Why is the day after Thanksgiving called 'Black Friday'?

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The two explanations I've heard are 1) that it is the kickoff of the Christmas shopping period and as such, is a hectic day with shoppers trying to get their shopping done early, and 2) that the sales are so high that it is the one day of the year that retailers are assured of being in the "black." Either way, it is a mad rush for deals with some shoppers camping out all night to get limited deals being offered only during early morning hours.

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