Black Friday is one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year, with millions of consumers looking for the best deals and discounts on various products and services. But how did this tradition start, and what are the trends and expectations for Black Friday 2023? Here are some facts and insights to help you understand the history and significance of this shopping phenomenon.

Black Friday 2023

The Origins of Black Friday

The term “Black Friday” has different meanings and origins, depending on the context. The first recorded use of the term was in 1869 when two speculators caused a financial panic by trying to corner the gold market in the U.S. This event led to a stock market crash and a depression.

However, the term “Black Friday” as we know it today was coined in the 1950s by the Philadelphia police, who used it to describe the chaos and traffic caused by the influx of shoppers and tourists on the day after Thanksgiving . The day also coincided with the Army-Navy football game, which added to the crowds and congestion.

By the late 1980s, the term “Black Friday” became popular nationwide, and retailers started to use it as a marketing strategy to attract customers with huge discounts and promotions. The term also implied that retailers would turn a profit (or go “into the black”) on that day, after operating at a loss (or “in the red”) for most of the year .

The Evolution of Black Friday

Over the years, Black Friday has evolved from a one-day event to a week-long or even month-long shopping extravaganza, with retailers offering deals and discounts both online and offline. The advent of the internet and e-commerce has also changed the way consumers shop and compare prices, making Black Friday more accessible and convenient.

Some of the trends and innovations that have shaped Black Friday in recent years include:

Cyber Monday: The term “Cyber Monday” was coined in 2005 by the National Retail Federation, to describe the online shopping boom on the Monday after Thanksgiving . Cyber Monday has become one of the biggest online shopping days of the year, with consumers looking for deals on electronics, gadgets, clothing, and more.
Small Business Saturday: The term “Small Business Saturday” was created in 2010 by American Express, to encourage consumers to support local and independent businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving . Small Business Saturday has become a movement that celebrates the diversity and uniqueness of small businesses, and their contribution to the economy and communities.
Giving Tuesday: The term “Giving Tuesday” was launched in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation, to promote charitable giving and social good on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving . Giving Tuesday has become a global movement that inspires millions of people to donate, volunteer, and support causes they care about.
Green Friday: The term “Green Friday” was introduced in 2016 by the outdoor retailer REI, to encourage consumers to spend time in nature instead of shopping on the day after Thanksgiving . Green Friday has become a campaign that promotes environmental awareness and sustainability, and challenges consumers to rethink their consumption habits and values.

The Expectations for Black Friday 2023

Black Friday 2023 is expected to be another record-breaking shopping event, with consumers looking for the best deals and discounts on various products and services. According to a survey by Adobe, 71% of respondents said that they would shop online on Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2023, and 80% said that they would shop earlier than usual to avoid stock shortages and shipping delays .

Some of the products and categories that are expected to be in high demand and offer the deepest discounts on Black Friday 2023 include:

Televisions: According to Adobe, televisions are expected to have an average discount of 22%, breaking previous records . Consumers are likely to look for smart TVs, OLED TVs, 4K TVs, and large-screen TVs, as well as streaming devices and accessories.
Gaming: According to Adobe, gaming is expected to have an average discount of 19%, and gaming consoles are expected to be one of the most sought-after products on Black Friday 2023 . Consumers are likely to look for the latest releases and bundles, such as the PlayStation 5, the Xbox Series X, and the Nintendo Switch, as well as gaming laptops, monitors, keyboards, mice, and headsets.
Toys: According to Adobe, toys are expected to have an average discount of 18%, and toys are expected to be one of the most popular categories on Black Friday 2023 . Consumers are likely to look for the hottest and trending toys, such as Lego, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Star Wars, Marvel, Disney, and more.
Clothing: According to Adobe, clothing is expected to have an average discount of 16%, and clothing is expected to be one of the most competitive categories on Black Friday 2023 . Consumers are likely to look for fashion, sportswear, accessories, shoes, and more, from various brands and retailers.
Appliances: According to Adobe, appliances are expected to have an average discount of 15%, and appliances are expected to be one of the most practical categories on Black Friday 2023 . Consumers are likely to look for kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, coffee makers, and more, as well as home appliances, such as washers, dryers, vacuums, air purifiers, and more.

The Tips and Tricks for Black Friday 2023

Black Friday 2023 can be a great opportunity to save money and get the best deals and discounts on various products and services. However, it can also be a stressful and overwhelming experience, with so many options and offers to choose from. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the most of Black Friday 2023:

Plan ahead: Before you start shopping, make a list of the products and categories that you are interested in, and set a budget and a priority for each item. Research the prices and features of the products, and compare them across different retailers and platforms. Look for coupons, promo codes, cashback, and loyalty programs that can help you save more money and get more benefits.
Shop online: Shopping online can be more convenient and safe than shopping in physical stores, especially during the pandemic. You can avoid the crowds, the lines, the traffic, and the hassle, and shop from the comfort of your home or office. You can also access more deals and discounts, and compare prices and reviews more easily. However, be aware of the shipping costs, delivery times, return policies, and customer service of the online retailers, and make sure that they are reliable and secure.
Shop early: Shopping early can help you avoid stock shortages and shipping delays, which are common during Black Friday. Many retailers and platforms start offering deals and discounts weeks or even months before Black Friday, so you can take advantage of them and get the products that you want before they run out or get more expensive. However, be careful not to buy impulsively or unnecessarily, and keep an eye on the price changes and fluctuations, as some products may get cheaper or more expensive closer to Black Friday.
Shop smart: Shopping smart can help you get the best value and quality for your money, and avoid scams and frauds. You can use tools and apps that can help you track prices, find deals, compare products, and alert you of the best offers and discounts. You can also read reviews and ratings from other customers, and check the authenticity and reputation of the products and retailers. Moreover, you can use secure and trusted payment methods, and protect your personal and financial information from hackers and cybercriminals.

Black Friday 2023 is a shopping event that has a long and interesting history, and a significant impact on the economy and society. It is also a shopping event that offers many opportunities and challenges for consumers, who can find the best deals and discounts on various products and services, but also face many risks and difficulties. By understanding the history and significance of Black Friday, and following the tips and tricks for Black Friday 2023, you can make the most of this shopping phenomenon, and enjoy a rewarding and satisfying shopping experience.