The history of Black Friday in Europe

Black Friday, originally an American phenomenon, has also gained traction in Europe in recent years. This day, characterized by attractive discounts and special offers, marks the start of the Christmas shopping season for many. But how did Black Friday find its way to Europe?

Origin in the USA

In the United States, Black Friday immediately follows Thanksgiving, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. Traditionally, American retailers use this day to kick off the holiday shopping season with big discounts. The term "Black Friday" refers to the fact that many companies are in the black for the first time of the year on this day, thus becoming profitable.

Spread to Europe

In the early 2010s, Black Friday began to gain a foothold in Europe. Global companies like Amazon and Apple introduced the tradition by offering special deals in their European online stores. This triggered a chain reaction, with more and more local retailers adopting the trend to stay competitive.

Development in different countries

• United Kingdom : The United Kingdom was one of the first European countries to adopt Black Friday. Since 2010, numerous retailers there have offered special promotions.

• Germany : From 2013 onwards, Black Friday also gained popularity in Germany, especially in electronics and online retail.

• France and Spain : In these countries, Black Friday became established in the mid-2010s and has now become an integral part of retail.

Black Friday has become a major event in European retail within just a few years. Its presence demonstrates how global trends can influence local markets, and it is expected to continue to play an important role in retailers' annual calendars.