Black Friday is an informal phrase for the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States and typically marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season, when retailers offer discounted prices and extend their hours.
The Origins of Black Friday
The first Black Friday occurred in 1869 following financier Jay Gould and railway businessman James Fisk's attempt to manipulate the gold market, which triggered a major financial panic across the United States.
How the Modern Meaning Emerged
The modern meaning emerged in the 1950s when factory managers adopted the phrase after workers called in sick to extend the holiday weekend. Philadelphia traffic police later used it to describe the severe congestion that occurred during the post-Thanksgiving shopping rush.
The term eventually gained nationwide adoption, becoming synonymous with the official start of the holiday shopping season. Retailers sometimes accept minimal profits on this day to attract shoppers who will then purchase full-priced items.
Black Friday at Carisma Spa
At Carisma Spa, Black Friday is the perfect time to gift someone you love a luxury spa experience. We offer special gift vouchers with double-value incentives on our most popular spa treatments and packages.
