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3. Black Friday or the Day of Great Deals!

Black Friday has emerged as a key event on the annual retail calendar, drawing millions of consumers in search of the best deals. Originally from the United States, this global phenomenon has firmly established itself in Lebanon, generating significant revenue for traders.  

Black Friday, held annually the day after Thanksgiving—an American holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November—marks the start of the Christmas shopping season. This event is characterized by significant discounts offered by both physical stores and online retailers.

In Lebanon, some businesses began their promotions last Friday and are extending these deals for over a week. While the tradition originally called for Black Friday to last just one day, many brands now offer discounts throughout “Black Week.” Some even extend their promotions into the following Monday, known as Cyber Monday, which is dedicated to online shopping. Lebanese merchants see Black Friday as an important opportunity to boost consumer spending and generate cash-flow.

The essence of Black Friday lies in its attractive, limited-time offers that entice shoppers in search of bargains. Discounts can reach 50%, 70%, or even more, especially on electronics, clothing, beauty products, and household linens. While major retailers host flash sales, e-commerce has become increasingly influential, offering exclusive and enticing deals to attract shoppers.

The term Black Friday is said to have multiple origins. The most common one dates back to the 1960s in Philadelphia, where police officers used the term to describe the chaos caused by the surge of shoppers after Thanksgiving. Another explanation connects the “black” to traders’ accounting ledgers: on this day, massive sales allow them to move from “red” (losses in trade jargon) to “black” (profits).

Although it originated in the United States, Black Friday has rapidly spread and become a well-established event in many countries, each adapting it to their local context. Nevertheless, the objective remains the same: to drive consumer spending.

Despite its widespread appeal, Black Friday is often criticized for promoting impulsive purchasing. Some retailers even raise prices prior to offering discounts, creating a deceptive impression of good deals.

While some people see Black Friday as a bargain, others view it as an excessive push for consumerism. Nonetheless, it remains a key event for deal-seekers and an important source of revenue for traders.