Black Friday explained: The history behind the name
Understanding Black Friday: What is it and how did it get its name
Every year, millions of shoppers swarm stores and websites on the day after Thanksgiving, seeking the best deals of the season. But how did this retail tradition come to be called ‘Black Friday‘?
The term originated in 1950s Philadelphia, coined by local police officers to describe the chaos of the day. Over time, the name evolved, taking on an entirely new meaning tied to the financial success of retailers
What are the origins of Black Friday?
The term “Black Friday” originated in Philadelphia during the 1950s and 1960s, when local police officers coined the phrase to describe the rowdy tourists and chaos that ensued the day after Thanksgiving.
Heavy traffic, overcrowding, and increased shoplifting incidents, coupled with the Army-Navy football game, led to a day of dread for law enforcement. Officers, unable to take the day off, referred to the day negatively as “Black Friday” because of the strain it put on their resources, according to the History Channel.
In an attempt to shed its negative connotations, Philadelphia retailers tried rebranding the day as “Big Friday.” However, the effort was unsuccessful. By the 1980s, the term evolved into the shopping holiday we recognize today. It took on a more positive meaning as businesses began using it to describe the day their finances shifted “into the black”—indicating a move from loss to profit thanks to a surge in sales.
When is Black Friday 2024?
Each year, Black Friday takes place the day after Thanksgiving, which means some of the best deals and sales ahead of the holidays will be on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024.