This frenzied shopping day that marks the beginning of the holiday season, is a phenomenon that has transcended its origins to become a global consumer extravaganza.
Each year as retailers we all jump two feet into Black Friday events, but where does it come from?
The Origins of Black Friday
Black Friday’s roots can be traced back to the mid-20th century. The term was initially coined in the 1960s in Philadelphia to describe the chaotic post-Thanksgiving shopping frenzy. It wasn’t associated with bargains or deals; instead, it referred to the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic that clogged the city streets as shoppers and tourists swarmed the area. The term “Black Friday” was not initially seen as positive but rather as a description of the congestion and disorder that accompanied the day.
The Shift from Chaos to Consumerism
Black Friday evolved over the years, transforming from a day of urban pandemonium into a day of consumer opportunity. Retailers recognised the potential to capitalise on the massive crowds, and they began offering special discounts and sales to lure shoppers into their stores. These deals often started early in the morning, and people lined up outside stores well before dawn to snag the best deals. By the late 20th century, Black Friday had become synonymous with extraordinary shopping deals.
The Black Friday Phenomenon
Today, Black Friday has become a worldwide shopping event, extending far beyond its Philadelphia origins. Retailers and consumers alike anticipate this day with excitement. It serves as the kickstart for the holiday shopping season and an opportunity for retailers to generate significant revenue.
Retailers continue to mark Black Friday on their calendars for several reasons:
- Boosting Sales: Black Friday typically offers substantial discounts and limited-time promotions, which draw in large crowds of eager shoppers. This influx of customers leads to significant sales volumes.
- Clearing Inventory: Retailers use Black Friday as an opportunity to clear out older inventory to make room for newer products, ensuring that their stores remain up-to-date and appealing to customers.
- Creating Hype: Black Friday generates excitement and anticipation among consumers. The limited-time nature of the deals and the competitive atmosphere create a sense of urgency, encouraging people to shop.
- Tradition: Black Friday has become ingrained in our culture as a holiday shopping tradition. People eagerly await the sales and view it as an essential part of the holiday season.
- Online and In-Store Sales: With the advent of online shopping, retailers have extended Black Friday to the digital realm, making it easier for customers to participate, even if they don’t want to brave the crowds in physical stores.
What does Black Friday mean for Welsh Witch
Yes, we want generate interest and excitement in our handcrafted spirits, however we will never use this as a way push a limited range of Welsh Witch products.
We want to use this as an opportunity to offer customers the opportunity to save money and get ready for Christmas.
This year from now until 1 December, helping to spread the magic of Welsh Witch.
Black Friday’s history is one of transformation, evolving from a term describing chaos to a worldwide shopping phenomenon. While the origins of the name might be linked to chaos, the modern Black Friday is now a celebration of consumerism and an integral part of the holiday season for people around the world.