⚠️This fact has been debunked
Black Friday in the UK is not the Friday before Christmas; it aligns with the American date (the day after US Thanksgiving) in late November. The claim about many people getting drunk instead of shopping is also inaccurate; Black Friday is primarily a retail event.
Black Friday in the UK is the Friday before Christmas. Instead of shopping, many people get very drunk!
Debunking the Black Friday UK Myth
The idea that Black Friday in the UK is the Friday before Christmas, and that many people get very drunk instead of shopping, is a widespread misconception! Let's unravel these popular myths and discover the fascinating reality behind this global shopping phenomenon.
Black Friday has become a household name, synonymous with incredible deals and bustling retail activity. But its timing and traditions are often misunderstood, especially when cultural differences come into play.
The True Timing of Black Friday
Contrary to popular belief, Black Friday in the UK is not determined by its proximity to Christmas. Instead, it directly follows the American calendar. This means it consistently falls on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States.
This annual event always occurs on the fourth Friday of November. It serves as the unofficial kickoff to the highly anticipated Christmas shopping season.
Black Friday's American Origins
The term 'Black Friday' first gained traction in Philadelphia during the 1960s. Local police used it to describe the immense traffic congestion, both pedestrian and vehicular, that occurred on the day after Thanksgiving.
Shoppers would flock to the city in droves, eager to take advantage of post-holiday sales. This surge in activity made the day notoriously chaotic for urban areas.
From Red Ink to Black Profits
A more commercially-focused explanation for the name later emerged and stuck. Many retailers historically operated at a financial loss, often described as being 'in the red,' for much of the year.
The massive influx of sales on the day after Thanksgiving was often enough to push their balance sheets 'into the black'—meaning, into profitability. This association solidified the name 'Black Friday' in the retail lexicon.
The UK's Adoption of a US Tradition
Black Friday is a relatively recent import to the United Kingdom. It began to gain significant momentum and widespread recognition around the mid-2010s. UK retailers observed the immense success of the sales event across the Atlantic.
They quickly realized the potential for similar promotional boosts during their own pre-Christmas period. Adopting the tradition meant introducing comparable discounts and deals to British consumers.
Setting the Record Straight: No Drunken Revelry
The notion that many people get very drunk on Black Friday in the UK, forsaking shopping for revelry, is largely inaccurate. While the festive season, generally, sees an increase in social gatherings and alcohol consumption, Black Friday itself is primarily a retail-driven event.
The focus remains squarely on bargain hunting and securing discounted items. Shoppers are typically navigating crowded stores or online sales, not engaging in widespread heavy drinking as a core activity of the day.
A Truly Global Shopping Phenomenon
Today, Black Friday has transcended its American roots to become a truly global event. Countries across the world now participate in the annual sales extravaganza. It offers consumers everywhere an exciting opportunity to grab pre-holiday bargains.
This global adoption underscores the power of effective marketing and the universal appeal of a good deal. It transforms a single day into a multi-national tradition of economic activity and consumer excitement.