What does the term Black Friday come from? This question often arises as people prepare for the annual shopping event that takes place on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. The origin of the term is steeped in history and has evolved over time, making it a fascinating topic to explore.
Black Friday has its roots in the late 19th century when it was simply referred to as “Black Friday” without any specific connotation. The term was used to describe the day after Thanksgiving, when retailers would traditionally begin their holiday shopping season. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that the term took on its negative connotation.
In the 1960s, Philadelphia police officials used the term “Black Friday” to describe the heavy traffic and general chaos that would ensue on the day after Thanksgiving. They were referring to the massive crowds of shoppers flooding the city’s shopping centers, which often led to traffic jams and public disturbances. The term was used to emphasize the negative aspects of the day, highlighting the overwhelming number of people out to shop.
It wasn’t until the 1980s that the term started to take on a more positive connotation. Retailers began to embrace the term, using it as a marketing tool to promote their sales and discounts. They started to use the term “Black Friday” to describe the day when their stores would turn a profit, or “go into the black,” after the heavy costs of the holiday season. This rebranding of the term helped to shift the focus from the negative aspects of the day to the potential for big savings.
As the years went on, Black Friday became synonymous with massive discounts and incredible deals, and the term became widely recognized across the United States. Today, it’s a day that millions of people look forward to, as they plan their shopping sprees and take advantage of the incredible deals offered by retailers.
The term “Black Friday” has come a long way from its origins as a description of chaos and traffic. It has evolved into a symbol of big savings and the start of the holiday shopping season. While the term’s origins may be rooted in the negative aspects of the day, it has ultimately been embraced by retailers and consumers alike, making it a cherished part of the holiday shopping tradition.
