You know it, you hear about a bit earlier each year, and you’ve most likely participated yourself! Yup. Be it Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, or Cyber Monday (and that isn’t even all of ‘em!), holiday shopping REALLY has itself set into Americana as much as apple pie.
But where did it all begin?? How did this weekend in particular become such a turning point for retailers and American consumerism??
As part of my ongoing and unofficial series on the history of American holidays (for more, check out my blogs here, and here), I’m giving you a quick rundown of the quintessential weekend for consumerism.
Why Black Friday?
Okay, I’ll admit it. I love Black Friday. I love getting into the holiday spirit, and snagging myself some deals for gifts for those I love. And I have certainly waited outside of a business at 10PM on a Thursday night just waiting for the store to open (only did it once, and probably won’t even again, but I did it!).
Plus, Black Friday in its originality wasn’t a term with a pleasant connotation. According to Huff Post, the term “Black Friday” was originally used in 1869, when sales in gold dropped and created a major stock market crash.
It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that the term “Black Friday” was used by police in Philadelphia as they dreaded the day from shoppers.
Eventually, marketing firms have spun the name to infer the day as a moment for retailers to make some of their highest profits all year. And this has certainly held true!
And I’ll be real, the day certainly doesn’t have the best reputation, but in recent years, campaign have been held to try and turn that around which leads us to… 👇
Small Business Saturday!
In 2010, as America was coming out of another recession, American Express created the Small Business Saturday campaign to turn the focus and attention towards local businesses and the mom and pop shops that we know and love.
And this has held true! Sales increase on this day year after year, with this year proving to be even better! Taking part in the occasion and investing back into your community directly is a great way to keep your community’s economy resistant during troubling times, and we couldn’t agree more!
There’s More?!?!
Yes there is! While a catchy name for Sunday hasn’t really caught on, Cyber Monday (a day to promote online sales) and Giving Tuesday (a day to donate to your favorite non-profit) have been catching on to the train of the explosively successful Black Friday weekend.
Will you participating in Black Friday? Let us know in the comments below!
Until Next Time,
Philip
