2014年11月21日金曜日

2014年11月21日金曜日 -

Jason:　Black Friday

The day after Thanksgiving in the US is known as Black Friday. It is the biggest shopping day of the year. The origin of the term can be traced to the city of Philadelphia, and in the 60's the term spread to other parts of America. The name refers to the profits that stores make on that day. Many stores operate "in the red" (at a loss of income) for most of the year, but the Christmas holiday shopping season puts them "in the black" (making a profit). Throughout the day many items go on sale, so stores need a high volume of transactions in order to turn a profit. Stores begin advertising their special deals in newspaper, radio, television and internet ads many weeks in advance.
 
The practice of Black Friday has come under fire in recent years. Many stores open early to accommodate customers and increase sales for the day, usually around 8 am. In recent years, however, the opening time has become earlier and earlier, with some stores opening for “Black Friday” 2014 on Thursday afternoon! Worker's rights groups criticize this trend, suggesting that retail employees should be spending time with their families during the holiday instead of being forced to work. 



Within the past ten years, another shopping day has been added to the consumer consciousness, Cyber Monday. This event takes place the first Monday after Black Friday, and focuses on internet shopping rather than making purchases at brick-and-mortar storefronts. You can find lots of good deals from the comfort of your own home!


Thanksgiving：感謝祭
the origin of the term：語源
be traced：たどる
refers to：~に関係している
in the red：赤字
in the black：黒字
making a profit：利益を生む
transactions：取引、売買
come under fire：砲火をあびる
accommodate：サービスする
takes place：催される
brick-and-mortar：インターネットではなく店舗で販売する会社
storefronts：店頭

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