The term "Black Friday" originally had no connection to shopping, says Nancy Koehn, a historian and professor at the Harvard Business School. However, over the years, this day has become synonymous with the start of the holiday shopping season, and its impact on Thanksgiving traditions cannot be overlooked.
Here are interesting facts about why and how we celebrate Thanksgiving in the U.S. to entertain your family at the holiday table. From its historical roots to the traditional Thanksgiving meal, this holiday holds significant cultural importance in American society.
Use these holiday marketing tips and campaign examples to create stand-out seasonal content on social media this year. As the holiday shopping season takes over, businesses and brands use various strategies to attract consumers and capitalize on the festive spirit.
From gift wrapping to Christmas trees, department store Santa's and beyond, what started as a religious holiday has taken on commercial significance. The increasing consumerism surrounding Thanksgiving has transformed it into a major shopping event, with retailers offering enticing deals and discounts.
Americans will pay more for their Thanksgiving dinners this week, and inflation likely will be on their minds afterward. Rising food prices impacted Thanksgiving meals across the US this year, making affordability a concern for many families.
Rising food prices impacted Thanksgiving meals across the US this year (e.g., D'Angelo and Bickel, 2022; Dickler 2022; Pinsker, 2022). The increasing cost of ingredients and groceries has forced some households to modify their traditional Thanksgiving menus or seek alternatives.
As holiday shoppers gear up for celebrations, they're preparing for a season that will look noticeably different than a year ago. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought changes to Thanksgiving traditions, with smaller gatherings and increased reliance on online shopping.
Americans returned to stores for the "Black Friday" kickoff of the holiday shopping season, but online data shows that consumers have been increasingly turning to e-commerce. This shift in shopping behavior has affected the dynamics of Thanksgiving traditions, with more people opting for online deals rather than braving the crowds.
NRF's holiday surveys gauge consumer sentiment and shopping trends during the holiday season, including Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday. These surveys provide insights into how the holiday shopping season impacts Thanksgiving traditions and consumer behavior.
The holiday shopping season has undoubtedly made its mark on Thanksgiving traditions. While the commercialization and consumerism surrounding this holiday may have changed the way we celebrate, it is essential to remember the true spirit of Thanksgiving and cherish the time spent with loved ones.
