Why ‘Black’ Friday?

Tomorrow is called Black Friday by anyone who is interested in how much is being sold by shops. It marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping bonanza. In which case why is it called black? Surely the word ‘black’ suggests something bad, whereas lots of sales are exactly what the retail market wants to see.

Here is my suggestion. When a business that has been trading profitably starts to make losses it is called going into the red. By the same token when a previously loss-making concern starts to make a profit it is called going into the black.

The Christmas Season is so important that many businesses bump along unsuccessfully hoping that when the Christmas season gets going they will start to make real profits. No wonder that they make a song and dance about it and call it ‘black Friday’.

Re: Why ‘Black’ Friday?

Quick google gave me this http://useconomy.about.com/od/demand...riday_Name.htm

Re: Why ‘Black’ Friday?

Thank-you for the link, Julie. I knew about the accountants using black ink to signify profits, but I didn't know the original negative meanings.

Re: Why ‘Black’ Friday?

Its an American term and to be strickly PC and not be called a racist the term should be....African-American Friday

Re: Why ‘Black’ Friday?

Eh !!!

Re: Why ‘Black’ Friday?

Yeah, I'm surprise you Brits pay attention. It's a ploy to boost Christmas sales. They lure the shopper in with discounts. Some stores will lower their prices even further towards Christmas.
I don't shop on Black Friday. I might not be religious but I respect the holiday and the commercialism is wrong. The spirit of giving is fine but...

Re: Why ‘Black’ Friday?

Hi Lowfion, I have looked up Ojai in my Rand McNally and realise I stayed not far from you at Thousand Oaks. We visited Ronald Reagan"s Presidential museum at Simi Valley. \It was spectacular , nice that visitors were allowed to go into the aircraft. We have been lots of times to your awesome country and loved every minute.

Re: Why ‘Black’ Friday?

Ronald Reagan, not one of my favorite Presidents. I've been there only once helping a botanist friend do a count on a rare plant that occurs on the property, did not go in.

Re: Why ‘Black’ Friday?

Seeing the atrocious behaviour of some people in Bristol shops I'm glad I stayed home! Not planning on spending much anyway. It's just a ploy to make some foolish folk spend money thinking they're getting a bargain.
But, we know better, don't we?

Re: Why ‘Black’ Friday?

I agree with you Lowfiron, they were going berserk in the shops today over here, I'm surprised so many folks fall for greedy sales gimmicks like this.