Black Friday (Black Friday)

Black Friday: The History, the Story, and Secrets to Optimal Benefit

Black Friday is one of the most anticipated days of the year for shopping enthusiasts around the world. It is not just a commercial occasion, but an economic and cultural phenomenon that started in the United States and spread to various countries worldwide, including the Arab world. In this article, we review the story of this famous day, its history, and how you can leverage it in the smartest ways to maximize benefit without falling into the trap of impulsive shopping.

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving in the United States of America, meaning the last Friday of November each year. It is considered the start of the Christmas shopping season. On this day, major stores and brands offer huge discounts that can reach up to 90% on some products, attracting millions of buyers both in physical stores and online.

The History and True Story of Black Friday

The story began in the 1950s in the city of Philadelphia, when police officers used the term "Black Friday" to describe the chaos and congestion that filled the streets after Thanksgiving, as shoppers rushed to stores. Over time, however, retailers transformed the term into a positive meaning, where it came to symbolize the day when "accounts turn from loss (red) to profit (black)," according to old accounting practices.

In the 1980s, the day gained global fame, and with the spread of the internet and e-commerce, Black Friday became a massive digital event involving merchants from all over the world, especially with the emergence of "Cyber Monday" deals focused on online shopping.

How to Optimally Benefit from Black Friday?

1. Make a List of Actual Needs

Before the deals start, determine what you actually need — whether electronics, household tools, or clothing — because massive discounts might push you to buy things you don't need.

2. Monitor Prices Before Discounts

Some stores raise prices before Black Friday to make discounts appear larger than they are. Use price comparison websites like "Pricena" or "ShopSavvy" to verify the real discount.

3. Buy Only from Trusted Websites

To avoid fraud, deal with official or trusted stores like Amazon, Noon, Namshi, or Jarir. Beware of links sent via email or unknown websites.

4. Utilize Cashback and Coupons

Many shopping sites offer cashback of up to 10% or more. You can also use pre-existing discount coupons to double the benefit.

5. Follow Pre-Black Friday Deals

Many websites start their offers days or even weeks before the official day. Following these campaigns ensures you get the best deals before stocks run out.

6. Plan Your Budget and Don't Forget Shipping and Taxes

Set a spending cap and calculate the cost of international or local shipping and taxes before completing the purchase to avoid surprises.

Secrets Many Don't Know About Black Friday

• Biggest Sales Ever: In 2023, global Black Friday sales exceeded $100 billion online alone.
• Highest Demand: Tech products (phones, laptops, headphones) represent over 40% of total sales.
• Rapid Growth in the Middle East: The region saw a 45% increase in e-commerce sales over the last two years during the Black Friday season.
• Best Time to Buy: The early morning hours (between 6 and 10 AM local time) because some offers are limited in quantity.
• Take Advantage of Cyber Monday: It's the Monday following Black Friday, and often features stronger discounts on electronics and devices.

Conclusion

Black Friday is not just a shopping festival, but a real opportunity to get your needs at exceptional prices. However, the secret to benefiting from it is smart planning, comparing prices, and buying only from trusted stores. Instead of being a victim of deceptive discounts, you can turn this day into a successful investment that saves you money and ensures the best products at the best price.