American's flocked to the mall this past Friday. Known in the industry as "black Friday" because it is traditionally the day of the year that retailers cross into the black financially and start feeling profits.
Despite the horrific sub-prime mortgage fallout happening coast to coast, numbers were up. Up over 8% in fact - the biggest results in three years. Black Friday makes up for over 40 million dollars of retail shopping on that day alone. Industry experts say an estimated 145 million shoppers hit the stores on Friday. While each shopper spent less this year (on average just under $350) the volume more than made up for the decrease.
The big box stores offered wild discounts to lure shoppers early to take no chances on traffic walking through the door. Target, Big Lots, and K-Mart opened earlier than ever before. Some opened as early as 4am!!

While black Friday is traditionally most important for discount retailers, the luxury sector is feeling the benefits as well.
With a jump start like Friday, the season could turn out to be a happy holiday season all around!