Why was the massive post-Thanksgiving shopping day originally called 'Black Friday' in the 1960s?

The history of retail has seen numerous transformative moments, but few have had the cultural and economic impact of major shopping festivals. These events often reflect deeper historical contexts, economic pressures, and evolving consumer behaviors. This poll explores how one of America's most famous shopping phenomena got its name and its surprising historical origins that many shoppers may not be aware of.

This is a live public trivia poll on AIPolls.Net. Vote and see real-time results.

Because retailers' accounting books went from 'red' (loss) to 'black' (profit) on this day
Because Philadelphia police used the term to describe the chaotic traffic and crowds they had to manage
Because stores were often vandalized with black paint by angry shoppers fighting over limited merchandise
Because it marked the symbolic 'dark day' when holiday commercialism overtook Thanksgiving's meaning