Inflation weighs on shoppers despite Black Friday deals

Concerns over inflation have crept into the holiday season as shoppers and retailers prepare for the discounted shopping weekend that begins with Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.

Facing higher prices for food, gasoline, and other goods this year, many consumers are reluctant to spend extra money on gifts without a large sale, according to the Associated Press, and are being more selective about what they buy.

Katie Leach, a social worker in Manhattan, told the outlet that she would be doing her holiday shopping in December and would be relying on sales, “buy now, pay later” services that let customers pay in multiple installments, and her credit card to help her this Christmas.

“The money is not going as far as last year,” Leach said.