Black Friday Timeline

The term Black Friday was first used in the United States to describe a financial crisis

The first time Black Friday referred to shopping the day after Thanksgiving was in a Philadelphia public relations newsletter.

Passed a law that made Thanksgiving the fourth Thursday in November no matter what.

People began calling in sick the day after Thanksgiving, essentially giving themselves a four-day weekend. Since stores were open, as were most businesses, those who called in sick could get a head start on their holiday shopping

Cyber Monday became a term used to refer to the Monday after Black Friday. The term was based on a trend seen the two previous years. Retailers noticed that many shoppers, too busy to shop over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, used that Monday to shop online.

Two people were shot while arguing over a parking space at a Walmart in Tallahassee, Florida.

Walmart announced it would open at 6:00 p.m. Kmart took it one step further, announcing that it would open at 6:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. States passed laws that state stores can not be open thanksgiving day.

An internet meme created a myth about Black Friday and slaves. It falsely claimed slave traders gave discounts at auctions on the day after Thanksgiving.