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Black Friday in New Hampshire: A 1986 retrospective
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Black Friday, now a national phenomenon, looked remarkably different in 1986.In New Hampshire,the post-Thanksgiving shopping rush was gaining traction,but lacked the scale and intensity of today’s events. A recently resurfaced video offers a captivating glimpse into the retail landscape of the Granite State thirty-eight years ago.
The video, shared widely on social media, depicts scenes from a local department store. Shoppers, dressed in distinctly 1980s fashion, browse aisles filled with merchandise. The atmosphere appears more relaxed and less frantic than modern Black Friday sales. It wasn’t the mad dash it is now
, commented one viewer on a social media post about the video.
A Different Retail Habitat
In 1986, the retail environment in New Hampshire, and across the United States, was characterized by fewer big-box stores and a greater prevalence of locally-owned businesses. Department stores served as major shopping destinations, offering a wide range of goods under one roof. The concept of doorbuster deals, while present, wasn’t as aggressively marketed or widespread as it is indeed today.
Did You Know? The term “Black Friday” didn’t become widely used until the early 1990s.
The video highlights the types of products popular in 1986: toys, clothing, and household appliances. The prices, while seemingly low, reflect the economic conditions of the time. Inflation has considerably altered the purchasing power of the dollar since than.
Key Data: 1986 New Hampshire Retail
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average household Income (NH) | $38,498 |
| inflation Rate (US) | 1.9% |
| Prime Interest Rate | 8.5% |
| Unemployment Rate (NH) | 5.4% |
The shopping experience itself was also different. Long lines were present, but they appeared more orderly.The focus seemed to be on finding specific items rather than engaging in a competitive scramble for limited-quantity deals. The video offers a nostalgic look at a simpler time in retail history.
Pro Tip: Comparing prices from 1986 to today requires adjusting for inflation to get an accurate sense of value.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides an inflation calculator to compare the value of money over time.
the Evolution of Black Friday
Black Friday’s transformation over the decades reflects broader changes in consumer culture and the retail industry. The rise of e-commerce, the increasing importance of marketing and advertising, and the growing demand for discounts have all contributed to the event’s current form. The shift from brick-and-mortar stores to online shopping has also dramatically altered the Black Friday landscape.
The video serves as a reminder of how much has changed in the world of retail. It offers a valuable outlook on the evolution of Black Friday and the enduring appeal of the post-Thanksgiving shopping tradition.
What are your earliest memories of Black Friday shopping? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Do you think the “simpler” Black Friday of 1986 was a better experience for shoppers?
Black Friday continues to be a major event for retailers, despite the growth of online shopping. The trend towards earlier sales, starting even before Thanksgiving, shows no signs of slowing down. The future of Black Friday will likely involve a greater integration of online and offline experiences, with retailers offering personalized deals and seamless shopping journeys.
