Nov 27, 2009 11:14 pm US/Eastern
Black Friday May Finish Second To Online Shopping
TOWSON, Md. (WJZ/AP) ―
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Shoppers showed up in large numbers for bargains at Towson Town Center.
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Black Friday this year meant retailers slashing prices in the hopes of drawing big crowds and big profits.
Kelly McPherson reports Towson Town Center was geared up and ready for shoppers with bargains galore, but the real shopping may be in store for Monday.
Black Friday is typically a marathon of shopping.
"I was just looking for PSP, and I got a bargain, so I got mine for $84," said Felicia Luster, shopper.
"People, I think, are starting earlier. We've seen a lot of holiday shopping prior to today, and people are just checking off a few more things on their list," said a Crate and Barrel employee.
Deals helped shoppers stay on budget. That matters most as Americans plan to spend on average $683 this season, compared to last year's $705.
"The story was busy, but I didn't find it to be overwhelming," said Bruce Ottley, shopper. "The stores had really good deals -- 40 percent off, 50 percent off."
Despite retail experts saying the turnout this year would increase by the millions, shoppers at Towson Town Center say it hasn't really been that crowded.
"I didn't think it was as crowded or that the bargains were as intense this year as in previous years," said Brian Havel, shopper. "It's a good thing for those of us shopping who don't like big crowds."
In fact, the crowds are really online. Internet shopping is projected to increase 21 percent from last year, with traditional sales up just five percent.
Online, Black Friday turns into a black weekend with most deals lasting through Monday.
"Many online retailers are offering deep discounts, free shipping, free gifts with purchase percentages off the entire site," said Ellen Davis, National Retail Federation.
More than half of workers are expected to be shopping online while at work on Monday.
(© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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