Black Friday

Black Friday

Black Friday is a colloquial term for the Friday following Thanksgiving in the United States, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It is often regarded as the beginning of the Christmas shopping season in the United States, and most major retailers open very early, more recently during overnight hours, and offer promotional sales.

History

The term "Black Friday" was first used in the context of shopping in the 1950s in Philadelphia, where it was used to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic that would occur on the day after Thanksgiving. The term "Black" refers to the accounting practice of using black ink to indicate profit, as opposed to red ink which indicates a loss. Thus, "Black Friday" indicates the point at which retailers begin to turn a profit, or "in the black."

Economic Impact

Black Friday is a significant day for the economy, as it marks the start of the holiday shopping season. Retailers often offer deep discounts on products, and consumers flock to stores to take advantage of these deals. The day is known for its long lines and crowded stores, and it has become a cultural phenomenon in the United States.

International Observance

While Black Friday originated in the United States, it has spread to other countries. In recent years, retailers in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other countries have adopted Black Friday sales to boost their own holiday shopping seasons. In some countries, Black Friday has become a major shopping event, rivaling traditional sales periods.

Criticism and Controversy

Black Friday has been criticized for promoting consumerism and materialism. The day is often associated with chaotic scenes of shoppers competing for limited stock, sometimes leading to violence and injuries. Additionally, some workers and labor advocates criticize the pressure on retail employees to work long hours during the holiday season.

Alternatives

In response to the commercialization of Black Friday, some movements have emerged to promote alternative ways of spending the day. Buy Nothing Day is an international day of protest against consumerism, observed by some on the same day as Black Friday. Additionally, Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to shop at local, independent businesses instead of large retailers.

See Also

• Cyber Monday
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas shopping season
• Small Business Saturday

External Links

• History of Black Friday - History.com
• What Is Black Friday? - The Balance