What’s the history of Black Friday?

Summary

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

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

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[Joy Dolo]

Hmm. Where should we hang the garland? What do you think? Ryan Perez, Million Bazillion's host extraordinaire.

[Ryan Perez]

Well, Joy Dolo, legendary host of Forever Ago. What if we put it over the window?

[Bridget Bodnar]

Or we could hang it in the doorway.

[Joy Dolo]

Excellent idea. Bridget Bodnar, Million Bazillion's other equally fantastic hosts.

[Petra]

Hi, Joy. Hi, Ryan. Hi, Bridget.

[Joy Dolo]

Hey, Petra, my latest superstar, co host of Forever Ago. Perfect timing. Would you mind helping me? Joy Dolo, irreplaceable host of Forever Ago, and Ryan Perez and Bridget Bodnar, uber talented hosts of Million Bazillion. Hang up this garland.

[Petra]

Sure, I'll help you. But why are you saying their names like that? With titles and everything? We all know each other. We literally all just had Thanksgiving dinner together.

[Ryan Perez]

I know, but us hosts have to get into the festive spirit and prepare for the next big holiday. Here, take this garland.

[Petra]

This is just a long extension cord. With a bunch of microphones dangling on it.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Exactly. Could you pass me the tape, please?

[Petra]

Sure thing. Here you go. Why are you decorating? What holiday is next?

[Joy Dolo]

Only the best holiday around.

[Petra]

Diwali?

[Bridget Bodnar]

Nope.

[Petra]

Hanukkah?

[Ryan Perez]

Guess again.

[Petra]

Christmas?

[Joy Dolo]

Not quite. It's almost Podcast Host Appreciation Day. A special day where podcast hosts finally get to be the center of attention.

[Petra]

Finally. You are literally the stars of your own shows. But I guess that explains the microphone garland. What else do you do on Podcast Host Appreciation Day?

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, all sorts of riveting podcast things. Instead of singing carols, we do vocal exercises like this. The tip of the tongue, the teeth, the lips. Eight gray geese in a green field grazing. Grab the groundhog from the glazed grass.

[Bridget Bodnar]

We play Pin the headphones on the producer. They love that.

[Ryan Perez]

And my favorite part of Podcast Host Appreciation Day is the game Mysterious Microphone. It's when everyone draws a random podcast host and you have to get them a gift. Like Secret Santa. But for extremely charming podcast hosts, that's fun.

[Petra]

Who did you get for Mysterious Microphone this year?

[Ryan Perez]

Well, if I told you, it wouldn't be very mysterious, now, would it?

[Joy Dolo]

Yeah, I couldn't possibly say. I got Ryan. Shh. Don't tell him.

[Ryan Perez]

Joy, did you say something?

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, nothing.

[Ryan Perez]

If you say so. Let's just say the person who receives my Mysterious Microphone gift is very lucky, because I'm an excellent gift giver. Right, Bridget?

[Bridget Bodnar]

It's true. Ryan got me a custom can opener last year, and it nearly moved me to tears. I'll cherish it forever.

[Ryan Perez]

And that can opener was half off. I'm great at finding gifts and deals, speaking of gifts.

[Joy Dolo]

I still need to get my mysterious microphone gift.

[Petra]

There's only one solution to them all.

[Joy Dolo]

Let's go. See you later. Million Bazillion hosts Bridget and Ryan.

[Ryan Perez]

Later.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Toodles.

[Joy Dolo]

Hi, I'm Joy Dolo here with my co host Petra from Hollywood, Maryland.

[Petra]

Hi, Joy. Today is extra special.

[Joy Dolo]

That's right, because it's the great Forever Ago and Million Bazillion crossover from APM Studios and Marketplace.

[Petra]

The first half of this episode will be Forever Ago, the history show where we explore the before.

[Joy Dolo]

And the second half we'll catch up with Bridget and Ryan from Million Bazillion, the show that helps dollars make more sense.

[Petra]

But first, we have very important business. We have to find the perfect mysterious microphone gift for Ryan.

[Joy Dolo]

And we came to the only place you can get a rolling suitcase, chili cheese fries and orthopedic shoes in one trip. The mall.

[Petra]

Lucky for us, there are tons of sales going on. It's almost Black Friday.

[Joy Dolo]

Black Friday is the big shopping day that happens every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

[Petra]

There are always lots of big sales and deals on Black Friday, and tons.

[Joy Dolo]

Of people shop on this day to get gifts for upcoming holiday seasons, to get the absolute best deals. Some people line up hours before stores open, and some stores see huge crowds. Petra, have you ever gone shopping on Black Friday?

[Petra]

So my mom really likes to get the best deals on the Internet, but I haven't really gone to the store on Black Friday.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, do you think you ever would? Like, would you, would you be one of those people that got there super early and, like, camped out?

[Petra]

I don't think so.

[Joy Dolo]

Are you a morning person?

[Petra]

No, I am not a morning person.

[Joy Dolo]

And especially after you have like a whole bunch of turkey and stuff, like the day before, then you get to wake up or, like, stay awake. Like, I don't know if it's worth it for, like a TV or something. Do you, do you like to shop at all?

[Petra]

I do like to shop, but still, my mom says that we can always get the better deals online.

[Joy Dolo]

So, you know, me and your mom have a lot in common. I do that, too. But if you, if you like, if money wasn't an object, if you were 30 years old and you hosted a podcast and you had all the money you wanted, would you shop all the time?

[Petra]

Definitely.

[Joy Dolo]

Is there something that you like to shop for?

[Petra]

I really like shopping for toys and Christmas presents. I just want to get everything.

[Joy Dolo]

So if you, I mean, if you felt like your mom, like, what kind of deals would it take for you to get up at the crack of dawn to go wait in line for.

[Petra]

Something, maybe, like, if it was like a book series that was like, new and there were new books that were coming out in the book series, and you could get the whole book series for the price of like two or three books.

[Joy Dolo]

That is a. I would do that as well. Oh, my gosh. I remember doing that when I was younger and, like, I would go and like, wait in line for like, the Harry Potter books and stuff when they were coming out, and I was like, that's cool. Yeah. Yeah, because it was like you wanted to be the first one because people read it and then they talk about it and you don't want to, like, you don't want them to ruin it for you, you know? So, yeah, so you got to get there. But I agree with you. Crack of dawn for a book, I'm there with you. Do you know, like, what the best gift that you've ever given and the best gift that you've ever received.

[Petra]

So for the best gift I've ever received, I really like panda stuff. And like, all my friends and family and my family friends, they know that I like panda stuff. So for my birthday and for Christmas, they just give me panda stuff. So panda pajamas, panda purses, panda bags, panda stuffed animals, panda crafts, like, everything.

[Joy Dolo]

Panda pajamas. That's amazing.

[Petra]

Yeah. And then for the best gift I've ever given. So I like to make homemade stuff for presents. And last year I bought these, like, snow globes, and I made snow globes with, like, glitter. I didn't add water though, because that would be too much. But like, I made like, little felt sculptures inside the snow globe.

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, my goodness.

[Petra]

And then I put, like, I put glitter inside them.

[Ryan Perez]

Wow.

[Joy Dolo]

Well, that's pretty cool. I'd love to get a snow globe. Oh, Ryan would love a snow globe of his own. That'd be so cool. I'll take that into consideration while I'm looking for Ryan's gift. Speaking of, do you think this rubber chicken says Ryan? You're a great podcast host.

[Petra]

Maybe not.

[Joy Dolo]

Yeah, you're right. That's really more of a 50 year anniversary gift. I'll keep my eyes peeled.

[Petra]

Joy, I'm curious. Do you know why we call it Black Friday? Like, where did this make a shopping day even come from?

[Joy Dolo]

That's a great question. For well over a hundred years, the weeks following Thanksgiving have been popular times for holiday shopping in the U.S. lots of folks flock to stores to get gifts for friends and family.

[Petra]

That makes sense. There are so many holidays in December.

[Joy Dolo]

But the name Black Friday actually started in Philadelphia many decades ago. Here, Petra, let's put on these headphones and I'll show you what I mean.

[Petra]

Wow, they're hot, pink and have rhinestones. Are we about to listen to a podcast?

[Joy Dolo]

Even better. If you can believe it, these aren't just any headphones. They're time traveling headphones. Let's go. Whoa. Welcome to the 1950s. Black and white televisions are in most people's homes in America. A new theme park called Disneyland has just opened, and rock and roll music is taking over from coast to coast, including here in Philadelphia.

[Petra]

Wow, Philly is full of traffic today. Is there a big event or something? Is Elvis in town?

[Joy Dolo]

Did somebody say Elvis? Oh, my gosh.

[Petra]

Wow, it's like a Swifty from the fifties.

[Joy Dolo]

Totally. And sorry, Elvis is not in town. Common misunderstanding. What do you mean there's no Elvis?

[Ryan Perez]

You cruisin for a bruising buster?

[Officer]

All right, all right. Move along, buddy boy. And you two with the pink headphones, keep moving. Come on, shoo. Keep moving.

[Joy Dolo]

Uh, excuse me, Officer, but we're here to observe history.

[Officer]

Oh, sorry. Well, in that case, I guess you can stay. In the name of history.

[Joy Dolo]

As I was saying, there are so many people visiting Philadelphia not because of Elvis, but because there's a big football game tomorrow.

[Officer]

That's right. Every year, people come to Philly to watch the Army Navy football game.

[Joy Dolo]

On the Saturday following Thanksgiving, A team of U.S. army members play against a team from the U.S. navy. It draws big crowds to the city.

[Officer]

Especially on the Friday before the game. Every year it's pure chaos. All US cops in Philly have to work extra long hours that day, and no officer is allowed to take that day off.

[Petra]

That sounds exhausting.

[Officer]

It is. That's why we started calling it Black Friday. It's a dark day, full of tourists, loud football fans, and team spirit just everywhere.

[Petra]

So that's where the name Black Friday came from. It was a nickname police gave the very hectic day before the big football game. But what does that have to do with shopping?

[Joy Dolo]

Even though Black Friday was an awful work day for the police, it was a really popular day for shopping. That's because all of the people visiting town for the game would end up buying things for the upcoming holiday season. Think about it. You're already in the big city for the football game, and you need gifts. So why not hit up some stores, too?

[Officer]

Hey, watch it. We've got some people observing history over here. I am so sorry. Please continue.

[Petra]

Maybe we should go.

[Joy Dolo]

I agree. It's been fun. Philly in the 50s. Pastadelphia. Bygone city of brotherly love. But we got some shopping to do. Catch you on the flippy sidey, flip, flip. And just like that, we're back in the present and back at the mall.

[Petra]

That was fun. So the name Black Friday came from the Philadelphia police in the 1950s. Who knew?

[Joy Dolo]

Random, right? And even though this was a successful day for store owners, some people didn't like the name. They worried people still associated it with chaos and negativity. I mean, it even just sounds menacing. Black Friday.

[Petra]

That makes sense. It's how the Philly cops thought of it.

[Joy Dolo]

Exactly. So some store owners tried to change the name to Big Friday, but it never stuck. The shopping holiday didn't catch on until almost 40 years later, when more stores across the country started using the name Black Friday to have huge sales of their own.

[Petra]

Now, Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year.

[Joy Dolo]

It's true. There are also tons of online deals and sales around this time of year, too. But lots of people still do their Black Friday shopping in person. And over the years, as the deals got better, people got more and more competitive about snagging the best ones.

[Petra]

Right? That's how you end up with long lines outside stores before they even open. People want to grab the best deals before they're sold out.

[Joy Dolo]

The pros bring folding chairs to sit on and food to snack on while they wait.

[Petra]

Yeah, like over there. Just look at that line at the Monster Truck Fan Club store. It stretches all the way to the food court, and the store isn't even open until tomorrow morning.

[Joy Dolo]

Shucks. Ryan Perez, co host of Million Bazillion, really loves monster trucks, but there's no way I'm waiting in that line until tomorrow morning. Hmm. What to do?

[Ryan Perez]

Think.

[Joy Dolo]

Joy Dolo, host of Forever Ago. Think.

[Petra]

Ooh, what if we shared a comically large pretzel and brainstormed?

[Joy Dolo]

Uh, that's a deal. Especially if we have some mustard. And for you listening at home, the show will be back with more from Million Bazillion right after this.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Brains on Universe is a family of podcasts for kids and their adults. Since you're a fan of Forever Ago, we know you'll love the other shows in our universe. Come on, let's explore.

[Joy Dolo]

Forever Ago.

[Bridget Bodnar]

I'm their best biggest fan. I also love Brains On, a fun science podcast for kids. Listen, I will play you Brains On.

[Joy Dolo]

You will love.

[Molly Sandon]

Today we're going to turn our attention to bloodsuckers that do exist.

[Petra]

Some of them you've probably heard of, like mosquitoes, ticks, and lice.

[Molly Sandon]

But others might surprise you. Like, did you know that some birds drink blood?

[Joy Dolo]

Zorp.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Where did the signal go? Must find Brains On.

[Joy Dolo]

Now.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Listen to Brains on Wherever you get your podcasts.

[Molly Sandon]

Hey, friends. Molly Sandon and Mark here with some very big news. Drumroll, please.

[Officer]

We are hitting the road in search of adventure, fresh air, and you.

[Bridget Bodnar]

That's right.

[Joy Dolo]

We're going to be live at the Boulder Theater in Boulder, Colorado on Sunday, April 27.

[Molly Sandon]

Our science themed live stage show takes the audience on an adventure through the brain, complete with magic tricks, dance moves, out of body experiences, mystery sounds and a game show.

[Officer]

Molly, you almost left out the most important part.

[Ryan Perez]

Yeah, Molly, don't forget the big party.

[Molly Sandon]

Oh, right after the shows, we're throwing a brain Tastic bash. Join us afterward for a VIP party where we'll play games, guess mystery sounds, pose for photos, and give as many high fives as humanly possible. Snag a spot by purchasing a VIP pass when you buy your show ticket.

[Officer]

Oh, that reminds me, I've gotta start training. These hands aren't gonna high five by themselves.

[Joy Dolo]

Five and good idea. And remember, spots are limited, so grab your tickets [e-mail] events.

[Brenda Hammer]

The Soul to Story podcast is about how teaching kids to read went wrong. But now we have a story about a school district where things are going very right.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Let me make sure my friends are.

[Joy Dolo]

Sitting crisscross applesauce, hands in their lap.

[Bridget Bodnar]

I've never had a child that couldn't read.

[Brenda Hammer]

How did they do it?

[Mark]

When I tell some of my other colleagues that may be at other schools that this is what I do, and they would say, you kidding me?

[Brenda Hammer]

New episodes of Sold a Story are available now in your podcast app.

[Ryan Perez]

Bridget. Bridget.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Who's that knocking? Who's that knocking at my door? Ryan, it's 1:00am what are you doing here?

[Ryan Perez]

Bridget, we gotta get in line for the Black Friday deal so we can win this competition.

[Bridget Bodnar]

What?

[Ryan Perez]

Remember the Podcast Host Appreciation Day competition where we randomly select the name of another podcast host and give that person a present? I randomly selected Joy Dolo, the host of Forever Ago. I have to get her a very good gift. We have to win Podcast Host Appreciation Day. Million bazillion is gonna look unprofessional if we fumble this. So put on your coat. We're getting in line early for the sales.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Okay, well, first of all, it's the night of Thanksgiving. I was in the middle of a nice turkey induced Sleep? My whole family's here. They're staying overnight.

[Ryan Perez]

Bridget, it's time you wake up and get with the program and put work before family. No one has ever regretted doing that.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Okay? I'm pretty sure that is the thing people regret most in life. And also, these sort of gift exchanges are just like, fun things for people in offices to do. It's not a competition. This is a holiday weekend. I just want to be with the people I love, eat some good food, maybe catch up on some sleep.

[Ryan Perez]

That's not what the holidays are about. They're about fighting and winning at the store where you're buying presents. Grab your coat. I'll be waiting in the car.

[Bridget Bodnar]

He's not gonna leave unless I go with him. Okay, let's do it.

[Ryan Perez]

Hey, kids. Welcome to the great million bazillion and forever ago crossover episode. We're the million Bazillion hosts. I'm Ryan.

[Bridget Bodnar]

And I'm Bridget. And we help dollars make more sense.

[Ryan Perez]

Bridget. It's Black Friday, the official kickoff of the holiday shopping season. The time of year some stores make their biggest profits. Put some enthusiasm into it. Here, have a coffee or two. Or three. Hey, I brought a big carafe for the whole line. Oh, whoops, sorry. I already drank it all by myself. Anyway, we're waiting here in line or online? In line? Online. How do you say it? Sound off in the comments?

[Joy Dolo]

I don't even know.

[Ryan Perez]

Anyway, we're here in line outside Save Mart Superstore for their annual Black Friday sale. When the doors open at 4am we'll be the first to go through and scoop up incredible deals and fabulous sales on the hottest electronics, toys, kitchenware and home decor.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Ryan, I really think you should just buy Joy a small and thoughtful gift for like, $10. Like a framed photo of her pet elephant, Hermey, or a podcast themed charm for her charm bracelet. I honestly think it'll be awkward if you give her something super expensive.

[Ryan Perez]

Agree to disagree, Bridget. Boy, isn't it so nice of these stores to discount all this stuff just in time for the holiday season?

[Bridget Bodnar]

Well, I mean, stores aren't offering these discounts out of the kindness of their retail hearts.

[Ryan Perez]

Wait a minute. They're not? What are you saying?

[Bridget Bodnar]

Well, there are a lot of reasons people start shopping in November and December for gifts. Christmas, Hanukkah, obviously, Podcast host appreciation day. And stores know this. So they put on big sales trying to draw customers in and get those customer dollars. All that's created a bunch of traditions around how we shop this time of year, including On Black Friday.

[Officer]

Okay, everybody, doors are open.

[Ryan Perez]

All right, out of my way. Come on, come on.

[Joy Dolo]

Let me in there.

[Doris Day]

Go straight to the TVs.

[Ryan Perez]

All right, let's run in. Hurry, hurry, hurry.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Ryan, stop. Breathe. Slow down. Slow down. Down.

[Ryan Perez]

But I want to get in there right away and start buying as soon as possible. Haven't you seen the 1996 cinematic masterpiece Jingle all the Way, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger? I don't want to get caught fighting over the last Turboman on the shelf.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Of course, but this isn't Jingle all the Way. There isn't a Turboman like toy flying off the shelves. There's no need to rush. You need to control your behavior. Breathe. We're gonna walk around the store, we're gonna look at what they have, and we're gonna make good, smart, calm decisions. Attention, holiday shoppers.

[Petra]

Thank you for joining us this Black Friday morning.

[Bridget Bodnar]

We've got special deals in every aisle.

[Doris Day]

Special deals? We'll see about that.

[Bridget Bodnar]

It's my favorite consumer advocate, Brenda Hammer from Scam Slammers. What are you doing here? I thought you only covered scams and slams and shams.

[Doris Day]

I'm here because wherever there are deals in deals, there are gonna be some deals that are not such a steal for the consumer.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Oh, yeah, I guess that makes sense.

[Ryan Perez]

It rhymes, too. That's a plus.

[Doris Day]

Also, it's my tradition. I've covered Black Friday for the last 40 years. Every year, I wake up before dawn to get B roll of busy shoppers for my evening report.

[Ryan Perez]

Can't you just use the same B roll from last year?

[Doris Day]

No, that would be a sham. See, the shoppers may be showing up for deals, but those deals aren't the whole story.

[Ryan Perez]

They're not?

[Doris Day]

No. Retailers put a lot of thought into their holiday sales. And as savvy consumers, we gotta understand that game.

[Ryan Perez]

Well, I'm ready to learn more. Brenda. Bridget, this is exactly how we win the mysterious microphone portion of Podcast Host Appreciation Day. Shopping savvy.

[Bridget Bodnar]

It's not a competition.

[Doris Day]

So, first of all, the biggest deal of the store is gonna be something big and flashy. Something retailers know shoppers can't resist. Something like a fancy computer or TV on deep, deep sale.

[Ryan Perez]

Ooh, they've got a TV deal going right now. Tell me more.

[Doris Day]

That's what's called a loss leader, meaning 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. They just want to get you here feeling ready to shop. The TV is like the worm on the hook. It's bait.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Ew. What are we, the fish?

[Joy Dolo]

Blub. Blub.

[Doris Day]

Yes, you are. Once you're in the store loading up on your half price tv, the retailer knows you're going to be looking around at what other holiday shopping needs you can cross off your list. So you look around and you think, my Aunt Myrna's gonna love this vacuum cleaner. I'm here and I'll get it. Doesn't matter that it's not on sale at all. And boom. It worked. Fish on a hook. The store's initial loss has led to a profit loss leader.

[Ryan Perez]

Oh, yeah, a loss leader. I've heard that's what every single streaming service is.

[Doris Day]

Speaking of streaming, you should also be on the lookout for something I like to call bundling.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Bundling?

[Doris Day]

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. Like, look over there at that rolly suitcase those two grown men in pajamas are fighting over.

[Ryan Perez]

Give me the suitcase. I call dibs. But I touched it first. Tag beats dibs.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Ooh, that's embarrassing for them.

[Ryan Perez]

I know who wears bunny slippers out of the house.

[Doris Day]

The store is hoping that when you see the discounted suitcase next to the matching backpack and carry on luggage, you're gonna say to yourself, yeah, Uncle Joe is gonna think I'm a real swell kid for getting him the whole set. And I'm already saving so much money on the suitcase, the rest are practically paid for.

[Ryan Perez]

Hmm, Joy seems like the kind of person who would enjoy a matching luggage set. Maybe I should try to get it. Hey, guys, I'll arm wrestle you for it.

[Doris Day]

And boom. Fish on a hook. Oh, and by the way, some of these sales earns that the store couldn't sell at full price earlier in the year. Stuff no one really wanted to buy. Now they've got a golden opportunity to unload. They call it a door buster and boom. Fish on a hook.

[Ryan Perez]

Brenda, what if the store runs out of good deals? How much should I be panicking right now that I'll miss the best deal in the store because we're standing here chatting?

[Doris Day]

Look, Ryan, I can promise you this. The store will run out of good deals before the end of the holiday shopping season. But as the mellifluous Doris Day once crooned, que sera sera, now's not the.

[Ryan Perez]

Time for your fancy French phrases, Brenda.

[Doris Day]

It means what will be, will be. The stores know as much as anyone that some of us like to shop early, get the deals and the steals, then spend the rest of the holidays drinking hot cocoa with extra mini marshmallows. They're going to tempt those folks into the stores with the biggest deals earlier in the season. But for those lagged Lenny's out there shopping on that last weekend before Christmas when the stakes are high and the deals are pretty much going to be gone, the stores know you can't come home empty handed. You'll be paying full price for whatever you pick out for your cousin Betty.

[Ryan Perez]

Well, that's not going to be us. Thanks for all your help, Brenda. I've got a podcasting colleague to shop for now.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Oh, yeah, and good luck with your reporting.

[Doris Day]

I don't need luck. I've got decades of experience and an exit plan for every room I enter. Stay smart, you two.

[Ryan Perez]

Thanks, Branda.

[Bridget Bodnar]

You know what, Ryan? I think we need to take a little pause and make a game plan ourselves. But for all this holiday shopping, we need to do.

[Ryan Perez]

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. So help me, I will.

[Bridget Bodnar]

No, Ryan, pull yourself together. Look, the first step is awareness. Don't get caught up in the excitement. Take your time. Let's just remember that everything the stores are doing is about convincing us to spend more of our money with them.

[Ryan Perez]

Right? Right. This intense urge to buy Joy a mini fridge she can keep at her desk is all just a twisted plot on behalf of Save Mart.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Okay, number two, we are going to make a plan or a budget for how much we're going to spend. Figure out who you're buying for and and then an idea of what you want to get for them. We don't want to get caught up in, like, the holiday spirit in the store and get FOMO and make a bunch of rash buying decisions.

[Ryan Perez]

Ooh, rash ointment. 60% off possible gift for Joy.

[Bridget Bodnar]

We probably should have started this part before Black Friday, but it's always good to do some research. So you're smart about what's a good price and quality.

[Ryan Perez]

Oh, sure, I'll keep that in mind for next year. But for this year, what about we get Joy a gold bar? I bet she'd like that. She's a history buff.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Actually, Ryan, that's my last point. Before you think about deals and sales, think about what's important to the person you're buying for. What do they value? Maybe they'd really like to spend More time with you. Or they'd really treasure something handmade. Think about all this before you go into the store.

[Ryan Perez]

Hmm. Maybe you're right, Bridget. These all sound like great ideas. Look at that. There's a sale on a 4K view more supersonic smart TV for $1,358. It usually goes for $4,000.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Okay, I don't think you need to get Joy a $4,000 TV.

[Ryan Perez]

It's not a $4,000 TV. It's a $1,358 TV.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Yeah, but I don't think you need to buy a TV either way is my point.

[Ryan Perez]

Let me just put it in the cart. I mention put it in the cart and we can decide later, okay? Okay. And while we're here, I might as well get these stocking stuffers for my beloved cat, Skimbleshanks. Oh, boy. These kitty boots aren't cheap. But I'm already here at the store and. Yeah. Let's do it. He's gonna love him.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Oh, boy. The lost leader strikes again.

[Ryan Perez]

And here we are back in the studio. I've called an emergency meeting at the office to exchange our gifts.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Oh, this feels like the longest I have ever been awake. I can't wait to go home, put on my pajamas, maybe put on the rest of Jingle all the Way and just fall asleep to it.

[Ryan Perez]

But first, we're gonna do the thing you've all been waiting for. The big meetup with the Forever Ago team to see who will win Podcast Host Appreciation Day.

[Bridget Bodnar]

It's not a competition, Ryan.

[Ryan Perez]

I know, I know. Hey, look, Joy's here. Time to see who got the better gift.

[Joy Dolo]

Hi, Bridget and Ryan.

[Petra]

Happy Thanksgiving weekend.

[Ryan Perez]

Hi, Petra.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Hey, Joy. Good to see you. How are the rest of your Thanksgiving celebrations?

[Joy Dolo]

Oh, so fun. First we went to the mall. Then we put on time traveling headphones and almost got into a scuffle over Elvis. But in the end, we learned that the name Black Friday started thanks to a football game.

[Petra]

Then we ate our weight and food and or food related substances from the restaurants at the mall. It was awesome.

[Ryan Perez]

Joy, I'm gonna cut to the chase here. Get to the brass tacks in this year's Podcast Appreciation Day gift buying competition. I got an 83 inch 4K Viewmore Supersonic Smart TV. Retail value $4,000. But I got it at the jaw dropping price of 1,395 after tax. You're welcome.

[Joy Dolo]

Wow, that's a very nice gift, Ryan. You really shouldn't have. Thank you.

[Ryan Perez]

So I think you're saying we officially won. It's clear million Bazillion won this crossover episode. And yes, Bridget, I understand it wasn't a competition, but still, I think we should all take not of how good my gift was. Right? Right, Right. Right.

[Joy Dolo]

Yes. It's an amazing gift. I. I guess I should give you my gift. I know you like monster trucks, but the Monster Truck Fan club store was so packed, so Petra and I bought a paint set instead and made you this masterpiece.

[Petra]

It's an oil painting of a monster truck. And look, you're driving it.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Wow, that's so thoughtful.

[Ryan Perez]

Yeah, I mean, this is incredibly thoughtful. No one's ever painted me a picture of a truck before. But just to be clear, TV was a superior gift. I mean, we're. We're all in agreement that the TV that I bought was better, right, Than this. Than the drawing?

[Bridget Bodnar]

Sure, yeah. Yeah. I mean, I guess, like, the drawing is great too. Just, it's really special. Joy.

[Joy Dolo]

Thanks. It was fun to draw. Hey, Petra, who did you pull for Podcast Host Appreciation Day?

[Petra]

Oh, I got Bridget. Ta da. I got you this attractive, practical, and appropriately priced thermos.

[Joy Dolo]

Aww. Thanks.

[Bridget Bodnar]

I love it. It's the perfect gift. And I would know because I got you an attractive, practical, and appropriately priced thermos too. Great minds think alike.

[Ryan Perez]

Okay, okay. Okay. So, as the winner of the Podcast Host Appreciation Day Mystery microphone competition, I get to be the one that asks, what did we learn from this episode?

[Joy Dolo]

Well, I think we learned that Black Friday may be a big part of our holiday and shopping tradition today, but it sprung from, of all things, a big football game in Philadelphia years ago.

[Petra]

Yeah, so many people came to see the game that the city was extra crowded and extra chaotic. People started calling it Black Friday.

[Joy Dolo]

But for stores, all those people meant a chance to make big sales. So Black Friday slowly changed into a big day for shopping.

[Bridget Bodnar]

It's a tradition that's changed over time. The money we spend at the holidays is still pretty important for the stores. And a lot of customers do like the excitement on Black Friday and the whole holiday shopping season. So whether you love it or hate it, it's probably going to be around for a while.

[Ryan Perez]

And I learned that retailers today have a lot of ways to convince us shoppers to spend our money with them, especially at the holidays. Those deep discounts aren't just out of the kindness of their hearts, but with a little pre planning and thoughtful spending, you can still win at the holiday shopping season if that's what's important to you. You can also just draw pictures and give those out as gifts. That can be nice too. Maybe even more thoughtful. Whatever. I don't know.

[Joy Dolo]

Well said. Happy Podcast Hosts Appreciation Day, everyone. Cheers. This episode was written by Bridget Bodnar, Ruby Guthrie, Ryan Perez and Nico Gonzalez Whistler. It was hosted by me, Joy Dolo, our co host Petra, Bridget Bodnar and Ryan Perez.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Special thanks to the smart people who helped us really understand Black Friday professor of Marketing Barbara Kahn at Wharton and professor of Marketing Franklin Shetty at UCLA and Kathryn Cullen at the National Retail Federation.

[Joy Dolo]

And special thanks to Lisa Weiss and Aron Woldislassi.

[Bridget Bodnar]

The additional voices you heard in part two of this episode include Andy Corbin, Maria Hollandhorst, Chris Julin, Francesca Levy, Sean McHenry, Michelle Mencio, Dylan Mietanen, and Jay Sebold.

[Ryan Perez]

Million Bazillion is brought to you by Marketplace and Forever Ago is brought to you by APM Studios, both from American Public Media. Our editors were Shayla Farzan, Jasmine Romero and Sandon Totten. This episode was produced by Courtney Bergseeker, Marissa Cabrera, Nico Gonzalez Whistler, and Ruby Guthrie.

[Joy Dolo]

Engineering help from Alex Simpson and Alyssa Castles, with sound design by Becca Weinman and Mark Sanchez Wonderly created the theme music for Million Bazillion. Mark Sanchez composed the theme music for Forever Ago.

[Ryan Perez]

Bridget Bodnar is the Director of podcasts at Marketplace, Francesca Levy is the Executive Director of Digital, Neil Scarborough is the VP and General Manager Beth Pearlman is.

[Joy Dolo]

Forever Ago's executive producer and the executives in charge of PM Studios are Chandra Kavati and Joanne Griffith.

[Petra]

And if you want access to ad free episodes and special bonus content, subscribe to our Smarty Pass.

[Joy Dolo]

Join us next week for an episode all about Sesame Street.

[Petra]

Thanks for listening.

[Brenda Hammer]

The Soul to Story podcast is about how teaching kids to read went wrong. But now we have a story about a school district where things are going very right.

[Bridget Bodnar]

Let me make sure my friends are.

[Joy Dolo]

Sitting crisscross applesauce, hands in their lap.

[Bridget Bodnar]

I've never had a child that couldn't read.

[Brenda Hammer]

How did they do it?

[Mark]

When I tell some of my other colleagues that may be at other schools, schools that this is what I do and they would say, you kidding me?

[Brenda Hammer]

New episodes of Sold a Story are available now in your podcast. Apparently.