How Did Black Friday Get Its Name?

Black Friday and Black Saturday were the terms Philadelphia Police used in the 1960s to describe the traffic accidents and violence that happened the two days after Thanksgiving.

Before Black Friday got its name, it was still basically a shopping holiday. As far back as the 1950s people were calling in sick to work so they could have a four-day weekend. And those people would hit the stores. Businesses soon started to take advantage of the day by offering sales that would also help them get their revenue back in the “black.” It’s become one of the biggest shopping days of the year.

Do People Really Get Hurt on Black Friday?

Unfortunately the answer is Yes. People have come to expect great deals that day, and seem willing to go to great lengths to get them.

One of the worst instances of violence occurred in Little Rock, Arkansas where 312 people were killed, over 2,000 were injured and shoppers tried to burn down the Governor’s Mansion. “It was the craziest thing I’ve ever seen,” said Fred Bean a local Arkansan. “I was in the Wal-Mart just looking for some deals on Christmas toys. I heard a fight break out when they announced the PS4s were an additional 10% off. People started punching and stomping each other and the next thing I know people are marching out the door with torches and pitchforks. It was really easy for them to find that stuff too because Wal-Mart has such a broad selection. Anyway, I saw them heading off towards the Target so I bought an Iron Man mask and got the heck out of there.”

Black Friday Statistics

86% of Americans are planning on spending their money on Black Friday.
88% of men say they plan on shopping on Black Friday versus 85% of women.
Men are expected to spend $58.26 more than women, budgeting an average $436.20 for men compared with $377.94 for women.
78% of Baby Boomers said they’ll partake in pre-Christmas sales, planning to spend an average of $626.35 for 2019. This is more than double what 94% of Millennials plan to spend.

Avoid the Black Friday Swarms!

Target Marketing Solutions is holding our own Black Friday Sale!

No crowds, no hassles and no potential violence. And unlike most things bought on Black Friday that end up in the closet, re-gifted or the local landfill, our services continue to help generate revenue for your business all year round!

In addition to our special this month, if you call us on Black Friday or Cyber Monday you’ll get:

10% off Professional Photography

and

$100 in free Pay-Per-Click for New Clients