In recent years, shopping has become heavily influenced by technological improvements, causing the Black Friday frenzy to grow. The battle between in-person lines and online traffic is a popular one during the holiday season.
Black Friday originated in the 1950s as an annual shopping event that occurred the day after Thanksgiving. Stores would declare massive deals, attracting loads of customers and causing a surge in sales.
“My mom and I used to do the whole Black Friday tradition of waiting outside stores for them to open at midnight,” librarian Jennifer Stackhouse said. “People used to get in fist fights over something like a sweater.”
As Black Friday became more widespread across the country, it resulted in overwhelming crowds of shoppers and intense competition for on-sale items. According to NPR News, in 2024, shoppers spent $10.8 billion online for Black Friday, a record amount.
Tysons Corner Center is a popular mall where many McLean High School students gravitate towards for their holiday shopping. Many teenagers who work there have to experience the chaotic Black Friday season.
“The shoppers were going crazy,” junior Hollister employee Mihika Mitra said. “The line was so long that it went all the way around the store.”
In modern society, online shopping has become increasingly popular. At McLean High School, 71% of students prefer online shopping over traditional shopping, according to a survey.
“The only thing I buy in person is groceries, everything else I buy is online,” science teacher Allison Miller said.
Online shopping has transformed Black Friday significantly by creating new outlets for customers, rapidly increasing sales. According to the Pew Research Center, online sales in 2022 during the October to December period was around $303.1 billion, an increase of over 23.4% compared to the quarterly average of that year.
Many value the convenience of being able to shop virtually, especially during the busy Black Friday season.
“Online shopping makes it much easier for me to shop, because I’m able to do it from the comfort of my own home,” senior Erin Collins said.
A major advantage that online shopping offers for buyers is the wider range of inventory on websites as opposed to in-person. This ease of navigating through a website simplifies the shopping experience.
“Stores don’t even carry everything anymore,” Miller said. “A lot of times if I go into a store, they’re like, ‘Oh, you should look online.’”
With the additional introduction of Cyber Monday, a traditionally online-only event, the Black Friday tradition has evolved to more than just a single day.
“[Black Friday] has changed a lot technologically,” Collins said. “I’m always able to find better deals online that are available for longer too.”
Troubles with finding accurate sizing and determining the quality products deter some shoppers from purchasing online.
“Most of our customers prefer to shop in person just so that they can actually try items on and see how they look.” Mitra said.
While it may be convenient, many feel that online shopping takes away from Black Friday customs, replacing it with an isolated, digital experience.
“I love shopping in person so that I can go with my friends and enjoy the full experience,” said junior Cayden Fraser.
As more Black Friday’s pass, shopping methods and customer preferences are constantly changing. Though some people prefer the spirit and nostalgia of shopping in person, it is clear that the convenience and variety offered by online shopping is more appealing to many.
