Black Friday has become a global phenomenon that unofficially marks the beginning of the holiday season. This event, known for incredible discounts and shopping frenzy, has a fascinating history that goes far beyond shop windows and mile-long queues.
But where does the term "Black Friday" come from?
The origin of the term "Black Friday" is debated. One of the most accredited theories dates back to the 1960s in Philadelphia, where the police used this expression to describe the chaos that followed Thanksgiving. The Friday after Thanksgiving brought huge crowds into the city for shopping and sporting events, causing traffic jams and an increase in accidents.
Another explanation concerns the economic aspect. For many merchants, Black Friday was the moment when accounts went from "red" (losses) to "black" (profits). Red and black, traditionally used in accounting, indicate situations of loss or gain respectively. In this sense, Black Friday marks the beginning of a profitable period for shopkeepers.
Black Friday as we know it today
In the 1980s, Black Friday became an official commercial event in the United States, with stores starting to offer irresistible deals to attract customers. With the advent of shopping malls and large chains, discounts became increasingly extreme, pushing people to queue outside stores from the night before.
In the 2000s, the phenomenon evolved further with the rise of online shopping. Technology led to the emergence of parallel events like Cyber Monday, dedicated exclusively to discounts on e-commerce sites. In this way, Black Friday transformed into an entire weekend of promotions, known as "Cyber Weekend."
Around the world with Black Friday
Although its roots are American, Black Friday is now a global phenomenon. Countries like the United Kingdom, Brazil, Italy, and many others have adopted this tradition, adapting it to their own markets. In Italy, for example, Black Friday has become popular in the last ten years, especially thanks to e-commerce platforms like Amazon.
In some countries, however, the event has been criticized for its social and environmental impact. The culture of rampant consumerism promoted by Black Friday has raised issues relating to waste, labor ethics, and pollution generated by the production and shipping of products.
The impact of the event: the world's reaction to the advent of Black Friday
Black Friday is not only an opportunity for consumers to save money but also a significant economic indicator. Analysts use sales from this day to measure the health of the retail sector and consumer sentiment. However, the event is not without controversy. Many companies exploit aggressive marketing to create a "discount psychosis," pushing customers to make impulsive purchases.
Today, Black Friday is more than a shopping day: it is a symbol of contemporary society, consumerism, and globalization. Although it has an irresistible appeal
for many, it is also an opportunity to reflect on our consumption habits and their impact on the planet.
The Environmental Impact of Black Friday: A Hidden Cost of Frenzied Shopping
Black Friday has a significant environmental impact due to increased production, resource consumption, and CO2 emissions generated by transportation and online shopping. The phenomenon fuels throwaway consumption, especially in the fashion and electronics sectors, leading to an increase in waste, including electronic waste and plastic packaging.
The technology required to support the event also contributes to global energy consumption. To reduce these effects, more sustainable practices could be promoted, such as purchasing durable products, reducing packaging, and increasing recycling. Consumers and businesses can collaborate to make Black Friday less harmful to the environment, perhaps transforming it into a "Green Friday."
What to expect from this upcoming Black Friday?
Black Friday 2024 is expected to grow, with a particular focus on the integration of digital and physical channels. An average expenditure slightly lower for Italians than in 2023 is estimated, but with strong interest in electronics, clothing, and home products.
Among the main trends, the adoption of omnichannel stands out, with methods such as "click-and-collect" and an increase in smartphone purchases. Companies will invest in artificial intelligence to personalize offers and improve the shopping experience. Globally, Black Friday could generate a turnover of 200 billion euros, with strong demand for technological products and increasing attention to sustainable and responsible purchases.
