Black Friday News

Early shoppers — Black Friday's 'first responders' — hit stores for the annual frenzy across the country, drawn by electronic, movie and toy deals, but some malls seemed less crowded this year, either because the bulk of buyers came and went on Thursday evening or opted to stay home and buy online.

Crowds were thin at U.S. stores and shopping malls in the early hours of Friday, initial spot checks showed, as shoppers responded to early Black Friday discounts with a mix of enthusiasm and caution.