Black Friday: The sales, scams and myths

• The phrase "Black Friday" was first used by Philadelphia's police departments in the 1950s.
  
• Black Friday primarily refers to the sales period during or right after Thanksgiving, where brands go all guns blazing, claiming to offer heavily discounted prices online and offline.
  
• Even in India, retailers are offering discounts on mobiles, apparel, white goods, electronics to name a few.
  

A month before the arrival of Santa Claus, and a day after Thanksgiving comes a day that’s very important to buyers and sellers alike – Black Friday. The day which kicks off the Christmas shopping season is known for its deep discounts, sales and product launches.

The concept of having a sale on Black Friday originated from the United States – the country which celebrates Thanksgiving. But it wasn’t always associated with shopping.

The phrase Black Friday was first used by Philadelphia's police departments in the 1950s to name the chaos that followed Thanksgiving. At that time, a football game would draw hundreds of suburban tourists into the city, which would be problematic for the police to control.

However, there is another bleak reason why the phrase was coined. On Friday, September 24, 1869, plummeting gold prices dragged down the American stock markets, sending thousands into bankruptcy.

“The crash was a consequence of an attempt by financier Jay Gould and railway magnate James Fisk to corner the gold market and drive up the price,” as per the Encyclopedia Britannica.

Thankfully, currently Black Friday primarily refers to the sales period where brands go all guns blazing, claiming to offer heavily discounted prices on appliances, fashion, gadgets and more.

This year, the Black Friday Sale begins from Friday, November 25 and ends on Monday, November 28 - which also happens to be Cyber Monday i.e. when deals on electronic devices fall on the first Monday after Thanksgiving.

Black Friday in India too

India, which just got done with its own festive season sale lasting a month between September 22 to October 23, is also leaving no chance to jump onto the bandwagon.

Amazon, Croma, TataCliq, Myntra, and Flipkart are some of the companies offering Black Friday deals. And, a large number of steep deals are being offered in the fashion category, especially for Western wear.

TataCliq is offering up to 85% discount for premium brands like Kate Spade, Calvin Klein, Lacoste, Michael Kors, Aldo, Dune London, Hoka. H&M is offering 30% off on Black Friday and other brands like Zara India, Puma India, Adidas are also offering at least 40% discounts on its products, both online and offline.

Myntra Black Friday haul is between November 25-27 presenting discounts of flat 70% on 1.5 lakh styles with brands like Mango, Marks & Spencer and more.

Retailers and brands both are offering deals in electronics too. Noise (smartwatches, Airpods), Steam and PlayStation are offering deals on gaming equipment and offers on PC gaming titles.

Croma India will give discounts on white goods, home appliances, Apple MacBook (starts ₹77,090), iPads (starting at ₹25,000) and iPhones (starting at ₹56,990) at discounted prices. It began its Black Friday sale from 18 November which will conclude on 27 November. Flipkart is kickstarting its Black Friday deals from November 25, offering 50-inch smart TVs beginning from ₹23,999.

List of companies offering Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales in India:


Too Good to be true? Recheck deal, says FBI

With sales come scams, and this time dark entities are doing the rounds on the web looking to cash in on the festive fervour to shop online. The Federal Bureau of Investigation or FBI has given a warning on frauds that are lurking in the guise of offers.

It is essential to check the official legitimacy of websites, according to Jeffrey R Downey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI El Paso Field Office.

In addition, fake social media surveys during sale festivities are opening gateways to mine personal information. Fraudulent gift cards, unverified donations to charity organisations online, fake job postings, offers for free smartphones are some other ways unassuming customers are tricked.

(with inputs from ANI)

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