Black Friday's story dates back to the 1860s. On 24 September 1869, the deeds of 2 investment executives Jay Gould and Jim Fisk caused the stock markets to plummet 20% than their actual worth. Foreign trade stopped altogether and farmers suffered massive losses in the value of wheat and corn harvests. It was then that the term 'Black Friday' was first used.
Later in the 1950s, marketers in Philadelphia tagged their shops with exorbitant offers and discounts, resulting in crowds of shoppers thronging the markets. The police had to spend long hours to control the influx of excited folks and prevent any calamity from taking place.
The name 'Black Friday' was even changed to Big Friday but it couldn't have the same effect. Guess, firsts are always the best! Hence, putting aside the macabre relevance associated with the name, marketers moved back to square one and Big Friday was known as Black Friday, again!