It’s Black Friday!

Note: Image to the left is a photograph of the black board in the New York Gold Room, September 24, 1869, showing the collapse of the price of gold.

Yes, Black Friday is here at last and retailers everywhere have hopes of raking in big sales and finishing with the ink on their accounting books, in the black instead of losing money and ending up in the red.

But when did this all start and what are the origins of this term?

The earliest occurrence was doing the financial panic of September 1869, when two speculators attempted to corner the gold market, unsuccessfully. This is now known as the Fisk/Gould Scandal.

Then there was the over speculation of the stock market in 1873, leading to a long depression. Gee, history really does repeat itself time and time again.

Black Friday will forever have financial market annotations.

Even today, it’s all about markets, but in a positive way. Shoppers will line up at stores and outlets many hours in advance of the doors opening to have a shot at capturing one of those “Doorbuster” deals.

Many shoppers actually sit down with family and friends and develop a strategy, making sure that they cover the key stops to get the best items and prices on their lists.

I’m not big on these large crowds, but was compelled to line up like others a couple of years ago, snagging a couple HDTVs of considerable size for a near steal.

During that particular outing, I saw many on cell phones talking to others in a network of sorts. There was even one gentleman with a walkie-talkie. Talk about serious shoppers… this has become an annual event for many, likely generating as much excitement as Christmas itself.

The innovative types had nice comfy chairs, blankets and even DVD players to watch movies and pass the time until the doors opened.

This Friday after Thanksgiving ritual is make or break for many retailers. Have you noticed all of the retailers using social media strategies to advertise their wares?

This year’s run-up to Black Friday has been like no other. The game has changed for the intelligent brands that have seen the value in undertaking these advertising campaigns on places like Facebook. Many retailers have now embraced the use of social media.

Jennifer Van Grove has a great article up on Mashable about Brands using Facebook for Black Friday.

On the down side of things, let’s hope there is no repeat of 2008’s tragic trampling of a Walmart employee. I mean c’mon folks, this should not be THAT serious.

Let common sense prevail and enjoy the experience for what it should be. Everyone should have a Holiday season full of fond and loving memories, not nightmares. Don’t let a pair of jeans or a new iPhone ruin the shopping experience.

Be happy and above all, be safe!

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