Online Black Friday sales top $1.52 billion, less frenzy at U.S. stores

New Delhi, Nov 25 (ANI): It was not even Black Friday yet and already Americans had spent over 1.5 billion dollars online by Thanksgiving evening a 16.8 % jump over the same period last year. After two weak holiday seasons, many retailers opened their doors early on the eve of the shopping holiday, like Macy's flagship store in New York City. But on Friday, the crowds were tame at stores across the United States. Still, plenty of bargain hunters lined up - swarming into Best Buy stores. Good deals were also found at home. Surging online sales have thinned crowds typically seen at stores on Thanksgiving evening and Black Friday, although analysts say this year a strong labor market, rising home prices and stock markets at record highs have improved shopper appetite.