In the United States of America, the day after the Thanksgiving holiday is commonly called Black Friday. So what is Black Friday? It is the day when retailers traditionally lower prices on goods to kick-start the Christmas shopping season. Recently stores have opened early to maximize the number of shoppers in the day and create further publicity.
The origin of the name Black Friday has several explanations. Commentators have suggested that it is the day when retailers make most profit, so are "in the black". Academics report that the name derives from the Philadelphia Police. In that city, the first Christmas shopping day coincides with the annual Army vs Navy college football game. Traffic is therefore terrible and people flood the streets. The result is several accidents and a difficult day for the police force.
In the last few years, it has become the most popular shopping day of the year. Swathes of people go to stores to find the perfect discount. Many employers give staff time off work to shop. Some even give them the entire day off. Over the last ten years, early opening has taken on a new meaning. Many stores open at four in the morning. Some even open at midnight.
Shoppers' reaction to early opening has been very positive. Many people form a line outside the store before it opens. As this becomes more common, people arrive even earlier. Some spend hours waiting to ensure they get a place at the front of the line.
With the large number of shoppers waiting outside, many safety issues are raised. There is a significant risk of a crush when the doors open, so the entrance has to be well monitored. The whole event has to be well stewarded by security or police to make sure order is kept. Paramedics should be quickly available in event of people falling ill, especially those waiting overnight.
Black Friday can be an exciting day for shoppers and retailers alike. It has become an event in the American calendar and shoppers clearly like it. Retailers nowadays record their biggest number of sales on this day. However, it is very important to handle the event efficiently. Any delays, cash-desk malfunctions or low stock levels can cause anger and thus create potential flash-points among a large crowd.
As most stores take part in the event, it is essential to have a well-targeted ad campaign. The campaign should be on local television as well as online. Sales should be concentrated on a few core products as well as lower reductions on others across the store. Promotions could also fall in line with the local weather. If a store in a city with a cold climate is to open at midnight, free soup could be offered to those waiting.
Ads could highlight the efficiency of the store on the day. The headline could be What Is Black Friday To You?, and show a chaotic local nameless store. Then it could show the calmness of the advertised store. It could be aired on TV and viral version online.
The origin of the name Black Friday has several explanations. Commentators have suggested that it is the day when retailers make most profit, so are "in the black". Academics report that the name derives from the Philadelphia Police. In that city, the first Christmas shopping day coincides with the annual Army vs Navy college football game. Traffic is therefore terrible and people flood the streets. The result is several accidents and a difficult day for the police force.
In the last few years, it has become the most popular shopping day of the year. Swathes of people go to stores to find the perfect discount. Many employers give staff time off work to shop. Some even give them the entire day off. Over the last ten years, early opening has taken on a new meaning. Many stores open at four in the morning. Some even open at midnight.
Shoppers' reaction to early opening has been very positive. Many people form a line outside the store before it opens. As this becomes more common, people arrive even earlier. Some spend hours waiting to ensure they get a place at the front of the line.
With the large number of shoppers waiting outside, many safety issues are raised. There is a significant risk of a crush when the doors open, so the entrance has to be well monitored. The whole event has to be well stewarded by security or police to make sure order is kept. Paramedics should be quickly available in event of people falling ill, especially those waiting overnight.
Black Friday can be an exciting day for shoppers and retailers alike. It has become an event in the American calendar and shoppers clearly like it. Retailers nowadays record their biggest number of sales on this day. However, it is very important to handle the event efficiently. Any delays, cash-desk malfunctions or low stock levels can cause anger and thus create potential flash-points among a large crowd.
As most stores take part in the event, it is essential to have a well-targeted ad campaign. The campaign should be on local television as well as online. Sales should be concentrated on a few core products as well as lower reductions on others across the store. Promotions could also fall in line with the local weather. If a store in a city with a cold climate is to open at midnight, free soup could be offered to those waiting.
Ads could highlight the efficiency of the store on the day. The headline could be What Is Black Friday To You?, and show a chaotic local nameless store. Then it could show the calmness of the advertised store. It could be aired on TV and viral version online.
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Black Friday 2013 is right around the corner. Learn all you need to know about Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
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