Labor Day 2012 is here, marking the unofficial end of summer and ushering in the autumn school, work and cultural season.  The national holiday is a time for a break from work, a final summer barbeque and major retail sales.

But Labor Day isn't all about grilling burgers and bargain shopping. The American federal holiday, which began 130 years ago and is observed on the first Monday in September, commemorates the achievements of American workers.

In 1882, a machinist and secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York named Matthew Maguire proposed the holiday. Others have argued that Labor Day was created by Peter J. Maguire of the American Federation of Labor in May 1882, after he witnessed the annual May Day labor festival of Toronto.

In any event, the first U.S. Labor Day was celebrated on Sept. 5, 1882 in New York City.

What is there to do this Labor Day? The American work force is encouraged to relax and spend their hard-earned cash on this national holiday, and below is a list of some of the major deals to look out for.

Best Buy:

-       LG 55'' Class LED 3D HDTV on sale for $999.99

-       Skullcandy Mix Master Over-the-Ear DJ Headphones on sale for $199.99

-       HTC One S 4G Mobile Phone on sale for $79.99

-       Samsung 46'' Class LCD HDTV on sale for $699

-       RCA 42'' Class Plasma HDTV on sale for $299.99

Bloomingdales:

The department store will be will be hosting a Big Brown Sale, which lets customers save up to 40 percent. There is also free shipping for items over $150.

C&C California:

Shoppers can use the code CCLABOR30 to get a 30 percent discount with free shipping for purchases over $99.

Carter's:

Children's clothing will be priced at 50 percent off everything in store.

Club Monaco:

This retailer is offering an extra 30 percent off of already-reduced prices and free shipping on all U.S. orders.

Gap:

The Red, White and Blue event offers 40 percent off select styles from Gap, GapKids and BabyGap stores.

Banana Republic:

Customers get 30 percent off online purchases when using the coupon code FALLCALLS. 

Lowe's Home Improvement:

Lowe's will be offering 10 to 25 percent off all major appliances of $399 or more, and free delivery. 

Walmart:

Walmart's Game Time sale offers discounts on electronics and gaming devices, such as 42'' HDTVs starting at $49.99. 

Labor Day is a big weekend for big spenders, and Tamara Feldman, vice president of marketing for personalized shopping website Shop It To Me, said 2012 will be no different.

"If history repeats itself, I think weekend shoppers will be able to find deep discounts on clothing or accessories," she told ABC News.

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