Introduction
Black Friday is one of the most popular shopping days in the United States, with millions of people taking advantage of discounts and sales to get their holiday shopping done. But where did this tradition come from? In this article, we’ll explore the history of Black Friday and uncover the date of its inception.
Exploring the History of Black Friday: How and When Was It Invented?
Black Friday is an informal name given to the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, which has become known as a major shopping event. On this day, retailers offer significant discounts and many shoppers take advantage of these deals to get their holiday shopping done. But what is the history of Black Friday and when was it invented? Let’s take a look.
Overview of the history of Black Friday
The term “Black Friday” originated in Philadelphia in the 1950s, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that it became widely used. Over the years, Black Friday has grown to become one of the most important shopping days of the year.
The origin of the term “Black Friday”
The origin of the term “Black Friday” is unclear. Some say it refers to the fact that retailers go “into the black” (i.e., make a profit) on this day, while others suggest it comes from the heavy traffic and long lines of shoppers. Others believe it may have originated in the 1960s when police officers in Philadelphia used the term to describe the chaos created by hordes of shoppers.
The Origins of Black Friday: Uncovering the Date of Its Inception
So when did Black Friday begin? Let’s take a look at some of the earliest references to the term in newspapers and other sources.
Early references to Black Friday in newspapers
The earliest known reference to the term “Black Friday” appeared in The American Philatelist magazine in April 1941. The magazine noted that the date of the annual stamp exhibition was “Friday, April 18th,” which was referred to as “Black Friday” because it was the busiest day of the show.
The official start date of Black Friday
According to a study published by the International Journal of Research in Marketing, the official start date of Black Friday is November 23, 1979. That year, the Philadelphia Inquirer ran an article titled “Retailers Ready for Biggest Day of Year,” which referred to the day after Thanksgiving as “Black Friday.” This is generally considered to be the first recorded use of the term.
A Look at the Invention of Black Friday: What Year Did It Begin?
Now that we know when Black Friday officially began, let’s take a closer look at the invention of this shopping frenzy.
The first recorded use of the phrase “Black Friday”
As mentioned earlier, the first recorded use of the phrase “Black Friday” was in the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1979. However, there is evidence that the term had been used informally before this date. For example, in a 1975 New York Times article, a reporter wrote about the chaotic scenes in stores on the day after Thanksgiving, referring to it as “the day known in retail circles as Black Friday.”
The exact year Black Friday was invented
It’s impossible to pinpoint the exact year that Black Friday was invented, as there is no definitive evidence to support any particular theory. It’s likely that the term was used informally for many years before it was officially adopted in 1979.
Tracing the Birth of Black Friday: When Did This Shopping Frenzy Start?
Now let’s take a look at the early days of Black Friday and trace the growth of this shopping frenzy.
The first known Black Friday sales
The first known Black Friday sales occurred in Philadelphia in the late 1950s. According to the International Journal of Research in Marketing, retailers began offering discounts and promotions on the day after Thanksgiving to attract customers and kick off the holiday shopping season. These sales were so successful that they quickly spread to other cities across the country.
The growth of Black Friday over time
Over the years, Black Friday has become increasingly popular. According to the National Retail Federation, more than 164 million shoppers visited stores and websites over the four-day Thanksgiving weekend in 2018, spending an estimated $20.8 billion.
Discovering the Roots of Black Friday: When Was It First Conceived?
Now that we’ve explored the history of Black Friday, let’s take a look at the theories surrounding the invention of this shopping frenzy.
Theories about the invention of Black Friday
There are various theories about the invention of Black Friday. Some say it began as a way for stores to capitalize on the influx of shoppers after Thanksgiving, while others suggest it was an attempt by retailers to recoup losses from the previous year. There is also speculation that it was a marketing ploy to encourage people to shop ahead of the Christmas rush.
The likely date of the invention of Black Friday
While it’s impossible to determine the exact date that Black Friday was invented, it’s likely that the term was first used in the late 1950s or early 1960s. This is supported by the fact that the earliest known references to the term appear in newspapers from this period.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s clear that Black Friday has a long and complex history. The exact date of its invention is unknown, but it’s likely that the term was first used in the late 1950s or early 1960s. Since then, it has grown to become one of the most important shopping days of the year, with millions of shoppers taking advantage of discounts and sales.
No matter when it was invented, Black Friday is sure to remain a fixture in the holiday shopping season for years to come.
(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)