Where Did Black Friday Originate? History & Meaning

Where Did Black Friday Originate? History & Meaning

Euan James Euan James
5 minute read

When it comes to holiday shopping, few days are as important as Black Friday. If you plan to find the best bargains available, Black Friday sales should be at the top of your list. Where did Black Friday originate? Well actuality, there is a long history behind the term that has come to represent bargain shopping for just about everyone. Find out all you need to know right here.

Black Friday, also known as the day after Thanksgiving, is an American tradition where enthusiastic shoppers wait all year for sales. It is the day after Thanksgiving when ads with amazing discount offers are released, and stores open early to accommodate the massive crowds they expect at their doors. Jump to a section below by clicking the links or read on to find out more.

Overview:

Where Did Black Friday Originate?

The term 'Black Friday' originated in the 1860s, when two investors drove up the price of gold and caused a crash that day. In the 1950s the term once again reared its head, but this time, with a different meaning. Philadelphia police used the term to refer to the day after Thanksgiving when huge crowds of shoppers went into the city and the police had to work long hours to cover the crowds and traffic. 

Within a few years, retailers attempted to put a prettier face on the day by officially calling it "Big Friday." The phrase "Black Friday" did not grow into a nationwide event until the late 1980s when retailers offered huge sales to turn losses into a profit. The popularity of Black Friday continued to grow throughout the 1970s with more and more retailers extending their hours into Thanksgiving evening.

More recently, Black Friday has become known as more than just a day for shopping; it is now considered an event. Each year on the day after Thanksgiving, thousands of people flock to stores across the world to enjoy amazing sales and fabulous doorbusters.

where did black friday originate

The Sales Phenomenon

While sales in November were already popular before 'Black Friday' was coined, the sales have only increased in popularity with retailers across the world slashing their prices. According to data from finder.com.au, 71% of Australians plan on shopping this Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In November alone, Australians typically spend over $3.9 billion on retail shopping and this year will be no different. 

Despite Black Friday originating in the US, America is no longer the top spot for Black Friday shopping. In recent years, Brazil, Germany and France have overtaken the US in terms of interest for this shopping period. If COVID-19 has taught us anything other than keeping on top of hygiene, it's just how much people love online shopping and this Black Friday, online retails are yet again set to be the big winners. 

where did black Friday originate - the sales phenomenon

When Is Black Friday This Year?

This year in Australia, Black Friday is on the 26th of November, 2021. A lot of brands have already started promoting their Black Friday deals or have created an early access campaign. Here at Grahams, we have a large range of Black Friday jewellery and Black Friday watches on sale. 

In terms of in store shopping, while merchants have traditionally opened for business at 6 am, in recent years many have pushed opening times earlier, even overnight through midnight the night. Keep an eye out for Grahams extended Christmas trading hours. 

Where did black friday originate - when is black friday

Our Favourite Black Friday Deals

Here at Grahams, we have a huge range of discounted jewellery and watches for everyone. Check out some of our top picks below and take advantage of our bargains this Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

If you're looking for a men's watch at a great price, look no further than this Seiko Prospex watch. The design motif is based on the blue whale, a symbol of everything that is wonderful about our oceans. It features automatic movement, a screw down crown, a one way rotating bezel, hardlex glass, a 43.8mm case and of course, 200 meters of water resistance. 

If men's jewellery is more your thing, be sure to check out this gold chain. Whether you're planning a day at the office or going out on the town, you can be sure that this chain will look just right.

9ct Yellow Gold 55cm Curb Chain

9ct Yellow Gold 55cm Curb Chain

$1,649.50 $3,299.00

Treat yourself like royalty with this 9ct yellow gold curb link chain, measuring 55cm in length. This perfect for both regualr and occassional wear… read more

Shopping for women's jewellery? You simply can't go wrong with this 1 carat diamond bracelet. Diamonds are more than just a girl's best friend; they're the foundation of every jewellery collection. 

1 Carat Diamond Tennis Bracelet with 167 Diamonds 18cm in Sterling Silver

1 Carat Diamond Tennis Bracelet with 167 Diamonds 18cm in Sterling Silver

$1,799.00

A luxury tennis bracelet that shines and shimmers endlessly in the sun with 167 brilliant cut diamonds. Its sterling silver body is both elegant in look and bold in style, with plenty of size to show off. It's hard not… read more

If you're more interested in diamond rings, we have options for you. A perfect gift to celebrate an anniversary or to show off your devotion, these rings are available in 1 carat, 2 carat, 3 carat and 4 carat. Check out the 2 carat version below! 

Sterling Silver and 9ct Yellow Gold 2 Carat Diamond Cushion Shape Cluster Ring

Sterling Silver and 9ct Yellow Gold 2 Carat Diamond Cushion Shape Cluster Ring

$3,499.00

Bewitch onlookers in this 2 Carat Diamond Cushion Shape Cluster Ring. Featuring two carats of brilliant cut diamonds arranged in a mesmerising cluster shape and encased in both hypoallergenic sterling silver and opulent 9ct yellow gold, this ring is most… read more

Earrings are a staple in any jewellery collection. Check out these stunning pearl earrings. The timeless beauty of these earrings will never go out of style. You can wear them when you are out or just when you are relaxed at home, to add that perfect finishing touch.

 

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