How Black Friday became a global phenomenon | DW News

Key Concepts

• Black Friday: A major post-Thanksgiving shopping day known for significant sales and discounts.
• Global Retail Phenomenon: Black Friday's expansion from a localized American event to an international shopping spree.
• Consumer Skepticism: A significant portion of consumers express doubt about the genuine value of Black Friday deals, even while actively participating.
• Cross-border E-commerce: Online retail transactions conducted between buyers and sellers located in different countries, highlighted by the role of Chinese suppliers.
• Holiday Season Sales: The peak retail period typically commencing with Black Friday and extending through the end of the year, characterized by heightened consumer spending.

Introduction to Black Friday's Scale Black Friday is presented as the "most magical time of the year," marked by an overwhelming influx of advertisements across phone, email, and even physical mail. This year, Black Friday is poised to initiate a holiday season where total sales are projected to surpass $1 trillion.

Historical Origins and Evolution The origins of Black Friday date back to the 1950s in Philadelphia. The term was initially coined to describe the "chaos on the streets" that ensued the day after Thanksgiving. Through subsequent "retail rebranding," by the 1980s, Black Friday had firmly established itself as the unofficial start of the US holiday shopping season, characterized by "massive crowds of frantic shoppers" eager to secure bargains.

Current Market Performance and Consumer Sentiment The event's growth continues unabated, with Black Friday sales in the US alone expected to top $11 billion in 2025. Despite its widespread participation, consumer perception reveals a significant degree of skepticism: only 13% of consumers believe in Black Friday, while a substantial 87% do not, even if they partake in the sales. This paradox highlights the event's immense popularity and the competitive pressure it places on "probably all retailers" to participate.

Global Reach and Key Players Black Friday has evolved into a truly global retail phenomenon. Worldwide online Black Friday spending is projected to reach between $78 and $80 billion this year. The transcript notes that specific "countries are expected to spend the most in 2025," indicating its international impact. Chinese suppliers, referred to as "Chimu Xen" (likely a general reference to Chinese suppliers), have significantly leveraged this sales frenzy, having tripled their market share last year and continuing their growth trajectory this year. This expansion is largely "driven by Chinese cross-border e-commerce."

Shopping Channel Dynamics While "online shopping dominates Black Friday sales," the video also points out that "in-store crowds are still showing up," suggesting a persistent relevance for physical retail alongside the prevailing digital trend.

Conclusion: Record-Breaking Holiday Frenzy This year's Black Friday is "on track to smash records," fueled by both domestic and international consumer engagement, particularly from the surge in Chinese cross-border e-commerce. The event ultimately underscores a universal observation: "whether online or in store, shoppers world over can't resist the frenzy of the holiday season."