Black Friday : The Hype, the History, and the Reality

Black Friday has become a global phenomenon, but is it really as great as it seems? Let’s break it down.

The Origins of Black Friday

The term "Black Friday" dates back to 1950s Philadelphia. After Thanksgiving, crowds poured into the city for a football game, causing chaos for police officers dealing with traffic, accidents, and mischief. The frustrated officers started calling it "Black Friday." Over time, the term shifted from chaos to commerce, marking the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season.

What Black Friday Really Offers

Black Friday is the busiest shopping day in the U.S., with stores offering heavily promoted discounts and even opening at midnight or earlier. But there’s a catch those "unmissable deals" aren’t always what they seem.

A recent study reveals that nearly 30% of Black Friday deals aren’t truly discounted. Flashy price cuts and limited-time offers lure shoppers into buying, but many of those deals can be found at similar or lower prices throughout the year.

The Psychological Trap

While Black Friday promises savings, it often leads to unnecessary spending. Research shows that 50% of purchases made during Black Friday are unplanned. You might walk into a store for one item and leave with a cart full of things you don’t need, simply because they were "on sale."

Retailers capitalize on impulse buying, with tactics like "buy now, pay later" schemes and easy credit card access. These tools make it easier to justify purchases, but they can leave you feeling guilty and financially stretched.

The Global Black Friday Craze

Interestingly, Black Friday has expanded to countries like India, which don’t celebrate Thanksgiving. This global marketing strategy encourages people to join the shopping frenzy, even without the holiday connection.

A Smarter Way to Approach Black Friday

While the hype is real, it’s essential to shop wisely. Black Friday is a great time to buy essential items that you’ll use daily and truly need. However, it’s important to remember that this is the biggest marketing event of the year, designed to make you spend—often on things you don’t need.

As you navigate Black Friday sales, stay mindful. Don’t let flashy ads trick you into spending your hard-earned money on things meant to impress others who might not even matter. Instead, focus on value, and let the season work for you not against you.

Happy smart shopping!