If you still prefer traditional search methods, using our good old Wikipedia, you'll find out that the term 'Black Friday' was first used in Philadelphia during the 1960s to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicular traffic following Thanksgiving Day. But let’s face it; Wikipedia might act like the know-it-all uncle at dinner, but even “he” didn’t predict Black Friday would become a worldwide shopping frenzy.
Indeed, Black Friday, originating in the United States, traditionally marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season the day after Thanksgiving. But how did a post-Thanksgiving traffic jam turn into a global shopping spectacle?
Deals Without Borders: The Global Black Friday Effect
Over the years, retailers adopted the term to refer more positively to the point at which they began to turn a profit or go 'into the black’. In recent decades, Black Friday has also extended internationally, particularly across Europe, where it has been embraced enthusiastically, though not tied to Thanksgiving.
“Black Friday found its way across its first country border in 2009, with American retailers launching it in Canada (dubbed “Vendredi Fou” – crazy Friday), despite their own Thanksgiving Day being held a month earlier than in the United States. Amazon introduced it to the UK in 2010, but it only really found its feet in 2013 when an American owned store-based retailer, Asda (owned then by Walmart), gave it a physical presence. Though started by brick-and-mortar retailers in the United States, Black Friday’s rapid international expansion has, somewhat ironically, been through digital development.”*
As Black Friday continues to grow globally, it has also begun to reflect regional shopping habits and preferences, offering unique deals and promotions specific to each market. Retailers have become adept at leveraging digital marketing and data analytics to tailor their offers, enticing consumers with personalized deals and recommendations.
Your Black Friday Survival Guide (No Wikipedia or AI Entry Needed)
Black Friday is a great time to snag some incredible deals, but a bit of planning can make your shopping experience even more rewarding.
Stay ahead: get prepared!
Start by creating a shopping list of items you truly need or have been eyeing for a while. Do your homework ahead of time by researching typical prices so you can spot genuine discounts.
Many retailers release their Black Friday ads and sales information in advance, so keep an eye out and compare offers.
Newsletters, your mourning dove in action
Sign up for newsletters from your favourite stores for early alerts and exclusive deals.
“Offline” shopping?
While online shopping offers convenience, if you're heading out to stores, strategize your route to prioritize must-have items. Don’t forget to check return policies, as they may differ during sales events.
Lastly, stay safe and set a budget, sticking to it to avoid impulse buys that could lead to buyer's remorse.
*Source: Ipsos Black Friday 2020: Time to breathe new life into the long-standing retail event by Tim Davidson
