Why Is It Called Black Friday? The History Behind the Name

How Black Friday Started: The History Behind the Biggest Shopping Day

Black Friday is a term synonymous with frenzied shopping, deep discounts, and the unofficial start of the holiday season. However, the origins of Black Friday are far from its current image of retail triumph. This article delves into how Black Friday started, evolving from historical roots to become the shopping phenomenon we know today.

The Origins of the Term “Black Friday”

The earliest known use of the term “Black Friday” wasn’t associated with shopping at all. It originated in the 1860s during a financial crisis. On September 24, 1869, two Wall Street financiers, Jay Gould and James Fisk, attempted to corner the U.S. gold market. Their scheme failed, causing a market crash that left many investors bankrupt. Newspapers referred to the day as “Black Friday” to mark the devastating economic consequences.

Black Friday and Philadelphia’s Traffic Chaos

The term “Black Friday” as it relates to retail emerged much later, in the 1950s, in Philadelphia. Police officers used it to describe the chaotic day after Thanksgiving, when throngs of shoppers and tourists descended upon the city ahead of the annual Army-Navy football game. This influx of people caused traffic jams, overcrowded sidewalks, and increased shoplifting, leaving the police force overworked and frustrated.

Local retailers tried to rebrand the day as “Big Friday” to cast it in a more positive light, but the name “Black Friday” stuck.

The Retail Transformation: From Chaos to Opportunity

By the 1980s, retailers began to embrace the term and use it to their advantage. They reframed “Black Friday” to signify a turning point when stores moved from operating “in the red” (a term for losses) to “in the black” (profitable) thanks to a surge in holiday sales.

Retailers started offering deep discounts on the Friday after Thanksgiving to attract customers, and it quickly became a national shopping tradition. This shift marked the transformation of Black Friday into a celebration of consumerism.

The Modern Black Friday Phenomenon

In the digital age, Black Friday has expanded beyond its origins. With the rise of online shopping, retailers have extended deals into Cyber Monday and beyond, creating an entire week of discounts. International markets, including countries like the UK, Canada, and even India, have adopted the concept, making Black Friday a global shopping event.

The Cultural Impact of Black Friday

Today, Black Friday represents more than just deals—it’s a cultural phenomenon. For some, it’s a day of excitement and tradition, often signaling the start of holiday festivities. For others, it highlights the excesses of consumerism, with images of long lines, overcrowded stores, and sometimes chaotic stampedes.

Despite its mixed reputation, Black Friday’s evolution from a day of financial disaster and traffic woes to a shopping holiday reflects society’s changing priorities and the ingenuity of retailers in shaping consumer behavior.

Conclusion

Black Friday’s journey from its 19th-century roots to its modern status as a shopping extravaganza is a fascinating tale of adaptation and marketing genius. Whether you see it as a day of opportunity or a symbol of excess, Black Friday remains a significant part of global culture.

As the day continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Black Friday is here to stay, carrying its complex history into the future of retail.