All the "Shop Shop Shop" media cheerleading didn't delude people into spending money they don't have

More shoppers hit stores, but spend less than last year
By MarketWatch


SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- More Americans hit the stores during Black Friday and the rest of the holiday-shopping weekend, but they spent less than they did last year, a retail-trade group said Sunday.

The National Retail Federation's survey, conducted over the weekend, found that 195 million shoppers visited stores and Web sites, up from 172 million last year, but the average spent was about $343, down from about $373 a year ago. For the weekend, the total spending figure is an estimated $41.2 billion.

"While retailers are encouraged by the number of Americans who shopped over Black Friday weekend, they know they have their work cut out for them to keep people coming back through Christmas," said Tracy Mullin, NRF president and chief executive. "Shoppers can continue to expect retailers to focus on low prices and bargains through the end of December."

Almost half of holiday shoppers visited at least one department store over the weekend, which is up 13% from last year. About 43% headed to discount retailers and another 8% headed to outlets, the NRF added. More than a fourth of shoppers went online for their potential purchases.

More shoppers also started their expeditions early, with 31% in the doors by 5 a.m., as opposed to 23% who did the same last year. "High unemployment and a focus on price caused shoppers to visit stores early in anticipation of the best deals," said Phil Rist, executive vice president at BIGresearch, which conducted the survey. ...........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/more-shoppers-hit-stores-but-spend-less-2009-11-29

"unleashed" this year! That what Good Morning America told me was gonna happen!
How can this be???

We need an orgy of spending, this season.

Yes, we need it. Especially those of us who are out of work.

kind of hard to have an orgy when so many people can't get it up.

and I have never observed Christmas in any case.

My hope is that those who have money to spend are doing so, and that hiring will pick up in January as a result.

I hate the way this country defines its economic success every year. x(

Cash is the way to go according to my friends and neighbors..Makes for a delightful January.

the family monthly budget - folks will be shopping but not putting it on the plastic

shocking.

And I'd say that 29.99% interest is a REAL kick in the pants.

and this month I haven't used my debit card for food, and my food bills have gone down. Haven't used a cc since June. There has to be millions like me.

Cash will be the end of rampant consumerism.