Retailers welcome ?cautious? shoppers

Though malls and department stores welcomed more consumers, the average shopper actually spent less than the average shopper spent last year, spending about $347.44 over the weekend, down 3.5 percent from last year?s $360.15, according to a National Retail Federation survey.

“Even though the number of shoppers increased, it seemed people were being a little cautious with their spending,” said Tom Saquella, president of the Maryland Retailers Association.

Shoppers were attracted to Black Friday deals and discounts, as 65.9 million people shopped Friday, 48.3 million shopped Saturday and 22.2 million shopped Sunday. More than 25 percent of Friday?s shoppers were at a mall or store before 5 a.m.

As of Sunday, the average person had completed 36 percent of his or her holiday shopping, showing little change from the same time last year, according to the survey. Only 8 percent of people said they have finished their shopping.

Jessica Bloom, manager of White Marsh and Owings Mills malls, said White Marsh Mall was “definitely busier” on Monday.

“We had a lot of shoppers who showed up early for sales over the weekend,” Bloom said. “Our retailers were very happy with our results.”

The discount department store was the place to be over the weekend, as 55 percent of shoppers hunted for bargains. Shoppers also hit specialty retail stores (43 percent) and traditional department stores (39 percent).

Clothing was the most popular item, as 47 percent of shoppers said they made clothing and clothing accessory purchases, according to the survey. Also popular were books, CDs, DVDs and video games (42 percent), electronics (36 percent), toys (28 percent) and gift cards (21 percent).

“Though Black Friday was a complete success for some retailers, the results of the holiday season won?t be determined until the last two weeks of December,” Tracy Mullin, NRF president and CEO, said in a statement.

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