In just a few years, Black Friday has become a must in the retail world,
kicking off the end-of-year shopping season.
But behind this frenzy of promotions lies a surprising story, rooted in American traditions,
and issues that need to be addressed. Here’s how.
The origins of Black Friday
The term Black Friday hasn’t always been synonymous with bargains.
It first appeared in the 1950s in Philadelphia, USA, to describe… chaos.
On the Friday after Thanksgiving, the city was invaded by crowds coming to take advantage of the sales and by fans of an annual soccer game.
The forces of law and order, overwhelmed by traffic and disorder, used this expression in an unflattering way.
In the 1980s, the expression was hijacked to become a marketing tool.
Black” was a reference to corporate accounting: this day marked the passage of the accounts into the black, as opposed to the red of the deficit.
This is how Black Friday as we know it today came about.
An event that raises questions
While Black Friday attracts millions of consumers every year, it is also attracting growing criticism.
At a time when environmental and social issues are at the heart of our concerns, this buying frenzy raises a number of issues:
Over-consumption: massive promotions encourage impulse buying of products, many of which end up unused or even thrown away.
Waste: excess packaging and production put additional pressure on natural resources.
Working conditions: in warehouses and stores, the pressure to meet demand is intense, often leading to difficult conditions for employees.
Environmental impact: mass deliveries, particularly from e-commerce, generate a considerable carbon footprint.
Faced with these criticisms, alternatives have emerged.
In France, several movements are promoting responsible purchasing or campaigning for “Green Friday“, an initiative aimed at raising customer awareness of sustainable consumption. Some companies promote ethical offers or choose to donate part of their revenues to environmental causes.
Black Friday with a difference
Rather than giving in to the call of promotions at all costs, why not use this period to take a different approach? Here are a few ideas:
Support ethical brands: prioritize companies committed to responsible business practices.
Opt for local products: encourage local craftsmen and producers.
Focus on experiences: instead of buying material goods, why not offer a unique moment, such as a stay in an eco-friendly location?
At Cottage Parks we’ve chosen to join in this dynamic in our own way, by offering you a promotion for a quiet, off-season stay at our eco-chic campsites. Take advantage of this opportunity to plan an unforgettable getaway at La Clape Village campsite from Friday, while respecting your values!
Our La Tamarissière campsite also has something to offer, if you’re more of a “quiet pine forest” than a “Cap d’Agde harbor” kind of person.
When is Black Friday?
Black Friday takes place every year on the Friday following Thanksgiving, a holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November in the United States.
So in 2026, Black Friday falls on November 26. 🚨 Make a note of the date so you don’t miss out on any bargains… or plan an outing away from the shopping madness! 😉
