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Black Friday in India “The term “Black Friday” was first used by police in Philadelphia during the 1950s to describe the chaotic day after Thanksgiving. Massive crowds of suburban shoppers and tourists would flood the city for the Army-Navy football game, creating traffic jams, packed stores, and even shoplifting incidents. By the 1980s, retailers embraced the term with a positive twist, reframing “Black Friday” to represent the day when stores transitioned from being “in the red” (operating at a loss) to “in the black” (making a profit) thanks to the surge in sales.
Black Friday’s Journey to India
So, how did this American shopping spree find its way to Indian markets?
The Initial Foray Black Friday in India
The holiday shopping season in India has traditionally been aligned around the “festive period” of major festivals usually falling around October or November, such as Diwali. Similar to US-style shopping events such as Black Friday, online retailers adopted the practice of holding multi-day promotions during this period, such as Amazon’s “Great Indian Festival” and Flipkart’s “Big Billion Days”. India’s Independence Day (August 15) had also recently attracted similar events.
The Big Players Step In Black Friday in India
In recent years, major e-commerce platforms have jumped on the Black Friday bandwagon. Amazon India, for instance, hosted its inaugural Black Friday sale from November 29 to December 2, 2024, offering discounts ranging from 40% to 75% on electronics, fashion, and home essentials.
Tips for Navigating Black Friday Sales in India
Ready to dive into the Black Friday frenzy? Here are some pointers to ensure you get the best bang for your buck:
- Do Your Homework: Research products in advance. Know what you want and its regular price to identify genuine deals.
- Set a Budget: It’s easy to get carried away. Decide on a spending limit to avoid buyer’s remorse.
- Stay Alert: Keep an eye on your favorite retailers’ websites and apps for flash sales and limited-time offers.
- Read the Fine Print: Understand return policies, warranty terms, and delivery timelines before making a purchase.
Are Black Friday sales only online in India?
No, both online platforms and brick-and-mortar stores participate, offering a mix of deals across various categories.
Black Friday has undeniably carved a niche in India’s shopping calendar. As retailers continue to offer enticing deals and consumers eagerly participate, it’s evident that this trend is here to stay. So, gear up, do your research, and may your shopping carts be ever full!