Black Friday • Perspective
The Real Story Behind Black Friday — And Why It’s Changing
From financial crash to global shopping event, Black Friday has taken a winding route to where it is today. Here’s how it started, how it grew, and why more riders are now choosing a different line.
Read time: 4 minutes
In this article:
• Where “Black Friday” really came from
From an 1869 crash to 1950s Philadelphia chaos.
• How it became a mega sales event
The 1980s marketing spin and 2000s doorbusters.
• Why the meaning is shifting again
From more “stuff” to more movement, nature and headspace.
How did Black Friday really begin?
Every November, the same wave rolls in: flashing banners, countdown timers, “last chance” emails and a familiar pressure to grab the biggest deal before it disappears. Black Friday has become a global event, but its origins are a long way from the retail frenzy we recognise today.
To understand where we are now, it helps to look back at how Black Friday started, how it evolved, and why more people are beginning to question what it represents.
A brief timeline of Black Friday
1869 • A Financial Crash
The first recorded use of the term “Black Friday” dates back to an 1869 financial crisis in the United States. Two investors tried to corner the gold market. The plan collapsed, the market crashed and the shockwaves hit the wider economy. “Black Friday” described a day of loss, not bargains.
1950s • Philadelphia Chaos
In the 1950s, police officers in Philadelphia began using the phrase to describe the day after Thanksgiving. Crowds poured into the city, traffic clogged the streets, shops were overwhelmed and shoplifting spiked. For the police, it was a long, difficult shift with no time off – “Black Friday” wasn’t something to look forward to.
1980s • Retail Rebrand
By the 1980s, retailers took hold of the term and reshaped it. They popularised the idea that Black Friday was the moment businesses finally “went into the black” – turning a profit after a long year. The story was more marketing than history, but it caught on. The day after Thanksgiving became the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season.
2000s • Global Sales Phenomenon
With the rise of big-box retailers and online shopping, Black Friday grew into a global sales phenomenon. Doors opened at midnight, queues wrapped around buildings and “doorbuster” deals became headline news. Cyber Monday arrived soon after, and in many places Black Friday gradually expanded from a single day to an entire week – or even a full month of promotions.
2020s • Questioning the Noise
In more recent years, the mood has started to shift again. Many people are rethinking what Black Friday stands for – asking whether constant discounts and impulse purchases genuinely add value to their lives, or simply add clutter. More brands are experimenting with alternative approaches that emphasise sustainability, purpose and long-term benefit over short-term hype.
What does Black Friday mean now?
Today, Black Friday doesn’t have a single, fixed meaning. For some, it’s a chance to secure a genuinely useful deal. For others, it’s a moment to step back from the noise and resist buying for the sake of it. Increasingly, people are choosing to invest more thoughtfully in things that support their wellbeing, rather than simply chasing the biggest discount.
In other words, Black Friday has become a mirror: it reflects what each of us values most – whether that’s price, pace, sustainability or simply peace of mind.
Where we stand at Saint Piran Service Course
However the week is labelled, our purpose doesn’t really change.
At Saint Piran Service Course, we’re here to support:
- better mental health through movement
- stronger bodies and better habits
- time spent outside, away from screens
- a deeper appreciation of nature and the landscape around us
We believe the best “purchases” are the ones that keep giving back: a well-fitted bike, a reliable setup, a reason to ride more often and the confidence to explore further. Not clutter. Not pressure. Not urgency.
Just the simple, powerful joy of life lived outdoors — experienced in the best way we know how: on two wheels.
If you’re looking to invest in something that supports your future rides rather than just your storage space, we’re here to help you find the right bike, the right setup and the right next step.
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