Every Year?
- Start of Holiday Shopping Season: Black Friday marks the beginning of the holiday season when shoppers buy gifts for Christmas, Hanukkah, and other celebrations. To attract customers, retailers offer steep discounts to encourage people to start their holiday shopping early.
- Boosting Sales for Retailers: Retailers rely on Black Friday sales to boost their profits. By offering limited-time deals, they increase foot traffic, both in-store and online, which leads to higher overall sales.
- Competition Between Retailers: Retailers compete to attract shoppers by offering the best deals. This competition fuels even bigger discounts, creating a “race” among stores to offer the lowest prices and draw the largest crowds.
- Increased Demand and Limited-Time Offers: Black Friday sales often include "doorbusters" or special promotions that are available only for a limited time or in limited quantities, which drives urgency. This demand encourages shoppers to make quick purchases, leading to increased sales for retailers.
Today, Black Friday has become a global shopping event, with retailers around the world participating, offering both in-store and online sales. It’s not only the biggest shopping day in the U.S. but also increasingly popular in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and other regions, where shoppers eagerly look forward to big discounts and great deals.
