The Evolution of Black Friday and Cyber Monday: A Shopping Extravaganza
Origins and Growth of Black Friday
The Early Beginnings Black Friday’s history is quite fascinating. Contrary to popular belief, the term “Black Friday” was initially associated with a financial crisis, specifically the U.S. gold market crash on September 24, 1869. However, the more relevant origin story for shoppers is linked to retailers. It was believed that after operating at a loss all year (“in the red”), stores would finally turn a profit (“in the black”) after the Thanksgiving sales.
Thanksgiving and Shopping The connection between Thanksgiving and shopping grew stronger when Macy’s held its first Thanksgiving Day parade in 1924, signifying the start of the holiday shopping season. In 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving up a week, responding to pressure from retailers eager to extend the shopping season.
Philadelphia’s Chaos and the Birth of a Name In Philadelphia during the 1960s, the day after Thanksgiving was a chaotic one, filled with traffic and shopping frenzy, leading to the term “Black Friday” being coined by the local police. By the 1980s, the day became known for the time when sales helped stores move from a loss to a profit for the year.
The Rise of Cyber Monday
As online shopping became more prevalent in the early 2000s, retailers noticed an increase in online shopping activity the Monday after Thanksgiving. This led to the creation of “Cyber Monday” in the 2000s, a day dedicated to online shopping deals.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals in 2023
Crafting and Woodworking Deals For crafting enthusiasts, Black Friday 2023 brings a variety of deals. Early November sees discounts such as 50% off on sewing and quilting cutting tools and special offers on arts and crafts supplies like Artsmith Super Value Canvas Packs for $12.99. There are also DIY kits and art easels at significantly reduced prices. For woodworking and tool aficionados, notable discounts on brands like DeWalt, Craftsman, and Bosch are available, with savings of up to $160.
Computers and Electronics The electronics and computer sector is not left behind. Newegg, for instance, is offering an array of Black Friday deals throughout November, with discounts on computers, laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles. They have a price protection program starting early in the month to ensure shoppers get the best deals without worrying about future price drops. A specific example includes deals on desktop computers, like an Acer Aspire Desktop with a significant price reduction.
In conclusion, Black Friday and Cyber Monday have evolved from mere post-Thanksgiving sales into a full-blown, month-long shopping phenomenon. With a wide range of deals in various sectors, including crafting, woodworking, electronics, and computers, shoppers in 2023 can expect to find significant savings and an array of products to choose from.
