Shopping mall crowd during Black Friday sales

Crowd in a shopping mall during Black Friday sales, with consumers vying for discounts in packed stores.

About this subject

Black Friday, originating in the United States in the 1950s, has become a global consumer phenomenon marked by aggressive discounts and crowded stores. In Brazil, the event gained momentum starting in 2010, driven by e-commerce, but physical stores still see heavy traffic, especially in shopping malls in major cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte. The date, which falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving, is known for huge lines, limited stock, and occasional chaos among shoppers.

The scene of a crowded mall during Black Friday reflects the culture of impulse buying and flash deals. According to the Brazilian National Confederation of Commerce (CNC), in 2023 retail revenue on Black Friday exceeded BRL 6 billion, with electronics, fashion, and home appliances leading sales. The presence of crowds also raises logistics and safety concerns, with malls hiring extra security and controlling entry to prevent unrest.

Interestingly, the term "Black Friday" has a controversial origin: while many associate it with turning a profit (from "in the red" to "in the black"), historians note that the name was first used by Philadelphia police in the 1960s to describe traffic jams and store chaos. In Brazil, the date is often criticized for practices like "half of double" (price hikes before discounts), yet it still attracts millions of shoppers. The image of a crowd in a mall during Black Friday symbolizes both the excitement of consumption and the challenges retailers face in managing demand spikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of Black Friday?

Black Friday originated in the United States in the 1950s, initially used by Philadelphia police to describe traffic jams and store chaos after Thanksgiving. Over time, it became associated with major retail discounts.

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

Although it started later, Brazilian Black Friday already moves billions of reais. In 2023, revenue reached BRL 6 billion, with physical mall stores experiencing lines and limited stock, similar to the US.

What are the main criticisms of Black Friday?

Main criticisms include the practice of raising prices before the event to simulate larger discounts (known as 'half of double'), as well as logistics issues, stock shortages, and safety concerns in crowded stores.