Undoubtedly, Black Friday is one of the peak commercial events of the year. What is a stress test for retail is obviously the same for us, the logistics providers, as we need to restock inventory and deliver online purchases. We cannot disappoint our clients, and I can report that we are prepared!
But where did Black Friday originate?
Many attribute the term “Black Friday” to the crazy shopping frenzy that occurs after Thanksgiving, serving as a kind of lead-in to the December holidays. However, its first documented mention is less romantic, as the term was used to refer to the stock market crash on September 24, 1869. So, how did this term become associated with a shopping event?
Why is it called ‘Black Friday’?
Thanksgiving Day always falls on a Thursday. The following Friday was named “Black Friday” by the Philadelphia police to describe the chaos that ensued after Thanksgiving in the city. On this day, many suburban residents came to attend the annual Army-Navy football game, often combining it with holiday shopping in downtown Philadelphia. The crowds resulted in traffic jams, accidents, and store thefts, requiring police to work extra hours.
By 1961, the term “Black Friday” had significantly spread in Philadelphia. Some local merchants and advocates attempted to call it “Big Friday” to eliminate its negative connotation, but their efforts were unsuccessful. It wasn’t until the late 1980s that “Black Friday” shed its bad connotation, thanks to retailers offering major discounts to change the grim meaning. Many prefer to consider this the true origin of the Black Friday name.
Today, the term Black Friday is used more broadly, as there is also Cyber Monday, which refers to the online shopping event occurring on the Monday after Thanksgiving, and Small Business Saturday, which promotes the importance of shopping local on the Saturday after the November holiday.
What should you pay attention to during Black Friday?
To avoid the madness, there are a few things to keep in mind during Black Friday. Below are some useful tips that can help you avoid problems and make your shopping experience (at least) a bit smoother. Here are our recommendations:
Preparation: Make a list of the products you want to buy and know which stores you can find them in! This will help you navigate through the many sales without getting lost.
Research: Check the prices of products before the sales so that you know better where and what to buy.
Online Shopping: If possible, shop online! Online stores can help you avoid the stress and long lines of crowded shops. Plus, online sales often offer much larger discounts!
Timing: Be aware of your shopping times! Many stores open early, and sales can run out quickly. If you’re shopping in person, it’s worth arriving early.
Budget: Set a budget and stick to it! It’s easy to get carried away in the excitement of shopping, which can lead to overspending.
Deals and Promotions: Keep an eye out for discounts and promotional codes, as extra savings are common during this time!
Safety: If you’re shopping in person, pay attention to your surroundings to avoid crowds and accidents! And if you’re shopping online, don’t let your guard down, as scammers are more active during this period!
Flexibility: If you can’t find the exact product you were looking for, don’t get discouraged! Take advantage of the sales and consider alternative products as well.
Return Policy: Familiarize yourself with the store’s return policy so that you know what to do if you are not satisfied with your purchase!
In summary, Black Friday shopping can be an exciting and advantageous opportunity if you prepare for it properly. By taking the above tips into account, you can navigate the shopping frenzy more easily and minimize stressful situations. Don’t forget that the most important thing is to enjoy the shopping experience, not just focus on the deals, but also on the joy of preparing for the holiday season!
And if you are stuck in terms of transportation and don’t know how to ship your goods, get in touch with us! And if you are looking for freight, that’s not a problem either—whether it’s air, sea, or land transportation, INCON is always there, everywhere! Write to info@incon-logistic.hu or reach out to us through the following methods!