The term “Black Friday” is believed to have originated in the 1960s in Philadelphia, where it was used to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic that occurred on the day after Thanksgiving. The name gained traction and eventually became associated with the practice of retailers offering significant discounts to kick off the holiday shopping season.
Over time, the popularity of Black Friday in the United States prompted retailers and consumers in other countries to take note of the potential benefits of adopting similar sales events. While the day itself is not a public holiday in the United States, in some countries, Black Friday has become synonymous with the start of the Christmas shopping season, and retailers often offer substantial discounts to attract shoppers.
In the United Kingdom, for example, Black Friday gained prominence in the early 2010s as retailers began adopting the American tradition of offering discounts and special promotions on the day after Thanksgiving. However, the adoption of Black Friday has not been without controversy, as some critics argue that it encourages excessive consumerism and contributes to a “throwaway” culture.
In Canada, Black Friday has also become a significant shopping event, with retailers offering discounts both in-store and online. Canadian consumers often take advantage of cross-border shopping opportunities, either by visiting U.S. retailers or by shopping online from American websites.
Other countries, such as Australia, Germany, and Brazil, have also embraced Black Friday as a major shopping event. The rise of e-commerce has further globalized the phenomenon, allowing consumers around the world to participate in Black Friday sales through online platforms.
Despite its global spread, Black Friday has faced criticism for contributing to overconsumption, environmental concerns, and the potential negative impact on retail workers. Some countries have attempted to counteract these issues by promoting alternative shopping events, such as Small Business Saturday or local initiatives that encourage sustainable consumer behavior.
While Black Friday originated in the United States, its impact has transcended national borders, becoming a global shopping phenomenon. The day’s history outside of the U.S. is marked by its adoption by retailers and consumers in various countries, with both the excitement of discounts and the controversies associated with consumerism accompanying its spread worldwide.
