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Make Me Smart

The history behind Black Friday

Nov 26, 2024
Uncover the surprising origins of Black Friday, linked to a Philadelphia football game. Explore the cultural significance of this shopping frenzy, with insights into personal experiences and gift-giving traditions. Dive into the intense competition among shoppers, complete with humorous anecdotes about waiting lines and holiday chaos. Learn smart shopping tips to navigate the festive season without losing your mind. It's all a delightful mix of nostalgia, humor, and camaraderie amidst the holiday hustle.
32:09

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Black Friday originated from the chaotic aftermath of the Army-Navy football game in Philadelphia, leading to its negative nickname by police.
  • Retailers employ strategic marketing tactics, like loss leaders and bundling, to encourage smarter consumer spending during the holiday shopping season.

Deep dives

The Origins of Black Friday

Black Friday originally stemmed from a football game in Philadelphia, specifically the annual Army-Navy game held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This event attracted large crowds to the city on the Friday before, leading to an overwhelming day for local police, who dubbed it 'Black Friday' due to the chaos and noise that ensued. Although this designation had a negative connotation relating to the hectic nature of the day, it gradually evolved as shoppers began to associate it with sales and shopping. The transition from a police term to a commercial holiday gained traction decades later when retailers started promoting their sales around this busy shopping day.

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