Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, which falls on the last Friday of November, in the United States, and it is traditionally one of the biggest shopping days of the year. It marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season, and retailers offer massive discounts and promotions to lure in customers.
The concept of Black Friday dates back to the 1950s when retailers would offer discounts to kick off the holiday shopping season. The term itself is said to have originated in Philadelphia, where it was used to describe the chaos and traffic jams that ensued as shoppers flocked to stores in search of bargains.
Black Friday has become a staple in Year-end retail shopping culture, marking the beginning of the holiday shopping season with massive discounts and deals that are too good to pass up. However, while some may see Black Friday as a blessing and a great opportunity to score deals on gifts for loved ones, others view it as a retail curse that brings out the worst in people and promotes excessive consumerism.
For those of us here in Africa and in particular Lesotho, this is a relatively new concept and for those who see Black Friday as a blessing, they may argue that it allows them to save money on items they would have purchased anyway. The discounts offered on this day are often significant, making it a great opportunity to snag gifts for friends and family at a fraction of the cost. But are these discounts as real as they seem?
Additionally, the excitement and rush of getting a good deal can be a thrilling experience for some shoppers.
On the other hand, many people view Black Friday as a retail curse that brings out the worst in consumer behavior. The chaotic scenes of people trampling over each other to get the best deals, fights breaking out over a limited number of items, and the general madness that ensues in malls on Black Friday can be off-putting to say the least. This excessive consumerism and materialistic mindset can take away from the true spirit of the holiday season, which is about giving gifts , thanks and spending time with loved ones.
The pressure to participate in Black Friday can also be seen as a curse, as it pushes people to spend money they may not have on items they don’t necessarily need. The obsession with getting the best deals can lead to impulse buys and financial strain, which can ultimately have negative consequences on people’s well-being and depression in the new year.
Beware of being sucked into the comfort of online shopping culture as it’s also the easiest to spend money.
For us here in Lesotho, whether you see Black Friday as a blessing or a retail curse ultimately comes down to personal perspective, financial stability and genuine intention on the Christmas season. While it may offer great deals and savings for those who participate, it also brings out the worst in consumer behavior and can promote excessive spending and materialism. It’s important to consider the true value of the items being purchased and to prioritize experiences and relationships over material possessions.
So as you may or not participate this month end. Think very carefully about your purchses and budget. December and January are very long months. Groceries still need to be baught, kid school fees still need to be paid. Rent and other critical expenses don’t go away. So be Wise.
Khotso. Pula. Nala
BY ABUBACAR JABBIE