NCP Blog: The Evolution of Black Friday

Let’s dive into the wild, wonderful world of Black Friday shopping—grab your coffee and comfy slippers!

 

Do you know how “Black Friday” got its name? I’ve always assumed it was because the holiday shopping frenzy was when many stores went “into the black” financially, thanks to shoppers snapping up all those discounted goodies. This retail tradition has been around for decades, but its roots go back to the 1950s. I was surprised to learn the real history behind Black Friday, and you might be, too!

 

According to The History Channel, the name “Black Friday” was coined in Philadelphia, where police officers used it to describe the chaotic crowds that flooded the city the day after Thanksgiving. Tourists and shoppers were out in full force before the big Army-Navy football game the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Traffic jams and packed sidewalks created a headache for law enforcement, who had to work extra-long shifts.

 

Fast forward to the 1980s, and the term got a makeover. Retailers decided to lean into the “black” theme—this time referring to profits. It was brilliant marketing, and it helped solidify Black Friday as the shopping extravaganza we know and (sometimes) love today.

 

Then came the 2000s, and things got more intense. Big-box stores started competing for the earliest opening hours, and we all remember when doors opened at midnight—or even earlier! Shoppers desperate for deals started camping outside stores for hours before they opened, and many stores started opening their doors earlier each year.

 

Online shopping also entered the scene with Cyber Monday, giving people the option to snag deals without braving the crowds.

 

Today, Black Friday isn’t just one day—it’s practically a whole season, with early deals and week-long sales. Survey insights from NIQ show that in 2023, 32% of consumers took advantage of early deals before Black Friday. Another 24% waited to shop until Black Friday and then shopped online, while 19% waited to shop in person.

 

It’s become a holiday ritual for many, combining the thrill of bargain-hunting with a touch of chaos. Whether you’re a doorbuster warrior or a click-and-scroll shopper, Black Friday has a little something for everyone!

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