Popular explanations reference the color of ink used to record store profits, slave auctions and a general feeling of doom among employees.

Walmart will be closed on Thanksgiving but most stores will open at 6 a.m. local time on Black Friday. Target will be closed on Thanksgiving, but most stores will open at 6 a.m. local time on Black Friday. Macy’s will be closed on Thanksgiving, but most stores will have extended hours from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Black Friday.

Why does the NFL have a "Black Friday" game in the first place? Money played a major factor, as Amazon missed an opportunity to broadcast a game on Thanksgiving in its $1 billion