Black Friday shopping deals symbolized by a mini pink car carrying a gift bag.
Black Friday, once a uniquely American shopping day tied to Thanksgiving, has transformed into one of the most influential retail events worldwide. Originally known for chaotic crowds and long queues outside department stores, it is now a digital-first shopping season that extends across borders. Even in cultural commentary, playful references like Pet Play Bondage have surfaced in memes and satire around Black Friday, highlighting how consumer culture blends with humor in unexpected ways.
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), U.S. shoppers are projected to spend over $10 billion online on Black Friday 2025, while the UK expects retail activity to top £9 billion, marking its strongest year yet.
Black Friday in the United States
The Origins
The term “Black Friday” was popularized in Philadelphia in the 1960s, initially describing post-Thanksgiving traffic jams. Retailers reframed it as a positive turning point when their profits moved “into the black.”
The Shift to Modern Retail
By the 1980s and 1990s, department stores leaned into the frenzy with doorbuster deals. Today, however, shoppers increasingly prefer online sales to midnight crowds. Cultural commentators note that this shift reflects broader changes in consumer behavior — convenience, safety, and digital access drive decisions.
The Global Spread
The UK’s Embrace
The United Kingdom began adopting Black Friday in the early 2010s, with Amazon playing a major role in its spread. Within a decade, it became one of the busiest retail weeks of the year. Analysts expect UK spending during Black Friday week to grow by 6% in 2025, despite economic pressures.
Beyond the Atlantic
Across Europe, South America, and Asia, Black Friday has become a marker of global consumer culture. At times, satirical advertising even references fringe imagery like Bondage Mittens to parody the intensity of bargain-hunting, underscoring how pop culture adapts major retail events.
The Digital Takeover
Online Shopping Dominance
Data from Adobe Analytics suggests over 70% of U.S. Black Friday purchases in 2025 will be online, compared to just 40% a decade ago. Mobile commerce leads the way, with many retailers focusing on app-exclusive deals.
Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday
The once clear line between the two events has blurred. In practice, both now extend into a week-long discount season that redefines holiday shopping globally.
Shoppers, Culture, and Commentary
The Consumer Mood
Modern shoppers are cautious, balancing inflation concerns with the lure of discounts. Surveys show nearly half of U.S. consumers plan to set strict spending limits this Black Friday.
Cultural Satire
Editorials and online humor often exaggerate the chaos of Black Friday. Symbolic references — such as likening the shopping rush to a Straitjacket BDSM experience — appear in opinion pieces, framing it as both irresistible and overwhelming.
Sustainability and the Green Shift
Ethical Alternatives
With growing awareness of environmental impact, eco-conscious choices are gaining ground. Artisans like The Green Tanners highlight a move toward handmade, durable goods during the Black Friday rush, offering an antidote to fast consumption.
A Different Kind of Statistic
Reports suggest that one in five Gen Z shoppers in the U.K. now seeks second-hand or sustainable deals during Black Friday — a significant cultural shift compared to older generations.
Final Thoughts
Black Friday’s evolution tells the story of retail itself — from U.S. traffic jams in the 1960s to a worldwide shopping holiday in 2025. It reflects not just economic power, but cultural shifts, digital innovation, and even playful satire. Whether shoppers are chasing luxury, bargains, or ethical alternatives, Black Friday remains one of the most telling snapshots of modern consumer society.
