Forever Ago® Episode Summary: "What’s the History of Black Friday?"

Release Date: November 20, 2024
Host/Author: American Public Media

1. Introduction: Holiday Preparations and Podcast Host Appreciation Day

The episode kicks off with Joy Dolo, the charismatic host of Forever Ago, and her co-hosts Ryan Perez and Bridget Bodnar from Million Bazillion engaging in festive preparations for an upcoming holiday. The hosts playfully debate where to hang a garland, showcasing their camaraderie and setting a lighthearted tone for the episode.

Joy Dolo introduces the concept of Podcast Host Appreciation Day, a special occasion where podcast hosts celebrate each other with thoughtful gifts and activities. Petra, the newest co-host, joins in, expressing both amusement and curiosity about the elaborate titles the hosts bestow upon themselves:

"But why are you saying their names like that? With titles and everything? We all know each other."
(00:40)

The hosts describe the day's activities, such as vocal exercises and games like "Pin the Headphones on the Producer," emphasizing the fun and creativity involved in celebrating podcasting colleagues.

2. Time-Travel Exploration: The Origin of Black Friday

Transitioning from the festive setup, Joy Dolo and Petra embark on an imaginative journey using "time-traveling headphones" to explore the origins of Black Friday. This segment delves into the historical roots of the term, revealing that it originated in 1950s Philadelphia rather than the commonly perceived shopping frenzy.

During their time-travel adventure, they encounter bustling streets and a significant football game between the U.S. Army and Navy teams. An Officer explains the term "Black Friday" as it was coined by Philadelphia police to describe the chaotic day preceding the game:

"It's a dark day, full of tourists, loud football fans, and team spirit just everywhere."
(10:09)

This revelation highlights that Black Friday was initially associated with the strain and hustle experienced by law enforcement rather than retail activities. The hosts return to the present, connecting the historical chaos to the modern-day shopping spectacle:

"Even though Black Friday was an awful workday for the police, it was a really popular day for shopping."
(10:54)

3. Modern Day Black Friday: Shopping Strategies and Consumer Insights

Back in the present, Joy Dolo, Ryan Perez, and Bridget Bodnar transition to discussing contemporary Black Friday shopping behaviors. They explore how the term evolved from its Philadelphia roots to become a nationwide retail phenomenon. Petra shares her personal take on Black Friday, noting her preference for online deals over the traditional in-store hustle:

"My mom really likes to get the best deals on the Internet, but I haven't really gone to the store on Black Friday."
(04:29)

The conversation shifts to the intensity of shopping during Black Friday, with Ryan Perez and Bridget Bodnar preparing to engage in a friendly competition to find the perfect gift for Joy Dolo. Their journey to the mall illustrates the high stakes and strategic planning involved in securing the best deals.

Brenda Hammer, a consumer advocate from Scam Slammers, joins the discussion to offer expert insights into Black Friday tactics used by retailers. She explains concepts such as loss leaders and bundling, which retailers employ to attract shoppers and maximize profits:

"Loss leader means the store might actually lose money on this item, but they don't care. It's all part of their plan to get you into the store."
(21:37)

Brenda further elaborates on bundling, where retailers pair discounted items to encourage additional purchases:

"Bundling is when stores put one item on sale knowing that when you get into the store, they're going to show you how great this one item looks as a set."
(22:43)

Her advice underscores the importance of consumer awareness and strategic shopping to avoid falling prey to retail tactics.

4. Gift Exchange Competition and Lessons Learned

As Ryan Perez and Bridget Bodnar navigate the challenges of Black Friday shopping, their differing approaches become apparent. Ryan adopts an aggressive strategy, aiming to secure high-value items:

"I have a plan, Bridget. It's to buy Joy the most fabulous, expensive thing I can. And if I need to max out my credit card to do that, I will."
(25:12)

In contrast, Bridget advocates for thoughtful and budget-conscious gift-giving, emphasizing the importance of meaningful presents over extravagant purchases:

"Before you think about deals and sales, think about what's important to the person you're buying for."
(26:15)

Their contrasting strategies culminate in a heartwarming exchange where Ryan presents Joy with an impressive 83-inch 4K TV, while Joy reciprocates with a handmade oil painting of a monster truck, showcasing genuine thoughtfulness.

Bridget receives a perfectly priced thermos from Petra, reinforcing the value of practical and considerate gifts:

"I love it. It's the perfect gift. And I would know because I got you an attractive, practical, and appropriately priced thermos too."
(30:04)

5. Conclusion: Reflections on Black Friday and Holiday Shopping

In the episode's closing segment, the hosts reflect on the insights gained about Black Friday and its evolution from a police-coined term to a central component of the holiday shopping season. They acknowledge the enduring traditions and the complex dynamics between retailers and consumers:

"Black Friday is a tradition that's changed over time. The money we spend at the holidays is still pretty important for the stores."
(30:25)

Ryan Perez summarizes the lessons learned, highlighting the importance of strategic spending and the benefits of thoughtful gift-giving over succumbing to consumerist pressures:

"Retailers today have a lot of ways to convince us shoppers to spend our money with them. Those deep discounts aren't just out of the kindness of their hearts."
(31:08)

The episode concludes with well-wishes for Podcast Host Appreciation Day and a reminder of the episode's educational journey through the history and modern implications of Black Friday.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "This is just a long extension cord. With a bunch of microphones dangling on it." – Petra
  (00:57)

• "Black Friday is the big shopping day that happens every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving." – Joy Dolo
  (04:04)

• "It's called a loss leader, meaning the store might actually lose money on this item, but they don't care." – Doris Day (Brenda Hammer)
  (21:37)

• "Bundling is when stores put one item on sale knowing that when you get into the store, they're going to show you how great this one item looks as a set." – Doris Day (Brenda Hammer)
  (22:43)

Credits and Acknowledgments:

The episode was collaboratively written by Bridget Bodnar, Ruby Guthrie, Ryan Perez, and Nico Gonzalez Whistler. Special thanks were extended to marketing professors Barbara Kahn, Franklin Shetty, and Kathryn Cullen, as well as contributors Lisa Weiss and Aron Woldislassi.

This comprehensive exploration of Black Friday combines historical insights with modern-day consumer behaviors, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of this pivotal shopping event. Through engaging dialogue and expert commentary, Forever Ago® successfully demystifies the origins and evolution of Black Friday, encouraging listeners to approach holiday shopping with both enthusiasm and discernment.