Black Friday crowds thin despite deals

Many shoppers who opened their wallets in the United States said their purchases were strategic, not impulsive or splurges. — AP

NEW YORK: Inflation-weary shoppers were expected to turn out in record numbers for deals on Black Friday. But thin crowds were seen outside many stores in New York, Raleigh, Chicago and Los Angeles on what historically has been the busiest shopping day of the year.

Many who opened their wallets in the United States said their purchases were strategic, not impulsive or splurges. "We've been waiting" for discounts, said Tulio Rose, 28, who picked up a big-screen TV at Best Buy in Los Angeles, while shopping with Barnisha Nill, 35. They saved about US$500 on the 85-inch Samsung TV for their new apartment.