Black Friday: 15 Hilarious Facts

Introduction:

Black Friday is a day that many shoppers eagerly anticipate each year, as it offers incredible deals and discounts on a wide range of products. However, there are also plenty of amusing and quirky facts surrounding this popular shopping event. In this article, we will explore 15 hilarious facts about Black Friday that you may not have known before.

Fact 1: The term “Black Friday” originally had a negative connotation:

Contrary to popular belief, the term “Black Friday” was not initially used to describe the day when retailers offer huge discounts. In the 1950s, Philadelphia police officers used the term to refer to the chaotic and congested traffic that occurred the day after Thanksgiving. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the term became associated with shopping.

Fact 2: Black Friday is not the busiest shopping day of the year:

While Black Friday is often touted as the busiest shopping day of the year, this title actually belongs to the Saturday before Christmas. Many shoppers prefer to wait until the last minute to complete their holiday shopping, resulting in massive crowds and long lines at stores.

Fact 3: The average shopper spends hours planning their Black Friday strategy:

According to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, the average shopper spends around 10 hours planning their Black Friday shopping strategy. From researching the best deals to mapping out store layouts, shoppers put a lot of effort into ensuring they get the best bargains.

Fact 4: Some people participate in “Gray Thursday” instead of Black Friday:

In recent years, many retailers have started opening their doors on Thanksgiving Day, leading to the rise of “Gray Thursday.” Some shoppers prefer to hit the stores on Thursday evening to get a head start on their Black Friday shopping.

Fact 5: Black Friday was originally called “Big Friday” in the retail industry:

Before the term “Black Friday” caught on, retailers used to refer to the day after Thanksgiving as “Big Friday.” The name change occurred as a way to reflect the shift in the retail industry’s fortunes, as businesses looked to turn a profit and move “into the black.”

Fact 6: The first Black Friday sales were not as extravagant as they are today:

The first official Black Friday sales took place in the 1930s, but they were nothing like the massive sales events we see today. Instead of doorbusters and deep discounts, retailers offered modest sales to kick off the holiday shopping season.

Fact 7: Black Friday has become a global phenomenon:

While Black Friday is often associated with the United States, it has since spread to other countries around the world. In recent years, retailers in countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia have also adopted the tradition of offering Black Friday deals.

Fact 8: Some people take extreme measures to secure the best Black Friday deals:

From camping out overnight in front of stores to hiring professional line sitters, some shoppers go to great lengths to ensure they snag the best Black Friday deals. In extreme cases, people have even resorted to physical altercations over coveted items.

Fact 9: Black Friday is a boon for online retailers:

While brick-and-mortar stores see a surge in foot traffic on Black Friday, online retailers also benefit from the shopping frenzy. Cyber Monday, which falls on the Monday after Thanksgiving, is now one of the biggest online shopping days of the year.

Fact 10: The concept of “doorbusters” originated on Black Friday:

One of the hallmarks of Black Friday sales are “doorbusters,” which are deeply discounted items that are available in limited quantities. This marketing tactic was popularized by retailers looking to drive foot traffic and create a sense of urgency among shoppers.

Fact 11: Black Friday has its fair share of urban legends:

Over the years, Black Friday has spawned a number of urban legends and myths, ranging from shoppers getting trampled in stampedes to retailers losing money on deeply discounted items. While some of these stories may be exaggerated, they add to the mystique of Black Friday.

Fact 12: Black Friday is a high-stress day for retail employees:

For retail employees, Black Friday is one of the most hectic and stressful days of the year. From dealing with unruly customers to working long shifts, employees often have to endure a lot of challenges during this busy shopping day.

Fact 13: Black Friday is not just about shopping:

While shopping is the main focus of Black Friday, many people also use the day as an opportunity to spend time with family and friends. Some families make it a tradition to go out together and enjoy the excitement of the holiday season.

Fact 14: The top-selling item on Black Friday is usually a popular electronic device:

Every year, the top-selling item on Black Friday tends to be a sought-after electronic device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or gaming console. Retailers often offer steep discounts on these items to attract shoppers to their stores.

Fact 15: Black Friday can lead to some unexpected discoveries:

While shopping on Black Friday, some people stumble upon unusual finds that they never would have expected. Whether it’s a rare vintage item or a quirky novelty product, Black Friday can sometimes surprise shoppers with unexpected treasures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Black Friday is not just a day of shopping deals and discounts – it’s also a day full of fascinating facts and stories. From its humble beginnings as “Big Friday” to its transformation into a global shopping phenomenon, Black Friday has certainly come a long way. So the next time you brave the crowds and chaos of Black Friday, remember these hilarious facts and enjoy the experience to the fullest. Happy shopping!