---

Black Friday 2004 Recap

Black Friday in 2004 was marked by an increasingly competitive retail landscape and the rapid rise of the Internet as a medium for both advertising deals and conducting commerce. This was during the initial growth years of e-commerce when businesses started realizing the true potential of online retail.

Retailers started their sales earlier than ever in 2004, extending the holiday shopping season in an attempt to capture a larger share of consumer spending. The term "Black Friday" had by this time become well known as a descriptor for the day after Thanksgiving, which is generally considered the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season. This year was no exception as retailers competed fiercely to entice shoppers with deep discounts and promotions.

Black Friday 2004 was characterized by the usual scenes of early morning queues, doorbuster sales, and bustling crowds. A significant development during this period was the increased participation of online retailers, who started offering their own Black Friday deals. This was in part due to the rising number of consumers who preferred to avoid the crowded stores and long lines, opting instead for the convenience of online shopping. It was a crucial moment in retail history that signaled the beginning of the shift towards the online Black Friday culture we know today.

However, not everything about Black Friday 2004 was ideal. The day also experienced its share of problems, as it often does. Reports of occasional website crashes and issues with supply chains underscored the challenges faced by businesses in adapting to the surge in demand. Some physical stores also faced issues with crowd management, with instances of shopper injuries, chaotic stores, and sold-out stock, which added to the growing appeal of online alternatives.

In summary, Black Friday 2004 was a noteworthy year in the history of holiday shopping. It was a transitional period that marked the rise of e-commerce, as retailers were beginning to embrace the internet as a significant platform for their Black Friday sales. Despite the challenges, it paved the way for the online retail revolution that would only accelerate in the years to come.