Black Friday: From Frenzied Store Lineups to Global Online Shopping Phenomenon
Black Friday, often hailed as the biggest discount day of the year, has evolved into a global shopping event that attracts millions of consumers from around the world. While many see it as the perfect opportunity for bargain hunting, few know how this phenomenon originated and transformed from a chaotic in-store event to a massive online shopping spree. In this blog, we explore the fascinating history of Black Friday, its evolution, and how different countries have embraced this shopping holiday.
How Black Friday Came to Be: From Chaos to Opportunity
Black Friday's origins trace back to the United States, specifically to the day after Thanksgiving, the American holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. While various theories exist regarding its origin, the most widely accepted one dates back to the 1950s in Philadelphia. The term "Black Friday" was coined by the local police to describe the massive crowds, heavy traffic, and general chaos that occurred as people flocked to the city for the Army-Navy football game, which took place every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
At the time, retailers had already begun offering significant discounts to kick off the holiday shopping season. The term "black" was used to describe the stress and frustration faced by law enforcement officers and retail workers due to the overwhelming crowds. However, over time, the meaning of the term shifted. It eventually came to symbolize something much more positive for retailers: the shift from being "in the red" (operating at a loss) to "in the black" (operating at a profit) as stores saw a surge in sales.
Evolution: From Brick-and-Mortar Stores to Online Shopping
In the early years, Black Friday was all about the hustle and bustle of physical stores. Shoppers would often line up outside stores in the early morning hours, eagerly waiting for doors to open and grab the best deals. The crowds were legendary, and some Black Friday events even turned dangerous as people fought over discounted products.
However, with the rise of e-commerce in the 2000s, retailers recognized the potential to bring the same discounts and shopping excitement online. This shift began to take hold in the 2010s, and the 2020 pandemic accelerated the transition as more and more people turned to online shopping. Now, many retailers start their Black Friday promotions well before the actual day, extending deals over multiple days. Cyber Monday, the Monday following Black Friday, has also become a key online shopping event, offering even more online-only deals.
Differences in Black Friday Traditions Around the World
Though Black Friday originated in the U.S., it has quickly spread across the globe, adapting to the needs and customs of different markets. Let’s take a look at how various countries have embraced this shopping phenomenon:
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Serbia and the Balkans: Black Friday has become a prominent shopping event in the region in recent years. Many stores offer discounts that last several days or even an entire week. However, the deals in the Balkans are often smaller compared to those found in the U.S. or other Western countries.
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United Kingdom: Black Friday gained popularity in the UK in the 2010s, and while in-store shopping remains strong, online sales are now steadily taking the lead. British retailers have fully embraced the event, with many offering massive discounts across a wide range of products.
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China: While Black Friday isn’t as popular as in other parts of the world, China celebrates its own version of a shopping holiday — Singles' Day (November 11), which has become the largest online shopping event in the world. Singles' Day sees record-breaking sales every year and has surpassed Black Friday in terms of overall revenue.
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Brazil and Latin America: In Latin America, Black Friday has been rapidly gaining traction. However, it’s often criticized for "false discounts," where prices are inflated before the sale in order to create the illusion of a better deal. Despite this, the event continues to grow in popularity across the region.
Why Does Black Friday Last and How Did It Become a Global Phenomenon?
The main reason Black Friday has endured for so long is that it successfully taps into the psychology of consumer behavior. People are naturally drawn to the idea of limited-time offers and discounts, which creates a sense of urgency to purchase before the deals run out. This sense of urgency, combined with the approaching holiday season, makes Black Friday a perfect time for shoppers to pick up gifts and deals for themselves.
Furthermore, the shift to online shopping has made Black Friday deals globally accessible. Retailers now reach customers around the world, using pre-sale marketing campaigns to build anticipation and excitement. This has helped Black Friday become a global phenomenon, with retailers in many countries using the event to clear out inventory, boost sales, and attract customers before the year’s end.
Black Friday has come a long way since its chaotic beginnings in Philadelphia. What started as a local event marked by traffic jams and long lines has transformed into a global shopping phenomenon, bringing discounts and deals to millions of shoppers around the world. Whether you love shopping from the comfort of your home or enjoy the excitement of in-store shopping, Black Friday offers something for everyone.
While the holiday shopping tradition continues to evolve, the core purpose remains the same — to offer shoppers great deals while giving retailers a boost in sales.
In the coming days, Eureka shopping will feature the best deals from the brands available on the Eureka app. Read our blog and get ready for smart shopping!
Happy shopping!