Every year, millions of Americans rush to stores and shop online, looking for the best deals. But have you ever wondered how this shopping craze started and why it’s now such a big part of kicking off the holiday season in the U.S.?
The Origins of Black Friday
Black Friday didn’t actually start with big sales or holiday cheer, believe it or not, its beginnings were a lot darker.
The name first appeared in 1869, during a huge financial crash caused by two Wall Street investors, Jay Gould and James Fisk. Back then, “Black Friday” meant economic chaos, not shopping.
Later, in the 1950s, police in Philadelphia started using the term to describe the Friday after Thanksgiving. The city was packed with shoppers and tourists coming out to watch the Army–Navy football game. For police, it meant long hours, traffic jams, and a spike in shoplifting, not a fun day.
Retailers didn’t like how negative it sounded. So, in the 1980s, they gave it a new spin. They said it was the day stores finally made a profit, moving from “in the red” (losing money) to “in the black” (making money). That smart marketing move turned Black Friday into the shopping holiday we know today, all about big savings and even bigger crowds.
How Black Friday Became a Big Deal
By the early 2000s, Black Friday had turned into a big tradition in the U.S. It wasn’t just a shopping day, it felt like a holiday. Families would even plan their Thanksgiving dinners around store opening times. News stations showed crowds lining up outside malls before the sun came up.
Stores like Walmart, Best Buy, and Macy’s started offering “doorbuster” deals, huge discounts on things like TVs, laptops, and toys, and people couldn’t resist.
The idea was simple: limited-time deals + big crowds = excitement and tons of sales.
For many, Black Friday became like a modern treasure hunt. It wasn’t only about saving money, it was about the thrill, the tradition, and that shared experience of kicking off the holiday season together.
The Link Between Thanksgiving and Black Friday
Black Friday is closely tied to Thanksgiving weekend, a time meant for gratitude, family, and, interestingly, shopping.
After a day of sharing food and giving thanks, many people jump straight into gift-buying mode. Stores open early Friday morning (sometimes even Thursday night), marking the start of the holiday shopping season leading up to Christmas.
It’s a unique mix: Thursday is about family and reflection, while Friday is all about deals and shopping. For many families, it’s become a tradition, enjoying a meal together, then heading out for late-night sales and fun. It may seem like a contradiction, but it reflects how American culture blends celebration, connection, and a love for shopping.
Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday
As online shopping grew, Cyber Monday was born in 2005. Retailers noticed that people shopped a lot online the Monday after Thanksgiving, likely once they were back at work. It became the online version of Black Friday, but without the crowds. You could grab deals from your couch in pajamas instead of waiting in long lines.
Black Friday still brings in more overall sales, but Cyber Monday has become the top day for online shopping, especially for electronics, clothes, and gadgets.
Today, the two have blended into Cyber Week, a full week of deals both online and in stores, making it easier than ever to shop whenever and however you like.
Smart Tips for Black Friday Shopping in the U.S.
Want great deals without the stress? Here’s how to shop smart this Black Friday:
Start early: Many stores share deals days in advance. Make a list and compare prices ahead of time.
Set a budget: It’s easy to overspend. Know what you can afford before you start shopping.
Use store apps: Apps often have special deals and quicker checkout options.
Shop smart online:Use tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel to check if you're really getting a good deal.
Stay safe: Don’t shop using public Wi-Fi and stick to trusted websites to avoid scams.
Be mindful: Only buy what you truly need. The best deal is one that helps both your wallet and the planet.
Why Black Friday Still Matters
Black Friday isn’t just about buying things, it’s about the excitement, the fun, and the moments we share. For some, it’s about finding great deals. For others, it’s the joy of picking out gifts for loved ones.
In a world where we can shop with one click anytime, Black Friday reminds us of something more meaningful: The experience, waiting in line together, grabbing coffee at sunrise, and celebrating good finds, brings people closer in a way that’s still deeply human.
FAQs
Q1. Are the discounts real?
A1. Many are, but some prices are inflated before sale, always compare before you buy.
Q2. How can I shop safely?
A2. Stick to trusted retailers, use secure payment methods, and avoid clicking random links.
Q3. Is Black Friday celebrated outside the U.S.?
A3. Yes! Countries like the UK, Canada, and India now have their own versions of the sale.
Q4. What’s a mindful way to shop?
A4. Buy what adds real value to your life, not just what’s on sale.
Conclusion
Black Friday is all about big deals and abundance but real wealth isn’t in what you buy, it’s in how you feel. This season, try to spend mindfully, stay grateful, and find balance.
At JoyScore, we believe joy grows when your choices support your well-being, whether that means saving wisely, giving from the heart, or just taking a quiet moment to breathe during the holiday rush.
Reference: https://www.cracked.com/article_19572_5-black-friday-myths-the-media-wants-you-to-believe.html
