From Chaos to Cart: The Real History of Black Friday

It’s November and you know what that means, Black Friday is almost upon us!

Black Friday has become ingrained in our culture, marks the start of Christmas shopping season, and can sometimes make us wonder “why are we doing this again?” It’s the kind of cultural holiday that feels equal parts nostalgic chaos and comedy gold. So let’s rewind a little and give this iconic shopping day the story-time it deserves.

So… where did Black Friday come from?

Plot twist: the original “Black Friday” had nothing to do with shopping, queues, or two strangers fighting over a half-price blender. Back in 1869, two investors tried (and failed) to manipulate the U.S. gold market, and the financial chaos that followed earned the day its gloomy name.

Fast-forward to the 1960s, and the phrase pops up again — this time thanks to Philadelphia police who used it to describe the post-Thanksgiving traffic mayhem as shoppers and football fans descended on the city. Basically: crowds everywhere, energy high, and a whole lot of chaos.

Retailers eventually gave the term a glow-up in the 1980s, spinning it into the idea that stores finally moved “from the red to the black” — aka into profit — thanks to the surge of holiday shopping. And that’s the version that stuck.

Black Friday in pop culture: the myth, the legend, the memes

We’re obsessed with how Black Friday has carved out its own space in pop culture. Think YouTube compilations of trolley races, viral tweets about 5 a.m. queues, and those unforgettable headlines about shoppers wrestling over TVs like it’s the Olympics of bargain-hunting.

Over the years, it’s become a whole mood — equal parts comedy, chaos, and “did that really just happen?” Whether you’ve witnessed a trolley traffic jam or avoided the whole thing with a hot drink and your cosiest blanket, you know the energy.

But the Black Friday we know today? Totally different vibe.

These days, Black Friday has had a full personality shift — and honestly, we’re here for it.

🛍️ Online shopping took over: No more camping outside stores, now it’s all about adding to cart from from the couch in our cosiest attire.

📱 Deals stretch out for weeks not hours: The “one-day only” thing? Mostly over.

🌎 It’s gone global: popping up in countries that don’t celebrate Thanksgiving at all.

Nowadays more of us are choosing slower, more thoughtful shopping and leaning into sustainability and avoiding the pressure of impulse buying. It’s less stampede, more curated wish-list — which feels a little more “let’s make choices that feel good” than “run, run, run.”

Why we still love it

Black Friday has always been bigger than the deals. It’s a moment — the unofficial start of the festive period with the thrill of finding something you’ve had your eye on whether it’s a gift from you to you or a thoughtful Christmas present for someone you love.

It’s evolved, softened, and become a lot more human — which we love. And the best part? You get to make it your own: shop small, shop smart or simply enjoy the vibe without buying a thing.

Speaking of Black Friday, no we haven’t forgotten. We’re warming up for Black Friday and you should too! 👀 🤭