5 Facts About Black Friday You Might Not Know About

As one of the biggest and busiest shopping days of the year, Black Friday is a time when retail stores and brands offer huge discounts and promotions on their products with the hopes of attracting massive crowds. To maximize this shopping phenomenon, people are making shopping lists and strategizing how they’ll go about purchasing products to snag the best deals. Aside from in-store, online shopping allows customers with a convenient method and even helps them get started for the holidays. 

If you’ve read about the previous blog, When is Black Friday 2023 and How to Prepare for It?, you already know what Black Friday is and what to do in preparation. But you might also be interested in some fun facts about one of the biggest sales of the year. With that said, here are 5 things you probably don’t know about Black Friday. 

1. America Isn’t the Only Country to Celebrate Black Friday

Black Friday has grown beyond just a US shopping event. Over 120 countries around the world celebrate their own versions of it, such as Australia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, and more. However, you might be wondering how they participate in the event? Like what is the difference? 

Aside from the countries mentioned, Mexico is another country that embraces this shopping extravaganza. Known locally as “El Buen Fin,” it starts somewhere during late-November and works pretty much the same as Black Friday in the US. Retail stores and brands promote huge discounts, incredible bundles, and special promotions which shoppers take full advantage of to tick off items from their holiday shopping lists. 

So, while Black Friday may have originated in America with a completely different meaning, it has now become an iconic shopping day observed in numerous countries worldwide, including the festive Mexican celebration of El Buen Fin. 

2. Free Shipping Is One of the Biggest Draws on Black Friday

With each passing sale, one trend has emerged as a significant game-changer for buyers: free shipping. According to Shopify, up to 75% of shoppers say that free shipping is crucial to their Black Friday shopping experience. 

Multiple shopping surveys have consistently shown that free shipping is the most influential factor when it comes to making purchasing decisions on this day. Shoppers are more likely to choose retailers or brands that offer free shipping, even if the discounts are not as good as those without it. The convenience of having items delivered to their doorstep without any additional cost has become invaluable in the eyes of customers. 

As a result, the retailers and brands have witnessed a growing trend of more and more of their competitors jumping on the free shipping bandwagon. To attract customers and stay ahead of the competition, businesses are now offering free shipping on Black Friday as part of their promotional strategies. This strategy not only benefits the customers but also helps retailers boost sales and maintain customer loyalty. 

3. Plumbers Are Very Busy on Black Friday

Now here’s a fun one. While most people are spending their time planning how they’ll go about their shopping spree, plumbers, on the other hand, are in high demand and are busy handling different kinds of plumbing issues. 

One of the most common issues that plumbers encounter on Black Friday is clogged kitchen sinks. With families preparing elaborate meals and hosting gatherings, it's no surprise really that sink drains become overwhelmed with food scraps and debris. Garbage disposals also tend to get clogged during this time, due to the increase of excess leftovers and peels. 

Toilet troubles are another prevalent plumbing issue on Black Friday. The excessive amount of food consumed on this day often leads to additional trips to the bathroom for all the wrong reasons. As a result, toilets can become clogged or malfunction, requiring the expertise of a plumber. 

As families indulge in lavish meals, often pushing their plumbing systems beyond their limits, plumbers find themselves in high demand on this particular day. Still, their dedication to resolving clogged kitchen sinks, garbage disposals, and malfunctioning toilets on Black Friday is truly commendable. 

4. Drunk Shopping Is Pretty Common

Drunk shopping is pretty common on Black Friday. According to a survey conducted by RetailMeNot, around 12% of shoppers admit to being under the influence of alcohol while hunting for the best deals. While this may sound amusing, it can be a serious problem, especially when buyers and shop clerks fight over disagreements. 

Moreover, when shoppers are under the influence, their inhibitions are lowered, leading to impulsive and sometimes irrational buying decisions. Some may find themselves purchasing items they don't actually need or items that are completely unrelated to their shopping list. From extravagant electronics to unusual novelty items, the range of purchases made while intoxicated can be quite diverse. This would also explain why the average person during Black Friday spends over $400 during Black Friday. 

The RetailMeNot survey sheds light on this phenomenon and emphasizes the importance of responsible shopping during the shopping season. While purchasing various products can be a fun and exciting experience, it is essential to shop sensibly and with a clear mind to avoid buyer's remorse and unnecessary expenses as well as unnecessary conflicts. 

So, whether you choose to indulge in a glass of wine while browsing online or celebrate your successful bargains with a toast, it's important to remember that moderation is key. Enjoy the shopping experience, but maybe save the rest of your drinks up until you finish shopping. 

5. Non-Electronic Sales Increased in 2022

While Black Friday is often associated with amazing discounts and deals on electronics, it can also be your opportunity to scratch off some items on your shopping list. According to BlackFriday.com, total spending increased on books, jewelry, and sporting goods in 2022. That same year, sales of toys set new records, with trading cards, cars, and dolls being at the top of the bestsellers. 

So, if you are planning on buying some toys, books, jewelries, or anything else for the upcoming Holiday season, you might want to consider checking out some retail shops and brands to see if you can get your hands on some sweet deals, discounts, or bundles.  

Takeaway 

Black Friday, the annual shopping extravaganza, holds plenty of intriguing aspects that contribute to its enduring popularity. This event, which has a very different origin and meaning compared to what we know today, has grown into a global phenomenon that goes beyond both borders and cultures. Its history is deeply connected with the evolution of retail and the rise of e-commerce, transforming it into a hybrid experience that combines in-store bargains with the convenience of online shopping.