U.S. shoppers spend billions over Thanksgiving weekend

WASHINGTON, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- A record 247 million U.S. shoppers visited stores and websites over Thanksgiving weekend, up from 226 million last year, according to an industry survey released on Sunday.

Total spending reached an estimated 59.1 billion U.S. dollars over the "Black Friday weekend", including Thanksgiving Day and the following Black Friday, Saturday and Sunday, said the National Retail Federation (NRF) survey conducted by BIGinsight. The average holiday shopper spent 423 dollars this weekend.

"From green beans to great deals, millions of Americans found time this Thanksgiving to make the most of retailers' promotions and enjoy a special family holiday," said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. The average holiday shopper spent 423 dollars this weekend, up from 398 dollars last year.

The survey also found that only on Thanksgiving Day more than 35 million Americans visited retailers' stores and websites, up from 29 million last year, and on Black Friday 89 million consumers shopped on-line and in stores, up from 86 million last year.