The start of the US Christmas shopping season has seen an
increase in customer numbers but only a slight rise in actual spending, data
has shown.
The number of people hitting the shops on Black Friday
rose 2.2% on last year, research group ShopperTrak said, but sales only rose
0.3% to $10.7bn (£7bn).
Black Friday is the day after the Thanksgiving public
holiday. Many shops open overnight and offer discounts.
Many retailers also pushed customers to their websites
with online-only sales.
The 0.3% increase in sales on Black Friday followed a
0.5% rise last year.
“This means the American consumer has adapted to the
economic climate over the last couple of years and is possibly spending more
wisely as the holiday season begins,” said ShopperTrak founder Bill
Martin.
Online payment service PayPal reported a 27% increase in
volumes on the day, compared with Black Friday in 2009.
“The tough economy has made shoppers more
price-conscious, and this year’s Black Friday results show that they’re going
online to find the best deals,” PayPal’s Amanda Pires said.
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