The story of black friday

The History of Black Friday – From the USA to Greece

The History of Black Friday

✨ "Black Friday" started as an American consumer tradition that over the years gained worldwide recognition. The first reference was made in Philadelphia in the 1960s, when police used the term to describe the chaos that prevailed on the streets after Thanksgiving Day.

✔️ Later, merchants transformed this negative concept into a positive one, arguing that on that day they managed to move from the "red" to the **"black" in their accounting books** — from losses to profits. Thus, Black Friday was established as synonymous with the biggest discounts of the year.

✅ Today, millions of consumers wait with anticipation to buy products at exceptionally low prices, while stores prepare for one of the most profitable months of the year. At the same time, the history of the day reminds us that behind the glamour of offers there is always a deeper social and economic background.

The Global Expansion of the Phenomenon

✨ What started as an **American tradition**, within a few years transformed into a global phenomenon. Europe embraced Black Friday in the 2010s, with countries like **Germany**, **France**, and the **United Kingdom** massively adopting the discounts.

✔️ In Greece, the phenomenon made its presence felt from **2015 onwards**, with stores trying to compete with international chains. **Asia** created its own versions, such as the famous **Singles' Day** in China, while Japan and South Korea followed in their commercial calendar.

✅ Australia and Canada also adopted Black Friday, although they don't celebrate Thanksgiving. This **global expansion** shows that a commercial practice can transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, changing the consumer habits of millions of people.

The Digital Transformation of Black Friday

✨ The advent of the **internet** radically changed Black Friday. **Online shopping** gave consumers the ability to avoid crowds and find **offers** from the comfort of their homes.

✔️ **Amazon** and major e-commerce platforms established weeks of discounts, while **Cyber Monday** became the natural "sibling" of Black Friday. **Social media** and **influencers** entered the game, creating new promotional strategies.

✅ **Mobile technology** (apps) and **artificial intelligence** now offer personalized experiences, while **virtual reality** (VR/AR) gives users the ability to try products before buying them. Black Friday is now much more than a discount day — it's a **digital event** with global reach.

Economic Impact and Statistics

✨ The economic impact of Black Friday is **enormous**. In the USA, sales exceed **$9 billion** in one day, while the four-day period with **Cyber Monday** reaches **$35 billion**.

✔️ In Europe, countries like **Germany** and the **United Kingdom** record billions in sales, while in **Greece** online purchases increase by **40–50%** compared to a normal day. **Small and medium enterprises** gain ground, taking advantage of increased demand.

✅ Additionally, the **tourism industry** benefits, as many travel to countries with better offers. Analysts emphasize that 30% of annual profits of certain stores are realized in the period that starts with Black Friday. This makes it a **key economic indicator** for retail.

Consumer Psychology

✨ Black Friday is also a **psychological phenomenon**. **Limited offers** create a sense of urgency and the well-known FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).

✔️ The **illusion of scarcity** increases the perceived value of a product, while **social proof** (seeing others buy) reinforces the need for participation. Thus, shopping becomes a **social event**.

✅ More conscious consumers use Black Friday **strategically** to make purchases they really need. However, the internal "battle" between logic and emotion is evident and reveals a lot about how we make decisions.

 Reliable Sources & Statistics

According to Forbes, Black Friday has evolved into the world's largest commercial event, surpassing even holiday periods in sales.

Research by Statista shows that in 2023, in the USA alone, Black Friday online sales reached $9.8 billion, recording a new record.

Furthermore, according to analysis by Harvard Business Review, Black Friday affects consumer behaviors long-term, as customers plan their purchases months in advance.

Trends and Future Prospects

✨ The future of Black Friday is connected to **technology**. **Artificial intelligence** and **machine learning** provide personalized offers, while **voice commerce** through smart devices is changing the way purchases are made.

✔️ **Sustainability** is gaining ground. Consumers are looking for **green deals** and products with a low environmental footprint, pressuring companies to adapt.

✅ Discounts now extend to **Black Week** or even **Black Month**, reducing the pressure of one day but increasing competition. **Subscription services** and the **sharing economy** are also changing the consumption model.

⚠️ In the future, the **metaverse** is expected to play a crucial role. Consumers will participate in **immersive shopping experiences**, trying products in virtual environments. Black Friday thus becomes increasingly **interactive** and global.

Customer Comments & Experiences

"Last year on HairMaker.Gr's Black Friday I got my favorite aftershave with -30%. Excellent experience, the order arrived within two days."

– George, Athens

"The best opportunity to renew my beard care products. The discounts were real and not fake."

– Dimitris, Thessaloniki

The "Dark" Stories of Black Friday

⚠️ Black Friday doesn't only have a festive image. **Consumer queues**, panic, and even incidents of violence have been recorded in various countries, making the day controversial.

✨ The term was first used in **1869** in a financial crisis, when **Gould** and **Fisk** tried to control the gold market. Their conspiracy collapsed, leading to a "black" day for the economy.

✔️ In recent years, **theories and myths** have emerged about the origin of the name. At the same time, excessive consumer frenzy has led to **injuries and deaths**, from 2006 to today.

✅ Many consumers **camp** outside stores, days before they open, aiming to secure the best position. These extreme practices show how intensely Black Friday can affect human behavior.

Despite the dark sides, the day remains a **global consumption celebration**. Knowledge of history and dangers helps us experience it with enthusiasm but also with greater awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions – Black Friday

HairMaker.Gr – Black Friday in Greece

As the HairMaker.Gr team, the first year we entered Black Friday strongly, we remember two things: the phone "ringing" constantly and the checkout "flying". We had prepared stock and FAQ, but the biggest gain came from something simple: clear bundles and honest discounts (without "inflating" before offers).

A customer told us: "First time I feel I caught a real opportunity". There we understood that the Greek public appreciates transparent deals, fast delivery and support in Greek. Since then we keep a "Top 20 products" list with realtime replenishment and clear cut-off times for shipments.

• ✅ Lesson #1: Small, honest range & bundles that "make sense".
• ✅ Lesson #2: Page with clear policies (returns/times).
• ✅ Lesson #3: Live stock updates & simple call-to-actions.