US
retailers reported sluggish Black Friday spending, with sales falling 11% from
the same period last year, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).
US
consumers spent on average $380.95 per person, down 6.4% from a year ago.
Overall,
total holiday weekend sales were estimated to be $50.9bn.
The
NRF attributed the decline to shifting consumer habits, such as earlier
promotions and the growth of online shopping.
"A
strengthening economy that changes consumers' reliance on deep discounts, a
highly competitive environment, early promotions and the ability to shop 24/7
online all contributed to the shift witnessed this weekend," said
