You are on a crowded street, surrounded by hundreds of people, all ready to fight it out for the promotional offers, plastic bags filled with brand new products, a smile of satisfaction on the face. The lights in the stores twinkle, colorful posters announce incredible discounts and the air is charged with excitement.
It is Black Friday, the long-awaited day when crowds raid stores in search of the best deal. But beyond the hustle and bustle and the doors opening to mountains of discounted products, you may be wondering: How did we get there ? Where does this consumerist frenzy come from, and why does this phenomenon seem to grow every year, becoming a true global ritual?
If you thought Black Friday was a recent event, think again. Behind this day of marathon sales lies a fascinating story, much more complex than it seems. Prepare to discover the origins of Black Friday, its evolution over the decades, and the impact it has had not only on the global economy, but also on our consumer behavior.
The Origins of Black Friday: A Tale of Accounting and Crime
The history of Black Friday begins long before it became a global shopping phenomenon. Its name dates back to the 1960s, when Philadelphia, in the United States, where it first took on a negative connotation. At the time, "Black friday" was used by city police to refer to the chaos that occurred the day after Thanksgiving, including crowds of people flooding the streets and causing traffic accidents, crime and delinquent behavior.
The term " Black Friday » therefore first has a connotation linked to thepublic order and criminality. That day, many people were taking advantage of sales and promotions, which led to an influx of people into stores and pressure on law enforcement. Philadelphia police officers were particularly busy managing the crowds, fights, and robberies that occurred during this event.
However, the negative aspect of the expression Black Friday would quickly evolve.
The Evolution of Black Friday
In the 1980s, a new interpretation of the term "Black Friday" came into being, completely different from the original meaning. This time, the term "Black" has been associated with the idea of profit and profitabilityRetailers began using the phrase to refer to the day their accounts passed from red to black, a reference to accounting practices. Traditionally, losses were recorded in Red in the books of accounts, while the profits were recorded in Black.
In other words, the Black Friday became a day when businesses were entering profitability. Retailers were offering massive promotions to attract customers and embark on a profitable trading period. From then on, the Black Friday has become a synonym for spectacular sales, where consumers could enjoy significant discounts on a wide range of products. This is how the event began to democratize and gain momentum, particularly with the rise of the retail business in the 1990's.
Black Friday goes global
Over the years, the Black Friday has crossed the borders of the United States to become a global event. From the early 2000s, with the rise of the Internet and the online business, European and international retailers began to adopt this American tradition. This phenomenon was accelerated by the emergence of online shopping sites. online shopping as Amazon and facilitating cross-border shopping. Black Friday has thus evolved to become overall, with promotions launched not only in Europebut also Asia and even in Africa.
Countries like United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France et Australia have gradually integrated this event into their commercial calendar, often with local adaptations. For example, in the United Kingdom, chains such as J et Argos began offering their own Black Friday deals in the 2010s. In France, although the Black Friday took a little longer to get established, but today it has become an unmissable event, with thousands of consumers looking for great deals on products ranging from appliances to clothing.
The evolution towards online commerce
With the growing popularity of Black Friday, the Cyber Monday was launched in 2005 by the Online Retail Association of the United States. The term was created to encourage online shopping, consumers due to return to work after the Black Friday weekend. The Cyber Monday quickly gained momentum and became an integral part of the sales season, with online offers offered by companies like Amazon, eBay and other e-commerce giants.
Today, many people prefer to shop online during these events, as it allows them to enjoy great discounts without having to fight in physical stores. Cyber Monday is now one of the biggest shopping days of the year, with tempting deals on electronic products, the clothing and more.
The societal and economic impacts of Black Friday
- Impact on consumption and the economy
Le Black Friday had a significant impact on the Consumption habits. For the retailers, it is an opportunity to boost their sales and reduce their inventories in preparation for the end-of-year holidays. In 2023, for example, global Black Friday sales exceeded the 9 billion online in the United States, with a continued increase in interest in online promotions.
This phenomenon has also reoriented the commercial calendar in many countries. Many companies are starting to prepare their campaigns Black Friday advertising as early as September or October, in order to capture consumers' attention well before the fateful date.
- Impact on the environment and responsible consumption
However, Black Friday also has its sides darkMassive promotions sometimes lead to overconsumption, contributing to excessive waste and to a footprint ecological industrial printing process increasingly important. Many companies, aware of this impact, now offer eco-friendly offers or initiatives aimed at promoting more responsible consumption, such as discounts on sustainable products ou recycling options.
- Impact on consumers' mental health
Finally, the Black Friday may have negative effects on consumers' mental health. social pressures and the strategies of marketing Aggressive tactics cause many people to buy products they don't really need. This can lead to feelings of guilt or financial stress, especially because of the constant temptation to find "bargains".
So, the next time you find yourself in the frenzy of Black Friday, remember that you are participating in much more than just a day of shopping. This global phenomenon, born from a series of coincidences and economic developments, has become much more than a commercial tradition.
While Black Friday was originally just an opportunity for retailers to attract crowds, it is now a planned, calculated, and anticipated event well in advance. And while some aspects may seem a little too frenetic, there is something fascinating about how this day has spanned the ages, evolved over time, and become an unmissable event. So, whether you are a bargain hunter or a curious observer, Black Friday remains a fascinating phenomenon that continues to reinvent itself… to our great pleasure (or our wallets).
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