Well it is almost that time again when retailers everywhere will be offering seemingly great deals for a day we call Black Friday. So what does Black Friday mean anyway? 
Essentially, it is the day that begins the holiday shopping season and also the day that most retailers get their numbers out of the red and start to show a profit. For many people, it is the thrill of trying to be the first in line to get a “bargain” that really makes the day such a challenge. Trying to be the first in line to get that 299.00 laptop or that 699.00 big screen TV can create a sense of excitement for many folks.
Back in the old days, stores were closed on Thanksgiving and the retail frenzy did not begin until around 4 or 5 AM on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Employees and shoppers alike at least had one day to relax and chill before the big event. Today, things are totally different. Stores are opening on Thanksgiving night and K Mart is going so far as to open on Thanksgiving morning. No turkey for any of those folks.
The retail front has changed drastically over the years. I remember as a kid when most stores were closed on Sunday It gave both employees and shoppers a day to do something else like work in the yard or just chill and enjoy the day off. Today, there are still a handful of businesses that still honor this practice and I salute all those that do.
Today, I do not believe that the impact of Black Friday deals is as strong as it once was. With the expanded use of online sales, less people are actually taking their life in their hands in order to gain that perfect deal at an actual storefront. Many of the deals you see advertised in the flyers are limited quantities and you have to camp out on the stores doorstep in order to get it. In many cases, you can get a similar deal with a lot less hassle at an online store such as Amazon or Tiger Direct and never leave the comfort of your living room. The chances of being trampled at an online store are zero.
The term Black Friday dates all the way back to the financial crisis of 1869. The name gained popularity in 1961 and has been used ever since. An attempt was made in 1966 to give the day a more positive sounding name such as Big Friday but the practice was never adopted.
The term Black Friday started to gain even more steam in 1975 as the practice of swarming out to shop on the day after Thanksgiving became even more popular. Regardless of the state of the economy, people would come out in droves on this day and accomplish a good part of their Christmas list.
Over the years, many companies have objected to the negative sounding name for the day after Thanksgiving but any attempts to change it have never come about. In addition to the boon the day has for retailers, it is also a day that invokes violence. People will actually fight for an item, especially if it is one that has a limited quantity. Many shoppers will assault other shoppers to get that new laptop. If only they knew they could probably get a similar deal on Amazon or some other online site.
Regardless, more and more people are now doing their Black Friday shopping online instead of going to their nearest retailer. Many retailers will offer the same deals online as in the store. In some cases, you might actually find online deals that are not even available in the stores. As the years pass, I think the brick and mortar store is going to have far less impact as online shopping gains even more in popularity.
As for me, you will not find me at any of the stores on Black Friday or Black Saturday. I will be happily getting my deals in the comfort of my living room. Not only will I be saving all that gas but I will be eliminate the potential of being trampled while trying to get that sought after “bargain”.
Article by, Ross Deprey
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