Selects: How Black Friday Works
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, the hosts explore the origins and evolution of Black Friday, from its 1950s Philadelphia roots as a term for post-Thanksgiving shopping chaos to its current status as the year's biggest shopping day. They examine how retailers have expanded Black Friday hours into Thanksgiving and use limited "doorbuster" deals to drive store traffic.
The hosts also discuss the darker side of Black Friday, including tragic incidents at major retailers and the emergence of counter-movements like "Buy Nothing Day." The episode covers varying perspectives on Black Friday participation, from dedicated shoppers who embrace marathon deal-hunting sessions to those who actively avoid the crowds. Through historical context and real-world examples, this summary reveals how a shopping phenomenon has shaped modern American consumer culture.
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1-Page Summary
The Origins and History of Black Friday
Black Friday, traditionally marking the start of the Christmas shopping season since the late 19th century, got its name in the 1950s when Philadelphia police used the term to describe the chaos of post-Thanksgiving shopping and crowds. While it's now known as the biggest shopping day of the year, it only achieved this status in 2004, taking over from the Saturday before Christmas.
Commercialization and Expansion of Black Friday by Retailers
Josh Clark notes that retailers have increasingly pushed boundaries by opening on Thanksgiving evening, with Walmart leading this trend in 2012. This expansion has faced criticism for eroding traditional Thanksgiving celebrations. Chuck Bryant mentions that major retailers like Macy's and JCPenney have followed suit, with some stores, like Kmart, remaining open for extended hours. Retailers use limited "doorbuster" deals to create shopping frenzies and lure customers into stores, even when these heavily discounted items are in scarce supply.
The Controversies and Issues Surrounding Black Friday
The hosts discuss several tragic incidents highlighting the dangers of competitive Black Friday shopping, including the death of Walmart employee Jdimytai Damour from crowd trampling and a fatal shootout at Toys R Us. In response to perceived excessive consumerism, movements like "Buy Nothing Day," initiated by artist Ted Dave, encourage people to boycott Black Friday shopping altogether. Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant suggest that retailers might benefit more from spreading holiday sales over a longer period, potentially reducing the chaos of concentrated shopping frenzies.
Personal Perspectives on Participating in Black Friday
The hosts share varied perspectives on Black Friday participation, from Josh Clark's brother-in-law's enthusiasm for midnight doorbuster sales to others who completely avoid the chaos. Some shoppers embrace the competitive spirit and deal-hunting thrill, exemplified by one woman's 16-hour shopping marathon. Others express strong aversion to the crowds and potential violence, with some comparing Black Friday shopping unfavorably to visiting the DMV.
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Counterarguments
- The term "Black Friday" may have origins earlier than the 1950s, with some accounts suggesting that it was used in the 1960s by the Philadelphia police, and others claiming that it was used in a financial context as early as the 19th century to describe a stock market crash.
- While Black Friday may have become the biggest shopping day of the year in 2004, this status can fluctuate, and in some years, other days like Cyber Monday have rivaled or surpassed Black Friday in sales.
- The criticism of opening stores on Thanksgiving overlooks the possibility that some workers may voluntarily choose to work on holidays for extra pay or other personal reasons.
- The idea that spreading out holiday sales could reduce chaos is speculative and may not take into account the complex factors that drive consumer behavior and business strategies.
- Movements like "Buy Nothing Day" may not consider the economic benefits that Black Friday sales provide to businesses, employees, and the economy, especially in a retail landscape challenged by online shopping.
- The comparison of Black Friday shopping to visiting the DMV may not acknowledge the positive experiences some people have, such as socializing with family and friends during shopping trips or the satisfaction of securing good deals.
- The focus on dangerous incidents related to Black Friday shopping may not represent the experiences of the vast majority of shoppers who participate safely and without incident.
Actionables
- You can create a personal Black Friday strategy plan to shop efficiently and safely by mapping out which stores you'll visit and at what times, focusing on the ones with the best safety records and crowd management policies. For example, research retailers' past Black Friday incidents and choose to shop at those with fewer or no reported issues, ensuring a safer shopping experience.
- Opt for online shopping to avoid the physical risks of Black Friday crowds by setting up alerts for deals from your favorite retailers and using browser extensions that track price drops. This way, you can still enjoy the thrill of deal-hunting without the potential dangers associated with in-store shopping.
- Support the "Buy Nothing Day" initiative in a constructive way by organizing a community swap event on Black Friday, where people can trade items they no longer need instead of purchasing new ones. This encourages a sense of community, reduces consumerism, and provides an alternative way to acquire new-to-you items without spending money.
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The Origins and History of Black Friday
Black Friday has evolved from post-Thanksgiving chaos into the most anticipated shopping day of the year, driven by strategic moves from retailers.
Black Friday Began As the Day Post-Thanksgiving, With Retailers Seeing a Spike In Holiday Shopping and Revenues
Thanksgiving's Day-after Marks Holiday Shopping's Start
The day after Thanksgiving has traditionally marked the beginning of the Christmas shopping season in the United States since the late 19th to early 20th century. The association with the holiday season propelled the custom of embarking on holiday shopping starting on this day.
"Black Friday" Originated In the 1950s When Philadelphia Police Described the Chaos and Traffic On the Day After Thanksgiving
The term "Black Friday" can trace its origins back to the mid-20th century. Initially utilized by factory owners, it was adopted by Philadelphia police and city workers in the 1960s to describe the chaotic environment resulting from droves of visitors coming to the city for the Army-Navy game and shopping during the downtown sales. Despite this, Black Friday only became the busiest shopping day of the year in 2004, taking over from the Saturday before Christmas, which previously held the title.
Retailers Embrace Black Friday As Biggest Shopping Day
Retailers, alongside the Retail Federation, began to actively promote Black Friday as a critical shopping day to spread consumer spending over a longer period, rather than focusing it on the last Saturday before Christmas. This strategy was part of a deliberate effort by retailers, comparable to the establishment of Valentine's Day, to craft a shopping holiday that would entice consumers to begin their holiday purchasing fervor on Black Friday.
In the 2000s, Retailers Coined Cyber Monday to Extend the Season
Building on this momentum, retailers and the media introduced Cyber Monday in 2 ...
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The Origins and History of Black Friday
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Counterarguments
- The narrative that Black Friday has always been the start of the Christmas shopping season could be challenged by noting that the concept of a post-Thanksgiving shopping period has evolved and that the "start" of the shopping season can be subjective and vary by region or retailer.
- The term "Black Friday" may have had different origins or been used in different contexts before becoming associated with shopping and sales.
- The claim that Black Friday became the busiest shopping day only in 2004 might be contested by evidence of high sales volumes on other days in previous years or by different metrics for measuring "busiest."
- The effectiveness of retailers' strategies to promote Black Friday could be questioned by examining consumer spending patterns and considering whether these promotions actually changed behavior or simply captured existing consumer trends.
- The creation of Cyber Monday and its narrative could be critiqued by considering whether consumers actually waited until returning to work to shop online or if this was a marketing construct that overlooked other online shopping behaviors.
- The idea that Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions have been entir ...
Actionables
- You can analyze historical shopping trends to predict future sales by tracking the dates and sales figures of past Black Fridays and Cyber Mondays, then use this data to plan your shopping or budgeting for the year. For example, if you notice that certain items are consistently discounted on Black Friday, you might save up to make those purchases then rather than earlier in the year.
- Create a personal shopping event by setting aside the day after Thanksgiving to research and purchase items you've been saving for, mimicking the Black Friday tradition but with a focus on informed buying rather than impulse purchases. This could involve comparing prices, reading reviews, and making a list of desired items throughout the year to prepare for this day.
- Leverage the concept of spreading out spe ...
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Commercialization and Expansion of Black Friday by Retailers
The hosts discuss the trend of retailers extending Black Friday sales into Thanksgiving, a once sacred holiday, and how they utilize "doorbuster" deals to attract consumers.
Retailers Increasingly Open on Thanksgiving Evening
Retailers are increasingly opening their doors on Thanksgiving evening, despite widespread sentiment that no one wants to work on the holiday.
Black Friday Expansion Criticized For Eroding Thanksgiving Traditions
Josh Clark notes that big-name stores like Walmart began Thanksgiving evening openings in 2012, which has triggered criticism for eroding traditional Thanksgiving celebrations. Kmart faced backlash for opening at 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving, with claims that employees willingly worked, while in reality, part-time seasonal staff had no guarantee of holidays or time off.
Retailers Say Shoppers Justify Thanksgiving Openings
Chuck Bryant mentions that this year, retailers like Macy's and JCPenney have decided to open on Thanksgiving for the first time, following Sears and Toys R Us, with Kmart going further by being open for 41 consecutive hours starting at 6 am on Thanksgiving. Josh Clark adds that shopping malls are also partaking in this trend, with a significant proportion of smaller stores opening by midnight. Josh Clark suggests that consumer behavior, such as lining up on Thanksgiving afternoon or evening, is used by retailers to justify the Thanksgiving openings.
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Commercialization and Expansion of Black Friday by Retailers
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Counterarguments
- Retailers argue that they are responding to consumer demand, as many shoppers appreciate the extended hours and sales on Thanksgiving.
- Some employees may prefer to work on Thanksgiving for extra pay or because they do not celebrate the holiday.
- The expansion of Black Friday into Thanksgiving can be seen as a reflection of a diverse society with varying traditions and preferences.
- Retailers might contend that the economic benefits of opening on Thanksgiving, such as increased sales and job creation, outweigh the criticisms.
- It could be argued that the erosion of Thanksgiving traditions is part of a broader trend of commercialization in society, and not solely the fault of retailers.
- Some consumers might appreciate the opportunity to shop on Thanksgiving as a way to avoid the even larger crowds on Black Friday.
- The concept of "doorbuster" deals can be defended as a legitimate marketing strategy that benefits both consume ...
Actionables
- You can create a personal shopping strategy to avoid impulse buys by setting a budget and a list of items you need before participating in Black Friday or Thanksgiving sales. This helps you stay focused on your actual needs and resist the frenzy of "doorbuster" deals. For example, if you're eyeing a new TV, research the models that fit your criteria and budget ahead of time, and stick to that list when you shop, ignoring other flashy deals that may tempt you.
- Develop a tradition of "Thanksgiving Unplugged" where you and your family agree to spend the holiday without shopping or using electronic devices. This can help preserve the traditional values of Thanksgiving and ensure quality time with loved ones. You might plan board games, storytelling sessions, or a family cooking competition to enrich the day with activities that don't involve shopping.
- Volunteer for a local charity or community service on Thanksgiving to ...
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The Controversies and Issues Surrounding Black Friday
Black Friday, known for its unparalleled sales, triggers a wide array of controversial behaviors and social phenomena, from violence to consumerism debates.
Black Friday Infamously Triggers Violence, Injuries, and Deaths in Deal-Hunting Crowds
The excitement surrounding Black Friday has repeatedly turned into dangerous situations.
Employee Trampled At Walmart; Shootout In Toys R Us
An employee, Jdimytai Damour at a Walmart in Valley Stream, Long Island, died of asphyxiation when a crowd of about 2,000 people waiting since the early hours for the store to open at 5 a.m., surged forward as the doors opened, trampling him to death. Despite the crush situation that ensued, leading to some employees climbing on vending machines to escape, shoppers continued to hunt for deals while emergency services attempted to help.
Elsewhere, a palm desert Toys R Us became the scene of a tragic shootout in 2008 when a dispute between two couples escalated, resulting in the deaths of both men involved, while astonished shoppers looked on.
These incidents highlight the dangers of competitive Black Friday shopping, where employees and police face severe challenges trying to manage the aggressive and expectant crowds.
Incidents Highlight Dangers of Competitive Black Friday Shopping
There are countless compilations of security footage online showing people being knocked over and trampled by crowds rushing into stores for sales. Black Friday has become infamous for its incidents of violence and injuries, as shoppers sometimes prioritize deal-hunting over the well-being of others. In a particularly alarming event, a woman used pepper spray on a crowd at a Los Angeles Walmart, with up to 20 people affected, to defend her children when they were attacked by other shoppers trying to obtain an Xbox.
Critics Argue Black Friday Is an Excessive Display of Consumerism, Detracting From the Holiday's True Meaning
The hosts discuss a diverse range of criticisms regarding Black Friday's consumer culture.
"Buy Nothing Day" Urges Black Friday Shopping Boycott to Protest Overconsumption
Initiated by artist Ted Dave and later promoted by Adbusters, "Buy Nothing Day" is a counter- ...
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The Controversies and Issues Surrounding Black Friday
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Counterarguments
- Black Friday provides significant economic benefits, boosting sales for retailers and offering consumers the opportunity to purchase goods at discounted prices.
- The incidents of violence and injuries are not representative of the majority of Black Friday shopping experiences, which for many are incident-free.
- Retailers often implement crowd control measures and additional security to mitigate the risks associated with large crowds.
- The consumer enthusiasm on Black Friday can be seen as a reflection of a vibrant economy where consumers feel confident enough to spend.
- "Buy Nothing Day" may not consider the economic necessity for some individuals to take advantage of Black Friday sales to afford goods they need.
- Spreading out holiday sales could dilute the impact and excitement of a single, significant sales event, potentially leading to lower overall consumer engagement.
- Black Friday can serve as a strategic opportunity for small bus ...
Actionables
- You can create a personal shopping calendar to avoid Black Friday crowds by marking the start of each month as a time to look for deals on items you need. This spreads your purchasing throughout the year, reducing the temptation to rush into high-stress sales environments. For example, set reminders to check for discounts on electronics in February or home goods in March, taking advantage of various sales that aren't as publicized as Black Friday deals.
- Develop a tradition of volunteering on Black Friday to shift focus from consumerism to community service. Choose a local charity or community center and commit to helping out on that day each year. This not only provides a positive alternative to shopping but also reinforces the holiday spirit of giving back. You might help serve meals at a soup kitchen or organize a neighborhood clean-up, creating a fulfilling and peaceful counteraction to the chaos of Black Friday.
- Start a savings group with friends or family where you collectively save money thro ...
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Personal Perspectives on Participating in Black Friday
From the thrill of hunting deals to the aversion of chaotic crowds, individuals hold different perspectives on participating in the shopping phenomenon known as Black Friday.
For Some, Black Friday Is a Cherished Event
Josh Clark's brother-in-law embodies the passion many feel towards Black Friday. He eagerly engages in midnight doorbuster sales, signaling the event's excitement without resorting to destructive behavior.
Shoppers Enjoy the Thrill of Hunting Deals and Competition
Black Friday shopping has evolved into a tradition and sport for some. Shoppers relish the competitive spirit and the adrenaline rush of snagging deals. It becomes an endurance event as illustrated by a woman who shopped for a staggering 16 hours, testimony to the event's allure that extends beyond simple discounts.
Some Avoid Black Friday Due to Crowds, Chaos, and Potential Violence
In stark contrast, others loathe Black Friday and the pandemonium it brings. One speaker's preference to go to the DMV—often joked about for its slow and dreary service—over participating in Black Friday underscores the aversion to crowds and frenzy. The image of strollers equipped with all-terrain tires at these events depicts the chaotic scenes that deter some shoppers.
Participation in Black Friday Reflects Personal Values and Preferences
The hosts suggest that engaging in Black Friday sales ...
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Clarifications
- "Midnight doorbuster sales" are special, highly discounted deals that stores offer starting at midnight on Black Friday. These sales aim to attract large crowds eager to get the best bargains as soon as the event begins. The term "doorbuster" refers to deals so good they metaphorically "bust" the doors open with eager shoppers. This practice has become a hallmark of Black Friday's competitive and high-energy shopping atmosphere.
- Josh Clark is a technology and culture commentator known for hosting the podcast "Stuff You Should Know." He often discusses various social phenomena and consumer behaviors. Mentioning his brother-in-law personalizes the Black Friday experience by providing a relatable example. This reference connects the general topic to a specific individual's enthusiasm for the event.
- "Strollers equipped with all-terrain tires" metaphorically describe shoppers who come prepared for the intense, crowded, and chaotic environment of Black Friday. These strollers symbolize the need for durability and maneuverability to navigate through dense crowds and obstacles. The phrase highlights how some shoppers treat Black Friday like a challenging event requiring special gear. It underscores the extreme and sometimes overwhelming nature of the shopping experience.
- The DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) is known for long waits and slow service, making it a place people usually dislike. Preferring the DMV over Black Friday humorously highlights how unpleasant and chaotic Black Friday shopping can be. This comparison exaggerates the dislike for Black Friday crowds by choosing an equally dreaded but very different experience. It underscores the speaker's strong aversion to the hectic shopping environment.
- "Conduct themselves humanely" means treating others with kindness and respect, even in stressful situations like crowded sales. It involves avoiding aggressive or harmful actions such as pushing, shoving, or yelling. The phrase encourages shoppers to prioritize safety and empathy over winning deals. This helps prevent injuries and maintains a positive shopping environ ...
Counterarguments
- Black Friday perpetuates a culture of overconsumption and materialism, which can be harmful to both the environment and individual financial well-being.
- The deals offered on Black Friday are often not as exclusive or valuable as retailers make them seem, leading consumers to purchase items they may not need.
- The emphasis on shopping and sales can overshadow the original purpose of the Thanksgiving holiday, which is to spend time with family and express gratitude.
- The intense focus on consumerism during Black Friday can detract from the importance of supporting small and local businesses, which may not be able to compete with large retailers' discounts.
- The narrative that Black Friday is a cherished event for some may ignore the socioeconomic factors that compel people to endure crowds and chaos to save money.
- The competitive nature of Black Friday shopping can bring out aggressive behavior in individuals, which can lead to incidents and a negative shopping experience for others.
- The idea that Black Friday shopping is a reflection of personal values ma ...
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