Picture Philadelphia in the 1960s: streets packed with eager shoppers, traffic at a standstill, and overwhelmed police officers working overtime on what would become retail's most infamous day. What we now celebrate as a shopping bonanza began as a law enforcement nightmare. The term "Black Friday" was coined by the Philadelphia Police Department, who dreaded the day after Thanksgiving when two major events collided – the start of holiday shopping season and the annual Army-Navy football game.
The combination drew massive crowds of suburban shoppers and sports enthusiasts into the city, creating a perfect storm of traffic jams, overcrowded sidewalks, and overwhelmed stores. Police officers, unable to take the day off, worked extended shifts to manage the chaos. The term "black" was commonly used in the 1960s to describe various days of catastrophe, and for Philadelphia law enforcement, this Friday was particularly dark.
From Red to Black: The Name's True MeaningÂ
Retailers initially resisted the term "Black Friday," concerned that its negative connotations would harm business. By the 1980s, however, a brilliant marketing transformation began to take place. The narrative shifted from one of chaos to one of opportunity. The "red to black" story emerged – the idea that this was the day when retailers would finally turn a profit for the year, moving from "red ink" (losses) in their accounting books to "black ink" (profits).
This clever reframing accomplished two things: it removed the negative associations with crowd control and traffic problems, and it created a sense of participation in the stores' success. Shoppers weren't just buying products; they were helping local businesses end their year on a high note. The story was so compelling that it stuck, even though many modern retailers operate profitably throughout the year.
What started as damage control became a global retail phenomenon. Department stores and retailers began offering deeper discounts and opening earlier, leading to the dawn of "doorbuster" sales. The excitement of scoring a great deal became part of American holiday tradition, and eventually, global retail culture.
Why We’re Calling it Black NovemberÂ
Turning it to a month-long sale rather than a single-day shopping frenzy, serves multiple purposes, such as:
- Manages logistics and website traffic more effectively
- Allows customers to plan purchases across paychecks
- Reduces the risk of overcrowding and stock shortages
- Provides more opportunities for price comparison
Smart Shopping Tips for Black November:
1. Research and Price Tracking
- Track prices weeks before sales begin, via social media posts and other retailer ads (See our Insta360 Black November Deals)
- Use price comparison tools
- Watch for early-bird specials
2. Payment Strategy
- Compare financing options
- Understand installment terms
- Check flexible payment methods availability (Learn more about our payment methods here)
3. Digital Safety
- Shop from verified retailers
- Be wary of too-good-to-be-true deals
- Use secure payment methods
4. Preparation Tips
- Create prioritized shopping lists
- Set budget limits
- Sign up for newsletters
-
Follow brands on social mediaÂ