The History and Controversies of Black Friday: A Retail Rollercoaster

As the holiday season approaches, the anticipation for Black Friday, a shopping extravaganza that has become synonymous with incredible deals and long lines, begins to build. While many eagerly await this day to snag the best bargains, few may know the intriguing history and the myriad of controversies that surround Black Friday.

The Origin of Black Friday

Contrary to popular belief, Black Friday did not originate as a marketing ploy but has a historical background rooted in the 20th century. The term “Black Friday” first gained traction in the early 1960s in Philadelphia, where it was used to describe the chaotic and congested traffic that occurred the day after Thanksgiving. Retailers soon realized the potential of turning this negative connotation into a positive one by marking the day as the beginning of the holiday shopping season and offering attractive discounts.

Issues Faced by Retailers

While Black Friday has undoubtedly become a retail phenomenon, it is not without its share of challenges. One of the primary issues is the chaos that ensues, both online and in physical stores, as consumers rush to secure the best deals. Incidents of overcrowding, stampedes, and even violence have been reported, leading to concerns about the safety of both customers and retail staff.

Moreover, the intense competition among retailers to offer the most significant discounts has led to a race to the bottom, with some businesses cutting prices to unsustainable levels. This race can put immense pressure on profit margins and contribute to the overall stress on the retail industry.

Benefits and Downsides

On the positive side, Black Friday is undeniably a boon for consumers seeking significant discounts on a wide range of products. It kickstarts the holiday shopping season, boosts consumer spending, and provides an economic stimulus. For retailers, it can be a chance to clear out excess inventory and generate substantial revenue.

However, the downsides are equally noteworthy. The pressure on retailers to offer deep discounts can contribute to a culture of overconsumption, encouraging impulsive buying rather than thoughtful, value-driven purchases. The impact on small businesses that may struggle to match the discounts offered by larger competitors is another concern.

Why We Don’t Do Black Friday

At Aguri, we have chosen a different approach. Instead of participating in the Black Friday frenzy, we have committed ourselves to providing the best prices for our products all year round. We believe in offering value to our customers consistently, without the need for them to wait for a specific day to access great deals.

By avoiding the pitfalls associated with Black Friday, such as overextending discounts and contributing to the culture of frenzied shopping, we prioritize the long-term satisfaction of our customers. Our commitment to fair pricing and quality products reflects our dedication to building a sustainable and customer-centric business model.

Black Friday, with its origins in traffic jams and transformed into a retail spectacle, is a complex phenomenon. While it undeniably offers benefits in terms of consumer savings and economic stimulus, the controversies surrounding it cannot be ignored. At Aguri, we have chosen to take a different path, providing consistent value to our customers throughout the year and fostering a more sustainable and customer-friendly shopping experience.