As the holiday season creates an atmosphere of excitement and shopping fervor, the annual tradition of Black Friday has historically captivated consumers with promises of unbeatable deals. However, recent revelations and discussions sparked by a viral TikTok video posted by @djdowneygirl have cast a critical eye on the authenticity of these discounts. Scrutiny of major retailers’ pricing strategies during this consumer frenzy has prompted a deeper examination of the true nature of Black Friday sales and their impact on both shoppers and the economy as a whole.
Many have already started their Christmas shopping on Black Friday when most stores offer amazing discounts and seasonal specials. It’s not just a holiday bonus – it has a richer history and occurs the day after Thanksgiving. On the other hand, a video posted by @djdowneygirl on TikTok has received 25 million views. In the video, he breaks down the veracity of alleged sale prices at one particular retailer, Target.
An online video that tests black Friday
In the video, @djdowneygirl is seen examining price tags at Target. When she looks at the original label, hidden behind the Black Friday price tag, she finds, or rather confirms, something she’s already seen circulating on the internet. She only went to Target “for some snacks.” But she decided to check it out for herself after reading other people’s complaints that this year’s Black Friday sales weren’t as good as they seemed. Sadly, based on her video, her findings are “confusing” and disappointing.
Something to note
The TV, which was posted with the sale price, can be seen on the popular TikTok, but the original tag still shows the same price. According to some, it may have been a typographical error. Meanwhile, former retail employees have passed on their knowledge. According to some, this “trick” may just be a product of laziness. “I was aiming for the target. I was lazy. Hope this is helpful. Someone give an explanation.”
“At my current job in retail, we are instructed to leave the original tags. There is a list where the tags must be removed after the sale.” shared one more. “We didn’t take the original price tag off because it’s easier to put it back after Black Friday.” said a third person.
@djdowneygirl #stitch with @DeJay Downey #goodsale ♬ original sound – DeJay Downey
Finally, a logical commenter clarified, saying, “That’s a sale price that lasts after Black Friday. The reason it’s black is because the label on the front is for Black Friday only.” However, one person noted that the finding could actually help customers, saying, “We should actually thank the associates for leaving them there and letting us know what’s going on.”
A possible Black Friday myth
Conversely, this theme seems to be prevalent outside of Target. A number of retailers have been shown to be dishonest about their special offers, according to CBS. Several other major retailers such as Nordstrom, Amazon, Banana Republic, Wayfair, and Williams Sonoma are occasionally found to not actually lower their prices on Black Friday.
Many people discussed their thoughts on the alleged Black Friday deals after watching the viral video. One person said: “I found one where the regular price was less than the Black Friday deal.” Someone else wrote: “Wow, that’s not a deal.” Others, meanwhile, shouted: “They haven’t done any real business in years.”
For many years, people have debated the pros and cons of capitalism. Although the American dream holds that anyone can potentially become rich, this wealth cannot be achieved without exploiting others. Moreover, since the pandemic, corporate profits have soared, inflation is rampant, and ordinary people are struggling to keep up with the times, fearing for their jobs, homes, or even their ability to support their families.
Black Friday has a long history
Black Friday is therefore very important to the American economy, regardless of whether it is a coincidence, the product of incompetent workers, or a grand conspiracy to enrich large corporations. In fact, the phrase first appeared on September 24, 1869. When two American businessmen decided to “drive off the gold market,” a financial panic ensued and the phrase eventually spread. When the market crashed in 1929 and the Great Depression followed, the phrase resurfaced. But it wasn’t the Friday after Thanksgiving; it was Tuesday
It would take less than a century for the phrase “Black Friday” to reappear in popular culture. The phrase originated in the 1960s when Philadelphia police used it to characterize the chaos that erupted as suburbanites and visitors traveled to big cities to buy Christmas presents. As a result, police officers worked longer hours during this period. When they observed an increase in incidents such as thefts and lockouts, they started calling the day Black Friday. But “Black Friday” didn’t become a term for the day after Thanksgiving, when people started shopping for holiday sales, until the 1980s. Traders of the time “spread the story of profit from red to black”. The biggest shopping day in the United States was referred to by this term as the day when stores started to show a profit.
Presumed ignorance of race
It makes sense that some people choose to boycott Black Friday sales in support of people of color. This is because in the past it was believed that black slaves were sold “at a discount” on Thanksgiving. Fortunately, history argues that this is a misconception and that no concrete evidence has been presented to support this claim.
Black Friday has taken many different forms, whether it’s the thrill of bargain retail therapy or just a ploy for businesses to increase profits. However, each form is somehow connected to the economic situation of the people or our nation in general. In any case, the busiest shopping period of the year is from the day after Thanksgiving to about a week before Christmas; some reports even state that the biggest shopping day is the Saturday before Christmas. The woman in the popular video, DeJay Downey, took some time to respond to some of the comments made about her. Here is a link to some of them.
The evolution of Black Friday, from its historical roots to the modern commercial frenzy, shows a complex tapestry of consumerism, economics, and social values. The recent scrutiny faced by retailers like Target, highlighted in viral social media posts, sheds light on the complex dynamics of seemingly enticing Black Friday deals.
Cases of price manipulation or misrepresented discounts uncovered by vigilant consumers like @djdowneygirl raise questions about the integrity of these sales. The revelation of original labels reflecting the same Black Friday prices is fueling debates about transparency and the true nature of these supposed bargains.
Moreover, the broader context of capitalism’s impact on society and the differences it maintains adds depth to the discourse around Black Friday. The tension between corporate profits soaring amid economic struggles faced by ordinary citizens amplifies the significance of these shopping sprees.
The history of Black Friday, from financial crises to its commercialization, underscores its multifaceted nature. While it symbolizes a time of increased consumer activity, it also includes challenges and controversies woven into our economic fabric.
Amid debates about discounts and corporate strategies, navigating these shopping seasons with informed consumerism is essential. Understanding the historical nuances, implications for individuals and communities, and potential inconsistencies in these sales can empower consumers to make informed decisions.
Ultimately, Black Friday is emblematic of a consumer culture that reflects both the thrill of bargain hunting and the complexity inherent in our economic systems. As debates over its authenticity and impact continue, it forces us to reevaluate our relationship with commerce and the values ​​we prioritize when shopping for the holidays.