Shopping mall crowd during Black Friday sales

Crowd at a shopping mall during Black Friday sales, with shoppers vying for deals on an overcast day.

About this subject

Black Friday, originating in the United States in the 1950s, has become a global consumer phenomenon, especially gaining traction in Brazil from the 2010s onward. The event, held on the Friday after Thanksgiving, marks the official start of the holiday shopping season. In Brazil, it gained momentum with the growth of e-commerce, but physical stores still attract crowds seeking steep discounts. In 2023, Brazilian Black Friday online sales reached approximately R$5.2 billion (roughly USD 1 billion), according to Neotrust, while brick-and-mortar retail also saw significant increases. This image captures the intense movement at a shopping mall during the promotional period, with shoppers carrying bags and examining displays. The artificial lighting and crowds contrast with the overcast day outside, highlighting the appeal of deals even in adverse weather. Brazilian malls, such as Shopping Ibirapuera in São Paulo or RioSul in Rio de Janeiro, often extend operating hours and bolster security to handle the visitor influx. Despite criticisms of consumerism, Black Friday has become an economic indicator, reflecting consumer confidence and retail health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of Black Friday?

Black Friday originated in the United States in the 1950s, initially describing the chaos of traffic and stores on the day after Thanksgiving. Over time, it became the start of holiday shopping with major discounts.

Is Black Friday in Brazil as big as in the US?

Although smaller in scale, Brazil's Black Friday has grown rapidly. In 2023, e-commerce generated R$5.2 billion, and physical stores also see high demand, especially in malls in large cities.

What are the main criticisms of Black Friday?

Main criticisms include excessive consumerism and deceptive practices like inflating prices before the event to simulate discounts. In Brazil, agencies like Procon monitor to curb such irregularities.