Black Friday refers to the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, which falls on the fourth Thursday of November. It is traditionally recognized as the start of the holiday shopping season. Retailers offer significant discounts, special deals, and extended hours to attract customers.
The term "Black Friday" originally had a negative connotation in the 1960s, used by police in Philadelphia to describe the chaotic crowds and traffic after Thanksgiving. However, it evolved into a more positive association in the retail world, symbolizing the point at which businesses go "into the black" (turn profitable) thanks to increased sales.
Why is Black Friday Popular?
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Massive Discounts: Black Friday is known for offering some of the steepest discounts of the year, with significant savings on electronics, clothing, home goods, and more.
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Kickoff to Holiday Shopping: Many people start their holiday gift shopping on Black Friday, taking advantage of the deals to save money.
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Tradition: Over the years, Black Friday shopping has become a cultural tradition in the U.S. and other countries that have adopted the concept, with families and friends often planning shopping trips together.
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Exclusivity and FOMO: Limited-time deals and "doorbuster" sales create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, encouraging shoppers to buy quickly.
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Global Influence: With the rise of online shopping and platforms like Amazon, Black Friday has spread internationally, becoming a global shopping phenomenon.
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Advent of Online Shopping and Cyber Monday: Online Black Friday deals, combined with Cyber Monday (the Monday after Black Friday, focusing on online sales), have made it even more accessible and popular, eliminating the need for customers to wait in long lines.