Signs of Life in Stores as Holiday Shopping Begins

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Steve Brawn
The Associated Press

Story Created: Nov 27, 2009 at 4:24 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Nov 30, 2009 at 11:28 AM AKDT

Early reports from the shopping centers today indicate the crowds are bigger than on the day after Thanksgiving last year.

Retailers are hoping it will translate to a better holiday season, after a year of sales declines, and maybe provide a boost to the struggling economy.

Stores enticed customers with expanded hours and deep discounts.
Some started their sales early, with several large retailers, including Walmart, opening on Thanksgiving Day.

There have been isolated reports of squabbles, but pre-dawn crowds were generally calm. Stores took extra precautions to control the throngs after a Walmart worker on Long Island was trampled to death last year on Black Friday.

In a sign that many consumers remain cautious, mall operators say more shoppers are making purchases with cash and debit cards
instead of credit.

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