Thanksgiving has passed and we are missing our families and the plethora of food that put us in that oh-so-recognizable food coma. And of course the infamous and money sucking Black Friday has also passed as well.
You see I've never been a fan of the unofficial holiday even before I started working retail this year. I've never even participated in the event of shopping on Black Friday and I don't think I ever will. I've been thinking a lot about how Black Friday actually originated. So I made it my mission to figure out the history of this absurd "holiday."
How did Black Friday originate?
"A Hot dog car in Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade USA 1951 - by 1966 police in the city had dubbed it 'Black Friday' because of the chaos caused by crowds. It is said to refer to the day that retailers start going into profit, but the name has not alway had such positive connotations." -telegraph.co.uk
What year did it start?
"Just like Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer, Thanksgiving, and later in history, Black Friday signify the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. It has been this way since 1924, when Macy's held its first Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City." - salon.com
Why is it called Black Friday the day after Thanksgiving?
"The day after Thanksgiving is the unofficial start of the holiday season. And for retailers, that means big bucks. It's that increase in revenues – and for most retailers the first time to turn a profit for the year – that got Black Friday its name."
How many deaths/injuries have there been during Black Friday shopping?
Seven deaths and 98 injuries. (If you're interested in learning what the deaths were exactly and what the injuries were then check out this website!)
And that is where I draw the line. The fact that there even is a website called black Friday death count is just wrong. We as americans should not be risking our lives for the sake of getting a cheap dvd player or the last leather jacket at the top of the never-ending mountain of clothes in the store. We should be home spending time with family and friends and relaxing. If individuals really need to do something other than eat and hang out with family, then they should go outside and be active. Just like REI, an outdoor gear and sporting goods store, has been promoting.
Now I do realize that Black Friday is a great day for all retail stores, promotion and profiting wise, but maybe it's time for the retail world to change. Instead of having their employees come into the store at 11 pm that night till close the next day, why don't retail stores quit Black Friday. That way there is equal competition all around for every company.
So far the only store that is profiting from all this Black Friday madness is REI. We should really take note of what they're doing and putting it into play. Let's stop Black Friday once and for all.
